Not a palace or fort. Just 100 km from Jaipur, Anand Mahindra is hypnotised by Rajasthan’s hidden underground marvel

Industrialist and Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra is quite active on social media. He is known for using social media to highlight stories that celebrate innovation, culture and India’s rich heritage. Well, today (March 29) was no different. His recent post on X (formerly Twitter) once again drew attention to a lesser-known architectural wonder, Chand Baori, an ancient stepwell located in the village of Abhaneri.

Sharing a set of striking photographs, Mahindra stated that while tourists from across the world flock to Rajasthan to see its towering forts and palaces, Chand Baori stands out because it does the exact opposite, it goes deep into the ground. The business leader described the structure as one of the most remarkable sights in the region, praising both its visual symmetry and its thoughtful design.

A thousand-year-old marvel of symmetry and engineering

Built more than a millennium ago, Chand Baori is considered one of the deepest and largest stepwells in India. The structure descends nearly 30 metres into the ground and is spread across 13 levels, connected by approximately 3,500 narrow, precisely arranged steps. From above, the steps form a striking geometric pattern that resembles an inverted pyramid, creating a visually hypnotic effect for visitors.



Historians believe the stepwell was constructed between the 8th and 9th centuries during the reign of Raja Chanda, a ruler of the Nikumbh Rajput dynasty, after whom the structure is named. Despite being centuries old, the stepwell continues to stand as a testament to the engineering skills and architectural understanding of that era.

Apart from its aesthetic appeal, Chand Baori was built with a clear practical purpose. In Rajasthan’s arid climate, water conservation was critical for survival. Stepwells like Chand Baori were designed to collect and store rainwater, ensuring a steady supply for local communities even during dry seasons. This combination of functionality and artistic design is what makes the structure particularly impressive even today.

Anand Mahindra calls it an early example of ‘design thinking’

In his post, Mahindra said that what fascinated him most was not just the scale of Chand Baori, but the thought process behind its creation. He pointed out that in modern times, people often speak about “design thinking”, an approach that mixes empathy, functionality and aesthetics to create effective solutions. According to him, Chand Baori achieved this balance centuries before the concept was formally recognised.

By describing the stepwell as an example of design thinking long before the term existed, he talked about how ancient Indian builders combined utility with artistic expression. The symmetry of the steps, the cooling effect created by the depth of the well, and its ability to store large amounts of water all demonstrate a deep understanding of both environmental conditions and human needs.


Recently, Rajasthan’s Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari reacted to Anand Mahindra's post and talked about the legacy of Chand Baori, saying its a timeless brilliance and shows how Rajasthan practiced “design thinking” long before it became a modern concept. She also appreciated him for bringing attention to such stories. In response, Anand said that despite visiting Rajasthan many times, he hasn’t yet seen Chand Baori in person, adding that he hopes to correct this soon.

How to reach Chand Baori?

Located roughly 95 km from Jaipur and about 170 km from Agra, Chand Baori remains easily accessible by road yet is often overshadowed by Rajasthan’s more famous landmarks.

Even today, visitors who descend into Chand Baori are struck by its scale, symmetry and silence, a reminder that some of the most extraordinary architectural achievements in history were built not to impress, but to solve real-life problems in the most elegant way possible.