Last Updated on April 4, 2022 by admin
In an unseemingly reserved corner in the bustling town of Amer, lies the Panna Meena ka Kund of Jaipur.
I passed it when I visited the Anokhi Museum Jaipur which is bang in front but I could never have guessed there was a stepwell here! I guess most stepwells have a humble existence.
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What is Stepwell or Baori?
Stepwell is a type of ancient water storage tank where water was accessed through a series of steps. They served as a source of drinking water, especially during deficient rainfall, which was quite often in the region.
Stepwells have different names around the country. In Delhi they are called Baoli, in Rajasthan Kund, in Gujarat, they are called Vav.
With around 2000 ancient stepwells in India, approximately 100 of these can be found in Rajasthan. Most of the stepwells in Rajasthan were built in medieval times around the 15th and 16th centuries.
Read about the stepwell in Delhi: Agrasen ki Baoli or from Gujarat: Sevasi Vav, Vadodara
History of Panna Meena ka Kund
Although there is no confirmed history on how this Panna Meena ka Kund got its name. However, there are two local legends that go this way: a eunuch named Panna Miah was instrumental in constructing this stepwell. Another theory is that the Meenas were the original There is yet another theory: it is built in remembrance of the Meenas, a local tribe residing in Amer before the Rajputs arrived.
About Panna Meena ka Kund Architecture
Unlike the Chand Baori of Abhaneri which is massive in size and also has a rather interesting history, Panna Meena ka Kund is a baby stepwell. Panna Meena Ka Kund is also called Panna Mian Kund, Panna Meena Baori, Panna Meena Bawri and is one of the best-restored stepwell or Baori in Jaipur and is extremely accessible by all tourists visiting Amer. It is one of the must visit places in Jaipur.
Panna Meena ka Kund is an eight storeyed stepwell that is 200 feet deep with 1800 symmetrical steps. It is believed to have been built during the 16th century. These staircases are geometrical in shape but organized in a unique crisscross way. Octagon shaped pieces have been used in the core of the Kund and terrace on two floors. Its zigzag geometrical pattern makes the Panna Meena Kund of Jaipur extremely unique.
Unlike most stepwells in Rajasthan that have 4-sided steps to climb down to the water, Panna Meena ka Kund has steps on only three sides. It is plain on the fourth side with a room-like structure overlooking the entire stepwell complex.
On each corner of the complex, there is an umbrella-like structure called Chhatris where one can sit and relax just the way it happened in olden times.
How to reach Panna Meena Stepwell | Location
Panna Meena Ka Kund is located in Amer town close to Ambikeshwar Mahadev Temple and opposite to the Anokhi Museum. It is an easy walk away from the Amer Fort if you are not too tired from walking across the fort. Follow google maps or ask the locals for directions to reach the stepwell.
Panna Meena ka Kund Timing
Panna Meena Ka Kund is open all the time. However, there have been instances of suicides and eve-teasing incidents due to which the authorities have strict timings. It is now open from early morning to sunset.
Panna Meena Kund Entry Fee
Entry to Panna Meena Kund is free.
Photography at Panna Meena ka Kund | Is going down the steps of Panna Meena Kund allowed?
Unfortunately, no. There is a security guard present in the complex at all times, keeping a close watch. I had seen pictures of many people on these steps before going so I had assumed it was allowed. Panna Meena ka Kund is one of the extremely popular Instagram worthy places to visit in Jaipur.
However, I was not allowed to go in spite of many requests from the security guard. He cited the reason for ‘Safety’. When I showed him pictures of tourists on google, he just brushed it off and said I needed permission to go down the steps. Then he gave me the example of a Bollywood unit that got prior permission for shooting at Panna Meena ka Kund, the previous night.
Movies like Dabbang 3 and Dhadak were shot here.
The rules are obviously different for locals. A local resident told me that local swimming competitions take place where young boys dive into the water. This usually happens in the monsoon when the water level is high and the water is fresh. He also told me that the only chance of getting down on the steps is to go early in the morning and hope there is no guard there. Weekdays and off-season is the best time to get the photos on the steps.
Things to see around Panna Meena Kund in Amer
You can visit the following popular places in Amer:
Ambikeshwar Temple
Located diagonally opposite, this temple can be seen from the Kund. It is only a few meters away. As per a local legend, Amer town derives its name from Ambikeshwar Mandir, Jaipur.
Jagat Shiromani Temple
The temple has beautiful architecture and is within walking distance of the stepwell. The temple is also called the Meera Bai temple.
Amer Fort
There is really nothing much to say about it as it is the most popular tourist attraction in Jaipur.
Anokhi Museum
A unique textile museum paying an ode to the hand-block printed fabric of Jaipur (Sanganer).
Hotels near Panna Meena ka Kund | Hotels in Amer, Jaipur
While most people prefer a one day visit to Amer from Jaipur, in case you want to explore all the Amer places at leisure, the following are some of the options.
Luxury hotels: Trident Jaipur, Samode Haveli
Mid-range hotels: Virasat Mahal Heritage Hotel, Trimrooms Mount Blue
Sustainable tips to explore the Panna Meena ka Kund
- Being an ancient stepwell, respect the structures by not defacing them.
- Do not harm the structures by carving or writing on it.
- Do not dispose of garbage in the stepwell premises or in the water well.
- Wear comfortable shoes and dress modestly.
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