SD Public School’s walk down history

Agrasen Ki Baoli,situated near Mandi House,was built in the 15th Century by Ugrasain,the forefather of the Aggarwal community. When we first entered the monument,I had no idea what I was going to see. It was a rough deep structure,and we climbed down the 104 uneven stairs. Twenty years ago,the well used to be full of water. Used by people for bathing and washing clothes,children used to dive down from the edge of the well and swim. However,all that has changed due to global warming and negligence. In the absence of measures like water harvesting,it has become dry. Also,there was a pulley on top,which the people would use to draw water. Today,the pulley lies unused. However,on the positive side,the structure is a marvellous combination of two styles of architecture. While the lower part is built like a temple,the upper portion resembles a Mughal structure.

Madiha,X1-c

On November 30,we went on an educational tour to see the Agrasen Ki Baoli,located near Mandi House. Not many know about this historical monument. The structure was made by Agrasen in the15th Century. As many as 104 stairs lead down to it,each of them eight inches in size. The monument was built at a time when Mughals still ruled over a significant portion of the country. Made of ancient stones,the structure contains traces of a Hindu temple. Ugrasain ki Baoli was earlier used by kings and emperors for their everyday needs as well as for rainwater harvesting. That was a time when the structure used to be full of water. But nowadays,due to global warming,there is not even a trace of wetness. Full of trash,the public today is not taking enough care of their national heritage. The ozone layer is not the only casualty of global warming; even our historical monuments are being affected by it. It’s time we woke up to reality.

Manisha,XI-C

Agrasen Ki Baoli was built in the 15 th Century by the Mughals – Agrasen to be specific. In the Baoli is a deep well that once used to be full of water. As many as 104 steps lead down to it,and each step – made of red stones — is eight inches in size. In the ancient days,the Baoli was used as a reservoir for water. Though it is part of our cultural heritage,the structure has been shown little respect by the people of the present day. Bereft of water,it is full of filthy things thrown in by the public instead. We should sensitise the public to preserving our national monuments; they should not be used as garbage dumps.

Deepali Meena,XI-C

Agrasen Ki Baoli is historical well,nested between the multi-storied buildings of Connaught Place. When I visited the place,mixed feelings rose up within me. Though it always feels nice to see something that is part of our cultural heritage,it is also disheartening to note that the public doesn’t seem to care for it anymore. Built in the 15 th Century,. the Baoli used to serve as a water reservoir in the past. However,because it is hidden among tall buildings,not many seem to be aware of it. The reservoir is on the left side of the well,and about 140 stairs made of red stones lead down to it. It is about 60 metres in depth and 15 metres in width. On the northern end of the Baoli,you see a steep well,while in the western lies a small mosque with three arched openings.

Arti Singh,XI C

On November 30,we went on a picnic at Mandi house to see the Agrasen Ki Baoli. It was made up of coloured stones,just like old havelis. There were many stairs leading into the structure. Birds (mostly pigeons) as well as bats flew over the Baoli,giving it an air of mystery. In the old days,kings used to take bath in there. Of course,that was because it used to have water back then. The structure is in a state of ruin,and I think the authorities should do something to preserve it. Also,the public should be encouraged to visit historical monuments like these more often,so it could have an insight into the country’s history.

Pooja Kamra,XI

In the old days,when there were no coffee outlets or watering holes for people to meet each other,they used to sit near Agrasen Ki Baoli to play cards,smoke the hookah and gossip to their heart’s content. So,this ancient structure,constructed by King Agrasen in the 14th Century,served varied purposes. Agrasen Ki Baoli is about 60 metres in length,15 metres in width from the ground level and has a long stretch of about 104 steps leading right to the bottom. In the old days,the Baoli was used for swimming as well as harvesting water. However,the scene has become different now,with all the water evaporating due to global warming and decrease in the groundwater level. Today,instead of water,the Baoli ‘boasts’ of garbage and spider webs stretched across the arches of the well. Needless to say,the beauty of the Baoli has diminished,and it is time the Archeological Survey of India did something to rectify this.

Prachi Varshney,XI-C

The main purpose of the Agrasen Ki Baoli,which we visited on November 30,was to harvest water. Mesmerised by the sight,we could not help but notice that the structure was a pleasing combination of Indian and Mughal architecture. As we walked down its 104 steps,it came to our attention that no measures were currently being taken to protect the monument. It would be beneficial if the government were to put up a fence along its boundary and spread awareness on the Baoli among the public. Some corrective steps in this regard would also contribute to the government’s coffers through tourism-related revenue. Though the government did make efforts towards restoring the Baoli’s glory,it did not work as the public lacked awareness. But,in any case,the visit to the Baoli was a great experience.

Richa,XI-B