Rajon Ki Baoli Restoration Revives Delhi's Heritage Stepwell

20 May 2025 CW Team

In a significant effort to safeguard India’s cultural and environmental legacy, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), in partnership with the World Monuments Fund India (WMFI) and the TCS Foundation, has successfully completed the conservation of Rajon ki Baoli, a 16th-century stepwell located within Mehrauli Archaeological Park in New Delhi.

The project was part of WMFI’s Historic Water Systems of India initiative, funded by the TCS Foundation, and aligns with the World Monuments Fund’s Climate Heritage Initiative, highlighting traditional water systems as sustainable responses to modern water management and climate challenges.

Supervised by the ASI, the restoration work involved cleaning, desilting, structural repairs, and water quality enhancement, using traditional techniques and materials such as lime plaster and mortar to preserve the stepwell’s original Lodi-era character. The baoli was also connected to improved drainage systems, and fish were introduced to naturally maintain water quality.

To ensure the long-term protection of the site, the ASI and its partners also conducted educational outreach and community engagement activities, encouraging local stewardship and raising public awareness of the baoli’s cultural and ecological value.

Constructed around 1506 during the Lodi dynasty, Rajon ki Baoli is an architectural and engineering marvel. The four-tiered stepwell served not only as a water storage system but also as a resting place for travellers. Its graceful arched colonnades, stucco medallions, and finely carved stonework reflect the artistic sophistication of the period. The baoli spans 1,610 square metres and descends to a depth of 13.4 metres, with the main tank measuring 23 by 10 metres at its base.

Following the completion of the conservation work, Rajon ki Baoli is now open to the public, offering visitors a restored glimpse into Delhi’s rich water heritage and sustainable architectural past.

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