“A stepwell (Baoli) is an underground structure for the storage of water, mainly constructed to cope with seasonal fluctuations in water availability. This step well is said to have been built by Raja Ugrasen, the forefather of the Agrawal community. The architectural features of this Baoli resemble those of the late Thughlaq or Lodi period.
It measures 60 m [196′-10″]along north-south and is 15 m [49′-2″] wide at the ground level. Built with rubble and dressed stones, it is one of the finest bails in Dehli. The main feature of the structure is the long flight of steps leading down to the steep well situated in the north. The steps are flanked on both sides by thick wall with series of arched corridors.
On the west is a small mosque with three openings. Raised on a solid platform with underground dalans [a veranda or open hall for reception of visitors] on the sides, it has a ‘whale-back’ roof, and four pillared columns of red sandstone carved with ‘chaitya [shrine or stupa] motifs and stucco medallions’ in spandrels, which makes it a distinct structure.”
