Last Updated:
Rajasthan Heritage: The 250 year old Chand Stepwell located in Abhaneri in Dausa district has seen a record increase in the number of foreign tourists in the last decade (82 thousand tourists). After conservation work by ASI, now its palace-like part has also been opened for tourists, due to which this place has become an international tourist centre. Harshad Mata Temple located in front of it is also a center of attraction.
Dausa News: Abhaneri village, located about five kilometers away from Bandikui subdivision of Dausa district, is famous worldwide for its historical heritage – Chand Baori and Harshad Mata Temple. Built in the eighth century, this stepwell has become an unprecedented center of attraction for domestic and foreign tourists due to its unique architecture, mysterious structure and historical importance. A visit to this ancient site offers a glimpse of India’s rich water management culture.
Legend has it that a person who descends the stairs cannot go back up – due to this mysterious network of stairs, it is also called “Bhool Bhulaiya Stepwell”. This stepwell was built by the local ruler Raja Chand.
Conservation and reconstruction work
After extensive conservation work recently done by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the entrance of the palatial part of the stepwell has now been opened for tourists, which has further increased the interest of tourists.
During this period, the verandahs and walls were repaired using traditional techniques – a mixture of belgiri, gum, jaggery and lime – to retain its originality and historicity. For the convenience and safety of the tourists, guards have been deployed and information boards have also been installed, which helps the tourists to know its history.
Attractions of Harshad Mata Temple
Harshad Mata Temple, located right in front of Chand Stepwell, is also famous for its antiquity and artistry. Beautiful sculptures of gods, goddesses and apsaras are carved on the walls of this temple built in Mahameru style, which shows the high artistic skill of that period.
According to historians, many statues of the temple were destroyed during the invasions of Mahmud Ghaznavi during the 10th-11th century, whose remains are still present in the complex, which testifies to the pages of history.
- Deputy Director of Tourism Department Upendra Singh Shekhawat said that in the last 10 years there has been a record increase in the number of foreign tourists in Abhaneri.
- Last year, 82 thousand foreign tourists arrived here, which is the largest figure so far.
- The number of domestic tourists is also continuously increasing, which has given new impetus to employment and tourism development at the local level.
- The combined effect of Chand Bawadi, Harshad Mata Temple and the efforts of ASI has given Abhaneri an important place on the tourism map of Rajasthan.
