Agrasen ki Baoli, a piece of history amidst the high rises of central Delhi

Delhi: Situated amidst the modern high-rise buildings on Hailey Road, near Connaught Place in New Delhi, lies the popular Agrasen ki Baoli (also known as Ugrasen ki Baoli). Believed to be built in the 14th century by the legendary King Agrasen during the Tughlaq period of Delhi Sultanate, the monument today attracts several tourists from across the world. It is a 60 metre long and 15 metre wide step-well with 108 steps.

In the middle of Delhi's chaotic life, Agrasen ki Baoli is a quiet and peaceful place for people to relax and enjoy. The monument is a beautiful assortment of rocks and stones. The water level of this reservoir has decreased to the point of getting dry but the lower levels can still be seen submerged in water. 

One of the most iconic pictures of the monument was taken by the equally iconic photographer, Raghu Rai, in 1970s, showing the monument in its truest form.  The photo captured the baoli filled with water, as a young boy takes a dive in it. 

Agrasen ki Baoli now serves as a centre of attraction for tourists and photographers. The monument became famous after being chosen for shooting movies such as PK, Sultan, Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna and Shubh Mangal Savdhan.

There are a lot of myths and rumours about the monument being haunted and several cooked-up stories about mystical happenings in the monument. However, no one is allowed to enter its premises after the sun sets. Agrasen ki Baoli is a protected monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 of the Archaeological Survey of India.