Titled Baolis of Delhi-Stepping into Step Wells, the project offers a virtual tour of these water bodies, with specially curated photos that have been developed for online visitors to discover interactive experiences of these relics of past sitting in the comfort of their home.
The Capital shares a special relationship with baolis or water bodies that are an integral part of Delhi's rich historic heritage. And in a recent initiative, the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage, in a collaborative effort with Google, has digitised all the seven baolis surrounding the city, in an effort to preserve this slice of history. This is especially important, as some of them have become engulfed in rapid urbanisation and fallen victim to the travesties of time
Titled Baolis of Delhi-Stepping into Step Wells, the project offers a virtual tour of these water bodies, with specially curated photos that have been developed for online visitors to discover interactive experiences of these relics of past sitting in the comfort of their home.
The initiative covers all the seven baolis that dot the length and breadth of the city, each offering a detailed insight into the structure courtesy ultra high resolution pictures that have captured extraordinary details of the architecture which may not be visible to naked eye.
The baolis that have been digitised include Gandhak Ki Baoli in Mehrauli, which is the oldest water reservoir in Delhi, and was built by Iltutmish for Sufi saint Qutbbudin Bakhityar Kaki, as well as two of the most popular- Agrasen Ki Baoli in Lutyen's Delhi and the baoli at Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah. Apart from Rajaon Ki Baoli situated in Mehrauli Archaeological Park, the virtual experience enables one to visit reservoirs that no longer have public access. These include the baoli at Feroz Shah Kotla which became off limits for visitors have few incidents of people falling into the deep well, the Hindu Rao Baoli ahead of Pir Ghaib which has been fenced but the structure can still be seen from above. The baoli at Purana Qila which too is closed to visitors, can also be seen up, close and personal through the digitised storytelling medium.
The walk through is also a lesson in history as each baoli has detailed description of its architecture, historical significance and other information. The photographs are available on the website of Google Art and Culture(GAC) and also on the app on both iOS as well as Android.
Talking about the Baolis of Delhi, Simon Rein, programme manager- India, GAC said, "Delhi holds a unique reputation with the sheer wealth of heritage and iconic historical monuments, and it has been our privilege to work with partners like INTACH, Archaeological Survey of India etc. Through this endeavour, we aim to make India's rich heritage and culture including the century old Baolis more accessible to people at home and abroad."
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