Architecture

Design Resource

Baramotichi Vihir - Satara

The Historical well in Maharashtra

Architecture

Baramotichi vihir is octagonal and has been built identically in the shape of dug-out shivling (In Hindu mythology it signifies Lord Shiva). Imprecisely this well is 130 feet long in length, 50 feet in width. The main area of the actual well is 110 feet deep and 50 feet in diameter. This well has been built unlike those traditional step-wells in Rajasthan. Once climb down from the stairs there is an arched grand opening below the ground level which leads to the well. At both the sides of this arched opening there are two more staircases which lead towards the lower level of the well. This one has steps from one side leading to the middle of the well from where there were look-out galleries. This whole well is divided into two parts, one rectangle and other one is octagonal well at the gallery on top of the second arched opening. This gallery opens out to both the sides, one inside the octagonal well and second at rectangle well which is towards main entrance. Above these galleries there is a platform to accommodate the throne of the king. From the side ground level to reach out the galleries, one secret narrow door ‘chor-darwaja’ is built at the second arch. The entire well has been built in black stone. This structure resembles some kind of underground palace.

On the inner side of the main octagonal well, there are four sculptures of tigers. Form of tiger was used as a metaphor of the victory. At the front feet of both the south most sculptures of tiger has two small elephants carved and other both the north most sculptures of tiger are in jumping gestures. That signifies the king’s victory at the south and his next aspirant move to the north.

Including grand staircase this well has two more ways to be entered into. The main octagonal well has an arrangement of fifteen moats to channel the water from the well but only twelve moats were functioning rest of the three moats were used whenever it was required. The arrangement of ten more moats was made in between the first and second arch in case if the water level increases during the monsoon.

The structure which divides this well is nothing but one of a kind of palace. At both the sides there are steps from the second arch to reach at the main hall of the palace. There are two creatively carved pillars at the centre of the hall. Each pillar is carved differently. The horse riding kind, Lord Hanuman and the elephant are carved on one pillar while other one is carved with elephant riding king, Lord Ganesh and decorative motifs of flower. The motifs of flowers and birds are carved logically near the windows and on the pillars.

On the roof of this palace the setting for the king’s throne and arrangement of council meeting is made. The first Shahu maharajah by himself used to run his council meeting with his administrative body.

‹ › ×

Search form

Baramotichi Vihir - Satara