Diving into the Stepped Well Photo

Photographer’s Note

Rajon ki Baoli is not a must-see in the itinerary of the average back-packeror tourist to Delhi but for the odd wayward traveller who chances upon this early 16th century step-well, the experience is worth the effort.

Situated amidst the desolation of the Mehrauli Archaeological Park, the pale pink baoli is grandeur in lime and stone, its robust square stone steps, surrounded by arched pavilions, leading down to a dank, shadowy central receptacle. "It has an extraordinary appearance," says Bashruddin Ahmed in his early 20th century account, Waqayat-e-Darool Haqumat Dehli. "It almost seems," he writes, "that the masons—or ‘rajon’ from whom the baoli gets its name—have been sitting there till a while ago, and have just left." Of the original four storeys, only three are visible now, the other lost to constant siltation.

Baoli or ‘bai’, as they are sometimes locally called, are often too commonplace to excite curiosity. The word baoli derives from the Persian root word 'baori',
meaning a large well. Their primary function across the ages has been to preserve water and act as resting places through the hot and sultry summer months, at a time when even all-powerful emperors like Muhammad bin Tughlaq or later Akbar carried Ganges water for consumption during their jaunts since water found elsewhere was often not potable. These considerations might have weighed on his mind when Daulat Khan Lodhi constructed Rajon ki Baoli sometime in 1506, during the reign of Sikandar Lodhi. The baoli was used by masons for some time. Hence, it got its name as Rajon Ki Baoli.

In his account, Bashruddin Ahmed mentions that 56 steps led down to the central reservoir, while nine more steps could be discerned under the crystal clear water.

Today’s Rajon ki Baoli is very different from Ahmed’s days. But after enduring years of neglect, its cause has recently been taken up by the Delhi chapter of The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH). In the olden days, these baolis supplied drinking water to the area.

When I visited this Baoli with Meneer Dennis , who I had the privilege of accompanying for some photoshoot that day, I found the well, occupied by a group of young men bathing. Decided against a crop here, since the environment & surroundings is IMO important here...otherwise it becomes just another 'jump' photo! What do you feel?

Budapestman, fanni, Dpbours, avene, papagolf21, dareco, dip, John_F_Kennedy, Gerrit, josepmarin, AiresSantos, pablominto, Kielia, pierrefonds has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

jasmis (49633) 2009-06-04 1:33

Wow. That's great. Someting really amazing. Photo of a day, no doubt. There is something mysterious here. Superb mood, splendid photo.

Regards my dear friend.

Budapestman (40962) 2009-06-04 1:52

Dear Angshu,
A photo composed wonderfully with superb timing. I like the special atmosphere and the attractive architectural details, superb shot. Tfs! Have a nice day!
George

fanni (8711) 2009-06-04 2:28

Hello Angshu,
the capture is really VERY impressive: both by its colours and the excellent timing! In many ways it reminds me of some computer games (because of the scenery?)
This photo makes double (almost ambivament) impression: it looks both a bit scary/mysterious and curious at the same time. In any case, I like such emotional shots :)
Very best regards,
Elena

Dpbours (210) 2009-06-04 3:21

Hello Angshu,

Yes, that does bring back some memories!!! I still need to do some more post processing here. But the skies were not very favourable that day and the stitching does not look all that good... But your jump here is very nice!

Meneer Dennis ;-)

papagolf21 (55956) 2009-06-04 5:06

Bonjour, mon ami Angshu,
Il semble bien difficile de ne pas se répéter tant tes photographies sont belles, et les superlatifs viennent tout naturellement !
Encore une réussite !
Bravo !
amitiés.
Philippe

avene (10870) 2009-06-04 5:45

hello Angshuman,
your timing was perfect, the swimmer has been captures just in the right moment. somewhat surreal shot, so dark and somber, even menacing.
something seems to be off with the focus, and I seem to detect some colour noise, especially in yhe dark areas, although I see that you had only ISO 100. or may be my eyes are still not awake :)

best,
Kristine

Bartleby (4662) 2009-06-04 9:04

Yes Anghsu,
of course the surroundings are definitely part of the picture here. I couldn't agree more. The diver is merely the icing on the cake here. Interesting place indeed! The chosen POV enhances the perspective and the impressive effect. Besides, it's true there's a feeling of mystery coming out from your picture. I like that.

