Once A Bustling Step Well, The Baoli In Sector 5 RK Puram Lies Forgotten Today

Baolis or step wells have always played an important part in the medieval cities of India by ensuring water supply to the population. Delhi has its fair share of these baolis scattered all over the city. In fact, there are so many that we often end up stumbling upon completely unheard of ones strewn across town. The lesser known RK Puram Sector 5 Baoli is one such example. It’s located near an equally unknown cluster of Lodhi era tombs and is accompanied by a wall mosque too.  

The Forgotten Baoli

Picture Credits: ERIC V.

The baoli is relatively smaller when compared to some of its more famous counterparts in Delhi. The structure is straightforward with a flight of stairs going down to the underground chambers and there are two domes on the two corners. The water in the well has now been replaced by a lot of garbage, especially plastic bottles.

There is a separate well on the plinth, which is actually risky because unmindful people can easily fall into it. Pigeons have also found their abode inside this one. It is basically a two tiered structure. While it lies abandoned now, one can imagine that it must’ve been blissful during its heyday when it still brimmed with potable water.

The Unassuming Mosque

Picture Credits: ERIC V.

A smaller mosque is located on a high platform just near the baoli. It has a cenotaph and on one side there is a wall looking towards the West. The Western Wall is basically the wall mosque facing which the devotees used to offer prayers and it has five ‘mihrabs’ on it, the central one being the largest one. 

The walls have signs of colourful designs and are adorned with calligraphy although much of it has decayed now. The wall is flanked by small bastions and sidewalls, although the minarets on the four corners of the mosque, as well as the Southern Wall, have long since collapsed. There are also a couple of graves on an elevated platform but we’re not sure who lies beneath.

The surroundings, however, are scenic! The lawn is well maintained despite a little bit of encroachment in one corner. The lush green lawn is complemented well by varied trees, especially the golden shower trees with their bright yellow blossoms blooming during summers. This also attracts a lot of birds and so this compound can also be a good spot for bird watchers.

Finding The Baoli

Picture Credits: Tarun 4u

Finding the baoli is not difficult, one just has to locate the Vivekananda Road off Olof Palme Marg and then enter the RK Puram Sector 5 locality. The park should be visible first and the monument complex is located just on the other side of the road. Entering the compound is a bit of a task as the gate remains semi closed and there are generally no attendants. The gate is located near a gurudwara which is a bigger structure and better visible from the distance.

If you’re ever in the vicinity and wanna explore a little known Delhi gem, come on by!

Where | RK Puram Baoli - In Sector 5, RK Puram 
Timings | 5 AM - 10 PM