Hadi Rani Ki Baori

Hadi Rani ki Baori is a stepwell in Todaraisingh town in Tonk district, Rajasthan, believed to date from the 17th century. It lies near Bisalpur Dam, and scenes from the 2005 Hindi film Paheli, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji, were shot here.

Staggered flights of steps lead down to the water in wide, shallow stages, rather than in strict symmetry. Double-storeyed corridors line the sides, their arched doorways set in thick sandstone walls that give shade, and niches hold images of Brahma, Ganesha and Mahishasuramardini. A wider landing on the main face was meant to hold more water in the monsoon. The walls are of finely dressed local sandstone laid in regular courses, and a low parapet runs around the top, from where the play of light and shadow on the water can be watched.