A 250-feet-deep stepwell discovered in Sambhal: excavation underway by the Revenue Department

Sambhal (The Uttam Hindu):In Sambhal district’s Chandausi area, Uttar Pradesh, the Revenue Department uncovered a massive stepwell during an excavation on Saturday. The revelation of this 250-feet-deep stepwell has created a buzz in the region. Experts believe the structure could be of significant historical importance and may date back to ancient times. According to reports, Lakshmanganj in Chandausi was predominantly a Hindu-majority area before 1857, primarily inhabited by the Saini community. However, the present-day population of the area is predominantly Muslim.

District Magistrate Rajendra Pesiyan stated that the land records (Khatauni) mention the site as "Bawli Talab" covering an area of 400 square meters (Point 040). Local residents recall that the stepwell was constructed during the era of the Raja of Bilari’s maternal grandfather. The second and third floors of the structure are made of marble, while the upper floor is built with bricks. The stepwell also features a water reservoir and around four chambers. Careful excavation is being conducted to prevent any damage to its structure. Currently, only 210 square meters of the area is accessible, while the rest is reportedly encroached upon. The stepwell is estimated to be at least 125 to 150 years old.

This discovery followed a complaint submitted to the District Magistrate after a 46-year-old temple was unearthed in Sambhal. The complaint claimed that a stepwell belonging to the Queen of Bilari once existed in Lakshmanganj. Responding to the complaint, District Magistrate Rajendra Pesiyan ordered an investigation into the matter. Subsequently, Deputy Tehsildar Dhirendra Singh visited the site with a map on Saturday. During the excavation, remnants of an ancient structure emerged from the ground. These remains hint at the presence of historical architecture, which could hold immense value for the local history and culture.