Panna Meena ka Kund

Panna Meena ka Kund

There are about 2000 stepwells in India, out of which about 100 are in Rajasthan. It is famous for its preserved stepwells, and one of them is Panna Meena Ka Kund. Other names of Panna Meena Ka Kund are Panna Miyan Kund, Panna Meena Bawdi, and Panna Meena Bawdi.

#Trivia: Bawdi is the Indian name for stepwell. It is an old water storage tank that can be accessed via stairs.

Panna Meena Ka Kund is a unique architectural marvel in India, which is visited by thousands of people every year. Apart from this, the 200-meter deep stepwell attracts the attention of tourists from all over the world.

#Amazing Fact: An incredible fact is that it is filled with water throughout the year. Earlier it was the source of water for the local people.

The city of Amer is home to Panna Meena Ka Kund. The Amer Fort attracts tourists. Most travellers visit the Amer Fort but don’t realise that the old city has many other attractions like this stepwell.

The Panna Meena Kund is Jaipur’s only fully restored and functional stepwell. It dates back to a time when there was no piped water. For centuries, it has provided drinking water to the surrounding villages. The stepwell, sometimes called a baori, was an integral part of the community and society around it. It was a reliable source of drinking water, especially during times of low rainfall. An eight-storey stepwell, the water can be accessed at any level via stairs. The Panna Meena Kund is beautiful in its own right.

The Panna Meena Kund was not just a source of fresh water. It was a gathering place for women where they could gossip and learn about each other’s lives. Hence, it is not just an architectural masterpiece but an important aspect of our culture and history. If you visit this stepwell, you can easily imagine what life would have been like centuries ago.

History of Panna Meena Ka Kund, Jaipur

No one knows the real reason behind the name 'Panna Meena Ka Kund'; however, there are many stories that have been passed down from generation to generation.

Legend 1: Panna Miyan was a eunuch who worked in the royal court of Amer Fort. According to a local legend, he helped in the construction of this step well during the reign of Maharaja Jai ??Singh.

Legend 2: According to one story, this step well dates back to the 16th century.

Legend 3: According to the legend, the Meenas built this step well in the 10th or 11th century, before the arrival of the Rajputs in Amer. Locals believe that Panna Meena was a valiant warrior and this step well has been built in his honour.

Legend 4: According to a legend, the Rajputs killed the Meena chieftains. They laid their hold on Amer at Panna Meena Kund and thus took over the city. However, there is no mention of this in any history book.

All we know is that the Meenas ruled Amer even before the 11th century. But the Panna Meena Kund is unlikely to be older than the 11th century. Over time, people have made up stories in the absence of official records. The truth is that we know relatively little about its past.

Architecture of Panna Meena Ka Kund Jaipur 

The architectural style of Panna Meena Ka Kund is unique. However, the most striking feature of this place is that the stairs used to go down do not take you back up. If you are new to the area, it will be difficult to understand the rationale behind these steps. On the other hand, the locals have mingled with the place and know how to use these stairs. You must check it out!

The stairs are built in a cross pattern on top of each other, which amazes everyone, and this is the main reason why such a large number of people visit this beautiful site every year.

One of its distinctive features is its unobtrusive appearance. The stairs are on only three sides, so there is enough space to relax, have a conversation or enjoy the amazing view of the surroundings. Some design elements, such as the space between the stairs, leave visitors confused to understand the reason behind this construction. At the four corners are four octagonal pavilions, called chhatris.

#Expertise: Panna Meena Ka Kund is an excellent example of water management and rainwater harvesting techniques. It has recently gained popularity due to various Bollywood movies being shot here.

The most special thing about Panna Meena Ka Kund is that its rooftop offers a beautiful view of the famous Amer Fort. But unfortunately, this stepwell is no longer in use. On the other hand, local boys use it as a playground and for organizing diving and swimming competitions.

Although it is not included in the common tourist itinerary, some guides and tour operators still offer tours to this stepwell

Entry Fee and Timings for Panna Meena Ka Kund in Jaipur 

There is no entry fee to Panna Meena Kund. Like most other places in Amer, except the Amer Fort and Anokhi Museum, entry is free here. You can visit it from sunrise to sunset.

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