A historic stepwell, or baoli, spanning 400 square meters has been unearthed in Chandausi, Sambhal, by a team from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). This discovery followed the reopening of a Shiv-Hanuman temple that had remained closed for 46 years.
Details of the Discovery
District Magistrate Rajendra Pensiya shared details of the excavation, stating that the stepwell includes four chambers with floors made of marble and bricks.
- Second and third floors: Constructed with marble.
- Upper floors: Built with bricks.
The structure, believed to date back over 150 years, is associated with the era of the grandfather of Bilari’s king.
Excavation Progress
The excavation work began after a public meeting highlighted the structure. So far, only 210 square meters of the stepwell have been uncovered, with the remaining area still under encroachment. Efforts are underway by the Nagar Palika team to remove the topsoil and encroachments.
Krishna Kumar Sonkar, Executive Officer of the Municipal Corporation, emphasized the ongoing work:
“As soon as we came to know that there was a baoli here, we started the excavation work. We will continue as more details emerge.”
Kalki Vishnu Temple Survey
In a related development, the ASI conducted a comprehensive survey of the Kalki Vishnu temple in Sambhal. The inspection covered:
- Five shrines
- Nineteen wells
- Twenty-four areas in total
The survey lasted 8-10 hours, with the findings to be compiled into a report.
Significance of the Findings
These archaeological discoveries are a testament to Sambhal’s rich historical heritage. The unearthed stepwell and the temple inspections highlight the potential for uncovering more historical artifacts in the region. The ASI and local administration’s efforts will preserve these sites for future generations and contribute to the area’s cultural significance.