One of the traditional spaces where one can find many recreation opportunities is Kund.
Kund or Stepped ponds are certainly one of India\’s most unusual, but little-known, contributions to architecture. They influenced many other structures in Indian architecture, especially many that incorporate water into their design.
Stepped ponds are very similar to stepwells in terms of purpose but it is important to recognize the difference between these two types of structures. For example, stepped ponds were always built to accompany a nearby temple while stepwells were positioned away from noisy sites and future tourist attractions While stepwells are dark and barely visible from the surface, stepped ponds are illuminated by the light from the sun. Also, stepwells are quite linear in design compared to the rectangular shape of stepped ponds.
Stepped ponds, from religious point of view, serve the purpose of purification of the person going to perform rituals, however in today\’s context, it serves to provide an active space for people to interact as they perform bathing activities and also share their stories and mythologies that revolve around their religion.
One of such sites is the Panna Meena ka Kund or baoli. Situated on Jaipur-Amer road near Anokhi museum, this ancient stepwell is a unique architectural wonder of India. The stepwell was built during the reign of Maharaja Jai Singh in the 16th century and was designed by a Brahmin (Hindu caste). It was constructed in an ancient way to do water harvesting during rainy season. According to the locals of this area, it has the most extraordinary architectural style. The stairs that are used to go down cannot be used again to go upstairs. Only locals can do this as they are habituated to it. The astonishing sight of this stepwell leaves everyone amazed because of its unusual symmetrical style of staircases, which are geometrical in shape but organised in a unique crisscross way. Octagonal shaped pieces have been used in the deep core of the stepwell and terrace on two floors. The most pleasant time to visit this place is during the monsoons as one can experience the bliss of nature within the complex. One can also visit the place during summer season when the water in the pool keeps the complex cool.
This place serves a beautiful space for visual recreation as well as social interaction. Surrounded by men, women and children, the voices of people chanting prayers provide a charming and spiritual setting for recreation.
This unique heritage place has its own charm and attraction with a beautiful contrast of nature and architecture. Panna Meena stepwell stands with its unique styling, scoring a large number of tourists to admire this amazing eight storied staircase architecture. The terrace gives a splendid view of the beautiful Amer Fort, a gem of Jaipur. This place is a perfect sight to halt for photography, as well, which itself is recreational.
