Battisi Baoli: The 540-year-old stepwell where water level is mysteriously constant throughout the year

Located on the northwestern outskirts of the historic town of Chanderi in Madhya Pradesh, Battisi Baori (also baoli) is the largest stepwell in the region. The baoli’s remarkable architecture reflects the advancement of medieval water conservation systems, as the stepwell is full of water throughout the year even now. 

The baori is near the heritage village of Pranpur, known for its rich handloom weaving tradition, particularly the Chanderi sarees.  

The construction of Battisi Baori dates back to the 15th century, during the reign of Sultan Ghyasuddin Khilji of the Malwa Sultanate. According to Persian and Arabic inscriptions found near the entrance, the stepwell was commissioned by Taghi, the son of the then local revenue officer (Shariq-ul-Mulk). The inscriptions state that the construction of the baoli under the royal patronage was completed in 1485.

Outstanding Symmetry

Battisi Baori is designed as a perfect square layout, each side measuring around 60 feet, and descends to a depth of four storeys. The structure was planned to facilitate easy access to water at different levels, depending on the season. A grand flight of main steps begins at the southern end, passing through two successive gateways, each adorned with intricate stonework and flanked by inscriptions.

As one descends, the steps lead to expansive platforms or ghats at each level, encircling the well on all four sides. 

These ghats provided a practical and social space—ideal for drawing water, washing, or simply resting in the cool shade. There are 32 such ghats, from which the baoli derives its name: ‘Battisi’, meaning thirty-two in Hindi.

A Marvel of Hydrology: The Ever-Constant Water Level

Perhaps the most intriguing feature of Battisi Baori is its mysteriously constant water level, which is said to remain unchanged throughout the year, regardless of seasonal fluctuations. 

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Local legends and inscriptions claim that the well’s water level will remain as long as there is water in the ocean—an exaggeration but one that reflects awe at its engineering.

Modern scholars believe this enduring water level may be due to the well’s connection to a natural underground spring or aquifer, which feeds it continuously.

This remarkable design would have made the baori a dependable water source, particularly crucial in times of drought.

Epigraphy and Calligraphy

Battisi Baori has inscriptions carved in Naskh script, a refined and legible style of Arabic calligraphy widely used in Islamic architecture. These inscriptions are beside the southern staircase, with one prominently displayed above the second gateway. 

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They not only document the construction date and the patron's name but also mention the calligrapher or stone artist responsible for the script. This unusual but significant inclusion reflects the high regard for artisans during that era in history.

Cultural Significance

Battisi Baori was not just a utilitarian water source. It was a social and spiritual gathering place. The inscription mentions that alongside the baori, Taghi also built a lush garden and a mosque of such grandeur that it has been likened to the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. A mosque and garden within the same complex indicate that this was a multifunctional public space, reflecting Islamic and local architectural traditions. 

Its monumental scale, attention to symmetry, and inscriptions make it a significant example of Indo-Islamic architecture in Central India.

This reveals the architectural ambition of the time and the patron’s commitment to creating a space not just of utility, but of beauty, faith, and leisure.

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