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Ugrasen-Ki-Baoli |
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| Located on the narrow Hailey Lane on the Atul
Grove Road (old Hailey Road) cutting across the Kasturba Gandhi
Road, in the center of modern Delhi, is an ancient stepped well
or Baoli. Ugrasen's Baoli (stepped-well) is said to have been
built by Raja Ugrasen, the forefather of the Aggarwal community.
However, the architectural features of the Baoli resemble the
features of the late Tughlaq period or Lodi age. |
| This 14th century structure is believed to be
among the 'finest' baolis in Delhi because of its innovative
designs. Built with rubble and dressed stone, it measures 60
meters long, from north to south and 15 meters wide at ground
level. The main feature of the structure is the long flight
of steps flanked by a thick wall with two series of arched structures,
the lower ones submerged under water and the upper ones just
above the surface of the water. These steps between the walls
lead down to the water level. |
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| There is also a steep well in the northern side.
On the western side is a small mosque with three openings. Raised
on a solid platform, it has a 'whale-back' roof, and four pillared
columns of red sandstone carved with 'chaitya motifs and stucco
medallions' in spandrels, which makes it a distinct structure.
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| This baoli, which is named after Raja Ugrasen
has a legend that any Aggarwal new to the area could call on
his fellow Aggarwals for help. Every person of the community
would help him by donating a brick and a small sum of rupees.
Likewise he would help the next person of the community in need.
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| Situated amidst the modern high rise buildings,
the entrance of the baoli has vanished by now but the baoli
still serves as a pool in the summer and one can see washing
spread out to dry over its arched walls. Ugrasen's Baoli is
a fascinating remnant of Delhi's history in the midst of the
modern heart of the city. |
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