A step well, about 125 to 150 years old and spread over an area of 400 square meters, was discovered during excavation in Chandausi area of Sambhal district, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024. Photo credit: PTI
An official said that during the excavation in Lakshmanganj area of Chandausi here, a stepwell which is about 125 to 150 years old and has an area of 400 square meters was found.
Krishna Kumar Sonkar, Executive Officer of Chandausi Municipal Corporation, said that the excavation has started at that place from Saturday (December 21, 2024).
After the Bhasma Shankar temple in Sambhal, which was closed for 46 years, was reopened on December 13, the excavation began. Officials said that the structure was found during an anti-encroachment campaign. Officials said two damaged idols were found inside the well of the temple.
According to local sources, the step was built during the grandfather of the king of Bilari.
Sambhal District Magistrate Rajendra Pensia said the possibility of a survey by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) at the site is being considered, and a request may be submitted to the ASI if necessary.
Workers during excavation work at a site in Chandausi area of Sambhal district, Sunday, December 22, 2024. Photo credit: PTI
Speaking to the media, Pensia confirmed that the land was previously registered as a pond. The upper floor of the well is made of bricks, while the second and third floors are made of marble. He said that the structure has four rooms and a well.
Mr. Pensia said that the work is being done carefully to avoid damage to the structure.
“Excavation, which has uncovered 210 square meters of land so far, will continue, and encroachments in the area will be removed. Preliminary estimates suggest that the stepwell is about 125 to 150 years old,” said the DM.
The official also addressed the concern that the Banke Bihari temple near the stepwell is in a dilapidated state.
The DM said that the temple, which is believed to be around 150 years old, has two idols which are kept safely in separate temples. He assured that initiatives will be taken to restore the temple and any encroachment around it will be removed.
In a public meeting held two days ago, Kaushal Kishore, a resident of Chandausi, informed the district office about the old steps and highlighted the dilapidated condition of the nearby Bankevihari temple.
Kishore claimed that in earlier times there was a Hindu community living in that area and the queen of Bilari used to live there.
published – December 22, 2024 04:20 PM IST