Bawdi

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View of a Bawdi at Fatehpur,Shekhawati. This Bawdi can be seen in Hindi movie Paheli also
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View of a Bawdi at Fatehpur,Shekhawati. This Bawdi can be seen in Hindi movie Paheli also

Bawdi or Bawri or Baodi is the local name of an architectural structure traditionally constructed for storing water received from rainfall in parts of India particularly the arid regions of Rajasthan. In English it is known as stepwell. The Bawdi is constructed in such a design that it gets narrower as we go down. The water stored in it is very cool and used for drinking purposes. With the development of technology of tube-wells, Bawdis have been ignored.

Some of the Bawdis have historical importance. 'Panna Meena ka Kund' and 'Sarai Bawdi' are among the many attractions that delight tourists in Rajasthan, from within India and abroad. 'Panna Meena ka Kund' was built by the Kachwaha Rajputs in erstwhile Amber which used to be the capital of Jaipur, dates back to the 10th century. It was considered always an architectural marvel. Similarly there is one more famous Bawdi i.e. 'Sarai Bawdi'. 'Sarai Bawdi' was constructed at the time of Akbar's visit to Amber. This Bawdi was completed under direct supervision of Raja Man Singh, commander of Akbar's army.

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Stepwell

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