Chand Baori Stepwell in India

Chand Baori in Abhaneri village near Jaipur in the Indian state of Rajasthan,, India, is one of the most overlooked landmarks in the country. It is one of the oldest stepwell in Rajasthan, and is considered to be among the biggest in the world. Chand Baori looks like anything but a well. This incredible square structure is 13 stories deep, and lined along the walls on three sides are double flight of steps. 3,500 narrow steps arranged in perfect symmetry descends to the bottom of the well 20 meters deep to a murky green puddle of water. Built during the 8th and 9th century by King Chanda of Nikumbha Dynasty, provided the surrounding areas with a dependable water source for centuries before modern water delivery systems were introduced. As the green water at the base attests, the well is no longer in use, but it makes for an interesting stop-over to an architecturally impressive structure that is over 1000 years old. There’s also a temple adjoining the well for visitors to explore.

Chand-Baori-Stepwell-Rajasthan

Stepwells, also called bawdi or baori, are unique to India. These wells have steps built into the sides that can be descended to reach the water at the bottom. Stepwells are generally larger than common wells and are often of architectural significance, just like Chand Baori.

Stepwell

The well’s sheer endlessly appearing geometric complexity made of stairs and steps ensured that Rajput people had access to water at any time of the year, and from all sides. The reasons behind building such an elaborate step well is not fully clear. Some believe it was used as a water harvesting site. Rajasthan is a dry place, and hence, every ounce of water is precious. The large mouth of the well functioned as a rain catching funnel that contributed to the water seeping in from the porous rock at the bottom. In addition to conserving water, Chand baori also became a community gathering place for the Abhaneri locals. The townsfolk used to sit around the step well and cool off during the summer days. At the bottom the well the air is always about 5-6 degrees cooler than at the top.

Close-Chand-Baori

The steps surround the well on three sides while the fourth side has a set of pavilions built one atop another. The side that has the pavilions have niches with beautiful sculptures including religious carvings. There is even a royal residence with rooms for the King and the Queen and a stage for the performing arts.

Steps of Chand Baori

Chand Baori was featured in the movie The Fall and also made a small appearance in Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster The Dark Knight Rises.

Water inside well

The well is now a treasure managed by the Archeological Survey of India.

chand-baori-wall-figures

chand-baori-cleaners

chand-baori-stepwell

Vivid-colors-of-Chand-Baori

The style of Indian wrestling-Kushti

The style of Indian wrestling, also know as Pehlwani and the person referred as  Pehlwan. kushti:Traditional Indian wrestling take place in “Akhada”. “Akhada” is a place for practicing the Indian wrestling, in other words the school of wrestling. Indian wrestler or pehlwan live under some strict set of rules made by the trainer or ustad.There are very few Akhada’s are remaining in India. Some dedicated peoples are still working to keep alive The India Wrestling.This is very popular sport in India as well as in neighbor countries .India has won titles in Commonwealth Games held at jamaica.India has hosted the world wrestling championships. The famous Indian wrestler, Sushil Kumar has won medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Sushil Kumar has made an history by reaching in the final of London 2012 Summer Olympics. The Indian World Champion wrestler Sushil kumar is the winner of the gold medal in the 66 kg freestyle competition at the FILA 2010.

Pachad in Kushti

Sushil Kumar: 

The Famous Indian wrestler from Jat family in a village called Baprola near Delhi. The Indian World Champion wrestler and winner of gold medal and a bronze medal in the 66 kg freestyle competition at the FILA 2010 World Wrestling Championships and  Wrestling event at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The Indian Grappler is one verge of creating history by reaching in the final of 66 kg freestyle wrestling championship and only hope of India to win a gold in London Olympic 2012 . He is one of India’s best-ever individual Olympian by assuring at least a silver or hope for gold.Yogeshwar Dutt another Indian wrestler has won a bronze in London Olympic Games 2012. Other good Indian male wrestlers as Amit and Narsingh are out from freestyle wrestling game of London Olympics campaign 2012.

Sushil-Kumar-Indian-Wrestler

In Indian wrestling physical training means to build strength and develop muscle.There are some specific exercises that wrestler should do on daily basis, Surya Namaskara, shirshasan,the dand and bethak. The freestyle type of Indian wrestling is one of the most popular and traditional sport from India. Punjab is well known for its wrestlers or Pahalwan and its one of best place to learn Kushti or Indian wrestling.

Dwand-Yuddh Kushti

Diet’s of Indian wrestler are very restricted it contains ghee milk along with almonds,green vegetables,banana,apple and water melon in fruits.Consumption of tobacco and alcohol are strongly prohibited for the Pahalwan of India.

Kushti practice in Akhara

The Great Khali : 

The Giant wrestler from India real name Dalip Singh Rana also know as Giant Singh. Khali the great is a professional wrestler of WWE. Khali is the first Indian professional wrestler to be signed a contract by World Wrestling Entertainment. The great khali was a police officer in the Punjab state police.The Great Khali has face many challenges to its entire journey from Dalip Singh Rana to The Giant wrestler.He has also appeared in three Hollywood film.

Dalip Singh Rana aka Khali

Eco-sensitive traditional transport in India

The Eco-sensitive transport Rickshaws and Tangas are banned in most of the cities in India. Delhi has completely replacing tangas the oldest form of transportation in India. All major cities like Mumbai and Calcutta used these oldest forms of transports for many years. In villages of India pulled and cycle rickshaws are still one of the major forms of transport. These types of transports are the life line of the poor peoples who pulled rickshaws to survive. As of changing world these traditional transports are disappearing from the country.

Rickshaws: 

The Runner-pulled rickshaws were the local form of transportation used for traveling. The last sizable fleet of rickshaws can be found in Calcutta only. Runner-pulled rickshaws have mainly been replaced by cycle rickshaws and auto. In south India pulled rickshaws can be visible as goods carrier.

Rickshaw-puller-Kolkata

Cycle Rickshaw: 

The cycle rickshaw is one of the oldest existing forms of transportation in India. Cycle rickshaw is the replacement of runner pulled rickshaws and auto is another replacement for cycle rickshaws. Now a day’s cycle rickshaw is not allowed to use in the metro cities but in town or villages of India this is the best transport carriage. Rickshaw is used for goods as well as for public transport and mainly for school childrens. A cycle rickshaw is also known as trishaw or tricycle.

Cycle-rickshaw-India

Tanga: 

One of the best rides which has become rare with the changing world. May be the cycle rickshaw has replaced tanga at many parts of India but still The tanga or horse cart still visible in many areas of India. Delhi “The Heart of India” was famous for Tanga, but now due to the heavy traffic in Delhi, tangas are not allowed to use. It’s good that the village side area of India still nurturing horse-drawn carriage.

Tanga-India

Bail Gadi: 

Bullock cart or bail gadi used for transporting grass or goods in villages of India. Farmers have been using bullock carts for taking their yield to market and to ferry people. Bail gadi is the only vehicles for rural peoples of India to travel from one place to other villages. Bullock cart race is also organized by the peoples of villages in some part of India. These bulls also used for farming. A ride on bullock cart should not be missed while visiting villages of India, because India lives in villages only.

Bailgadi-India