Qazion ki Bawdi

About Qazion ki Bawdi

Situated near the Purana Madrasa, this bawli or stepwell was built in 1485 by Qazi-ibn-Mehran, under orders from the then ruler of Chanderi, Sher Khan Ghazi. The well itself is circular, with two staircases descending to the water from opposite sides, and two arched entrance bays flanked by inscriptions. Those inscriptions record four constructions carried out during the reign of Sher Khan Ghazi: this stepped bawdi, a palatial caravanserai, a mosque, and a garden known as Aatishay Namrood. Nothing of the garden remains and only ruins of the rest house can be seen, but the stepwell and the mosque have survived.

At the stepwell

The circular well and twin stairs

Unlike the square stepwells elsewhere in Chanderi, this one is circular, and two separate staircases come down to the water from opposite sides. Walking down one and up the other is the simplest way to understand the plan.

The inscriptions in the entrance bays

Two arched entrance bays are flanked by inscriptions that list four works built under Sher Khan Ghazi. They are the reason this modest stepwell matters historically, since they record buildings that no longer stand.

Planning your visit

The bawdi is next to the Purana Madrasa, so the two should be seen together. Stepwell visits mean descending worn stone steps.

• Pair it with the Purana Madrasa alongside.
• Wear shoes with grip for the stairs.
• Read the inscriptions in the arched entrance bays.
• Do not descend if the steps are wet.

Best time to visit

October to March is the safest and most comfortable season, since the stone steps are dry and the descent is easy. Midday light actually helps here, reaching further down into the well than low morning or evening sun does.