Sawaimadhopur, Rajasthan, India
I visited Ghori Baori (stepwell) in 2022 as a group of 15 students to participate in an internship program organized by the government -AICTE Mission Amrit Sarovar. There we have to document the Baori and give some solutions to develop and rejuvenate it.
Ghori Baori sketch- on the left
The region was very humid due to the number of Baories (five) situated there.
I gained a wholesome experience by working as a part of this group which has left a lasting positive impact on me.
A map leading the way to Ghori Baori (rendered block on the right)
Stepwells (baori) played a significant role by ensuring the availability of water during periods of drought, generally made in the Arid zones of Indian states such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, etc.
The site selection depicts the neighbourhood & surrounding of the Ghori Baori as shown in the above section. It is mainly surrounded by residential buildings. There is a neem tree surrounded by a seating platform (chabutra) beside the Baori with is used by the local people as an interaction place and for relaxation purposes.
SOCIO-CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
Prithviraj Chauhan III, ruler of Sawai Madhopur was defeated by Muhammad Ghori in 1192 CE so his son Govindraja IV accepted the sovereignty of the Ghurid dynasty and ruled the kingdom. Many built structures were built during his reign and hence the baori got its name in the memory of Muhammad Ghori, Ghori Baori.
In the regional dialect, a Gol or a circle is pronounced as a “Ghor”, from which a nearby “ghori baori” gets its name due to its circular form.
The people of the local community share common folklore about a horse with religious importance in the marriage ceremony of the community had one day submerged itself in the water of the baori or taken “Samadhi”, which according to various scriptures is a state of higher consciousness, doing acts according to the will of higher powers.
Thankyou for reading!