Panna Mian ki Baoli – Jaipur, Rajasthan

One marvel of designing is the 17th century ornate step-well Panna Mian ki Baoli. Stepwells were like community centres in the past, and constructing them was considered an act of great generosity and benevolence. Panna Mian is one such water tank surrounded on three sides by criss-crossed steps. It also has octagonal corner kiosks and a double-storey verandah. The only mosque in the area is the old but picturesque Jami Masjid (1569), built by Bihar Mal in the honour of Akbar. After all the Mughal king would need some place to say his prayers if he went visiting his Rajput…