Maroc - POPDIARIES.COM - A La Une - 31/Aug 13:36

Know About the Intricate Architecture of the Panna-Meena Kund

Panna Meena Kund, located in the town of Amer in Jaipur is a 200 meter deep stepwell with unique architecture. It is Jaipur's only fully restored and functional stepwell. This stepwell has been providing the villages in Jaipur with water for years. This stepwell has eight storeys and water can be accessed at any level with the help of the steps. This stepwell has also been a place for social gatherings of women. The Panna Meena ka Kund, situated on the outskirts of the city, was built in the 16th century during the reign of Maharaja Jai Singh. This stepwell was created to harvest and store water during the monsoon. There are many legends surrounding the origin of the name for this stepwell, one being that Panna Miah was a eunuch in the royal court who was prominent in the construction of the stepwell. But the real reason behind this stepwell's name remains unknown. It is also called Panna Mian Kund or Panna Meena Baori. The Panna Meena ka Kund is said to be designed by a Brahmin. Constructed in an ancient way to harvest water in rainy season, the stepwell has a unique architectural style. It roughly has eight storeys which are accessed through stairs, having zigzag geometrical patterns of symmetrical stairs. The core of the Kund and the terrace on two floors are octagonal in plan. It is constructed in a way that provides us a wonderful view of the Amber Palace and the mountains surrounding it. Panna Meena ka Kund, unlike other stepwells that usually circular or rectangular, is square-shaped. It has a square base with levels.. The symmetrical stairway leading to the water is built with red sandstone. The stepwell is adorned with intricate carvings and geometric patterns on the walls and pillars. These pillars are hexagonal in shape and decorated with the carvings of elephants and flowers. The stairs in the stepwell are constructed in a way that they form an inverted pyramid. One of the most striking features of the architecture is the use of light and shadow, creating a mesmerizing effect. t is over 200 feet deep and the stairwell has 1800 symmetrical steps on sides of the structure. And it is said that one can't use the same set of stairs to climb up after going down.. Around the stairs , there are few octagonal gazebos, for people to take shelter in, which also gives a wide view of the surrounding village and the nature. The most unique aspect of the Panna Meena ka Kund is the optical illusion created by the crossing of steps. They are constructed in a way, creating an inverted image of the steps when seen from different angles. This design is believed to be a defense mechanism against the intruders, to confuse them and prevent them from finding a way out. Panna Meena ka Kund is a less known stepwell in India but it is wonderful structure with great functions and unique architecture. This stepwell reflects the talent and hard work of the local artisans who created it. Everyone should visit this site at least once and experience the grandeur and intricacies went into making it.