Excavation team unearths old stepwell in UP's Sambhal

NEW DELHI: A stepwell has been discovered in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal district during excavations near a recently reopened Shiv-Hanuman temple.
The discovery was made by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in the Chandausi area.

Sambhal district magistrate Rajendra Pensiya confirmed the finding on Sunday, describing the stepwell, known as a 'baoli,' as covering about 400 square meters. The structure includes approximately four chambers and features marble flooring on some levels.
"An area of around 400 square meters, is recorded in the form of Ah-Baoli Talab. It is said that this baoli was built during the time of the king of the grandfather of Bilari's king. The second and third floor is made up of marble and the upper floors are made of bricks. As we saw (from the excavation), around four chambers are there,” Pensiya explained at the site.
Excavation began Saturday following a public meeting that brought the stepwell to the authorities' attention. Efforts are underway to fully uncover the structure, which is currently partially covered with mud and encroached upon.
"The structure is fully covered in mud, the Nagar Palika team is removing the topsoil. At present only 210 square meters are outside and the rest is occupied. Action will be taken to remove the encroachment,” Pensiya stated, estimating the structure’s age to be over 150 years old.
Krishna Kumar Sonkar, the Municipal Corporation's Executive Officer, confirmed the excavation work began immediately after learning about the underground structure. "As soon as we came to know that there is a babri here we started the excavation work here, as we continue the work, we will come to know more about this. We will try our best to restore this, we are working to see what all is here,” Sonkar said.
This discovery follows an ASI survey conducted Saturday at the Kalki Vishnu temple in Sambhal. A four-member ASI team inspected five shrines and 19 wells in the area, including the recently reopened temple. The survey lasted 8-10 hours and covered approximately 24 areas. The ASI will submit a report of their findings.