About Shahjahan Ki Baoli
Shahjahan Ki Baoli is a historic Mughal-era stepwell located in Meham town in Rohtak district, Haryana. Built in 1656-1658 during Emperor Shah Jahan's reign by Saidu Kalal, it is constructed of lakhauri bricks with three storeys and 101 steps leading to the water level. Noted for its Persian inscriptions and arched chambers, it served as a water source and resting place and is now a state-protected heritage monument.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a large, deep brick stepwell with three levels of arched corridors, niches and 101 stone steps descending to the water reservoir. The structure is built of small lakhauri bricks with Persian inscriptions at the entrance. The site is open-air and semi-ruined, surrounded by the town settlement. Visitors can walk around the upper platform, descend the steps, view the arched chambers and photograph the architecture. There is no water for bathing and no active worship area.
Key highlights
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Mughal-era stepwell built in 1656-1658 during Shah Jahan's reign
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101 steps descending through three storeys of arched chambers
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Construction in traditional lakhauri bricks with Persian inscriptions
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State-protected heritage monument in Meham town
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Example of Mughal water architecture and engineering
History of Shahjahan Ki Baoli
Built in 1656-1658 CE during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan by Saidu Kalal, a local chobdar (official) of Meham, the baoli served as a water source, rest stop and community structure for travelers and residents. It features Persian inscriptions recording its construction date and patron, and is built in the Mughal style using lakhauri bricks. It is recognized as a state-protected monument by the Haryana Department of Archaeology and Museums.
Culture & Context
The baoli represents the Mughal tradition of constructing stepwells for water conservation and public welfare in semi-arid Haryana. It reflects local architectural techniques and community water management practices of the 17th century and remains a notable heritage landmark for Meham town.
Route
| By air |
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