Sambhal: The excavation has resumed at the ancient marble-made stepwell or ‘baoli’ in Chandausi area of Sambhal district in Uttar Pradesh. The stepwell was found by a team from Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Sunday after discovery of a Shiv-Hanuman temple in the district. The temple was reportedly closed for 46 years.
Over 50 sanitation workers were engaged for the excavation work at the well. According to officials, manual excavation was being done so as to avoid any damage to the age-old structure. The baoli is around 125 to 150 years old and covers an area of 400 square metres.
Discovered Sambhal baoli linked to temple
The baoli was found in the Laxman Ganj area of Chandausi tehsil. The area where the ancient well is found is a Muslim-majority locality. The historical stepwell was discovered in a vacant plot of land.
Recently, Sambhal district magistrate ordered the excavation using JCB machines following a request from a Hindu group Sanatan Sevak Sangh.
Reports suggest that the Laxman Ganj area in Chandausi was predominantly a Hindu area with significant population of Saini community. However, the demographics of the area changed overtime and the locality is now Muslim-majority.
Sambhal SP and DM visited site
Meanwhile, the excavation of the stepwell in currently underway with the discovery of a tunnel, four rooms, and a well. Sambhal district magistrate and Superintendent of Police reached the spot and inspected the site.
Officials said that the site may be probed by Archaeological Survey of India if the need arises. It is alleged that most of the land near the discovered baoli is under illegal encroachment.
According to reports, the said stepwell was said to have been constructed during the time of the maternal grandfather of the Raja of Bilari. Officials say the municipal staff is slowly removing the soil to prevent any damage to the site. The site of the well is known as ‘Babli Talab’ and is spread in 400 square metre area.
