Panna Meena ka Kund

A hidden gem below the towering Amer fort

Panna Meena ka Kund is a medieval step well located in Amer near Jaipur. Built in the 16th century, this square structure is simple yet elegant to behold and had a great utilitarian value as rainwater catchment area in the days of yore. It is the only restored and functional step well today in Jaipur. However, this yellow-coloured step well or kund, as is known in the local language, lies a bit obscured in the shadow of the majestic Amer fort towering above it.

The Utilitarian Stepwell

Step well is a water reservoir with steps built along its depth to access the water below. There are close to 2000 step wells all over India; all spectacular in design and architecture. This one too is spectacular in its own right. Small in size, it has an array of symmetrical steps criss-crossing along its three walls to give it a simple yet splendid geometrical look. More so, because it is structurally aligned to harvest rain water for Amer – a dry region which sees a dearth of rainfall.

The eight-storey step well does look glorious in the backdrop of the temple and the Aravalli range at a distance. The well, obviously, is recessed in the ground and has an open space adjoining it at the ground level. The entire structure is enclosed within four chhatris (canopy) at each corner demarcating it from the other structures. Panna Meena ka kund has 1800 steps criss-crossing across its 8 levels, and is believed to be over 200 feet deep. There are these octagonal recesses too along the stairs at each level, the utility of which is speculative. (Comments are welcome on these octagonal recesses as to what you think they are)

A delight to photograph

The entry to Panna Meena ka Kund is absolutely free. It remains open for visitors all throughout the year from sunrise to sunset. However, the best time to visit is when there are few tourists here so that you can capture its awesomeness, unhindered, through your photography.

Not many know of this beautiful step well sitting right under the Amer fort and it is the least explored of all tourist places in Jaipur.

Starting from Amer Fort, one can cover this step well within 45 minutes to an hour, only if you do not lose track of your time in photographing the lovely landscape.

The most easily accessible step well in Amer

Panna Meena ka Kund is just a 10-minute walk from the Amer fort and being so close to one of the most popular tourist destinations of Amer, one should not give this spot a miss. Just walk out of the fort and turn left by crossing the parking space at its base, (assume its a parking lot?) onto the street and then again take a left to enter the narrow by lanes of Amer. One can ask the locals or follow the signboard to reach this step well.

Panna Meena ka Kund is best reached on foot from Amer fort as parking near the well is non existent.

A peek into its past

There are no clear records to know who built Panna Meena ka Kund. Folklore says that it was designed by a Bramhin and built in the memory of the brave Meena King Panna. The Meenas were the rulers of Amer before the Rajputs arrived.

Again, history has always been an interplay of facts and stories. Whether this step well was built in the memory of the Meena king or was the brainchild of Panna Miyaan, the eunuch in the court of the Rajputs, the truth persists that this ancient rainwater harvesting technique stands as a testimony to our glorious heritage. A heritage where culture coexisted harmoniously with nature and endeavoured to preserve it.

Beyond just a watering hole

Panna Meena ka Kund and many such other step wells in India have served as watering holes for us humans over centuries. The construction of Panna Meena ka Kund was utilitarian, yet beautiful; and its social significance, immense.

Step wells were not only a source of water supply but a place for communities to get together and relax. One can imagine the ladies of the past filling their pots and chit-chatting under the shade of these chhatris; the priests collecting water from this step well for the temple ablutions, and kids frolicking and swimming in the cool waters of the reservoir. A picture of a happy society 🙂

On an ending note…

Just as I have endeavoured to bring forth this hidden gem of a step well to you readers, I would like to request you all to lend a helping hand towards preserving our ancient monuments and heritage. These historical monuments are not just beautiful but they teach us a lot about our glorious country and its practices. Let’s preserve them!

Also, Ranthambore National Park is near Jaipur. Do visit the park to see the majestic tigers if you are in Jaipur.