Take care,

Philippe

pauloog (6278) 2009-06-04 13:16

Hello Angshu,
The dark colours and the dark water create an unwelcoming atmosphere, that however springs to life with the boy included at just the right moment.
Regards,
Paul

bukitgolfb301 (4425) 2009-06-04 13:51

Hello my dear Prof. Angshuman

Unique shot and different photo from your usual ones
Framework, color and timing are perfect.
I total dark tone red pants makes a good accent.
Congratulation on your supper job!

Thanks for sharing and best regards,
Takero

dareco (17024) 2009-06-04 15:58

Very good timing and extremely nice detail. Great pov. TFS

Graal (57268) 2009-06-04 23:02

Hi Angshuman,
amazing scene and interesting scenery. Good note and remembrance of Your meeting with Dennis. Good shot.
Gr., Aleksander

dip (12408) 2009-06-05 1:32

Hi Angshu,
beautiful shot of the place with very good point of view and timing!
well done,
Greetings,
Dimitris.

John_F_Kennedy (30629) 2009-06-05 4:17

Beautiful building and good details here. Nice colours for a shot in the shadow, good sharpness and perspective. And the bathing man is a great addition
Best wishes,
Achim

rajiv_077 (1353) 2009-06-05 7:03

Hi Dear

Fantastic picture, love the compo and the action, the boy looks good, and it looks like he is standing with hand.

A good shot indeed.

thanks

rajiv

Gerrit (35463) 2009-06-05 7:58

Hi Angshu,
a fine piece of architecture and an excellent capture and view.
Hardly an ideal place for a dive though, looking at all the litter in the water.
Regards, Gerrit

josepmarin (33577) 2009-06-05 9:00

Hi Angshuman,
I agree, this environment does that this photo is different, and it is not a classic "jump shot".
The man who has thrown towards the water in the middle of this architecture adds a great dynamism and a touch of color to the image.
A very interesting note, as usual.
Excellent work, my friend.
Best regards,
Josep

jafadabret (38927) 2009-06-05 23:31

Hello Angshu.
C'est une ambiance un peu surréaliste que traduit cette photo.
Ce jeune baigneur semble plonger dans l'Histoire pour remonter le temps.
Beau travail dans des conditions difficiles !
Jacques

AiresSantos (41322) 2009-06-06 6:46

Hi Angshu
Fine capture, just in the moment !
Is this junp dangerous ?
Good POV and details
Have a nice weekend
Aires

pablominto (39918) 2009-06-06 23:54

Hello Angshu,

Amazing action in this mysterious place!
The low light adds to the atmosphere, interesting details in the stairs and the three arches...
The situation is well framed and the moment is nicely captured!

Greetings,
Pablo -

marietom (31772) 2009-06-07 13:25

hello Angshu,

excellente composition, avec ce plongeur bien courageux !
Bonne soirée
marie

Kielia (8183) 2009-06-08 11:32

Hi Angshuman,
I must admit that the scenery does not look very pleasant for me but it is a brilliant composition and you were right when you decided against cropping it. Very interesting place. Your informative note gives me an excellent idea of the Baoli. An impression in the best spirit of TE. TFS!
Warm regards
Harriet

Waylim (10717) 2009-06-08 18:38

Sabaidee Angshu,
At a glance it looks kind of refreshing to see the man diving into a pool of lake, than, at closer look, the water is rather polutted. It is sad to see. But it is the way of life there and that always been that way, so for him, it is a nice time. A shot at a very good moment. Rich colors with low light, yet still sharp and clear with nice details of the stone walls. Thanks.
Way

pierrefonds (25915) 2009-06-09 4:47

Hi Angshuman,

A good capture of the action of the man diving in the well. The walls are framing well the stepped well. The point of view is showing the details and colors of the structure surrounding the well. There is a good ciontrast between the colors. Have a nice day.

Pierre

Bluejeans (31553) 2009-06-09 5:39

Ola Angshuman ,
Que bela cena com este homem em pleno voou , lindos detalhes de arquitectura , bonitas as texturas das paredes,parabéns !!!
Um abraço Gonçalo

BennyV (4490) 2009-07-07 5:03

Hello Angshu,

Just a quick note before I'm off on my summer recess (no computers in sight there). Excellent timing on this shot and great...depth! Keep your shots coming. I'll be back. Now it's my turn to be...

an odd wayward traveller.

Benny

prayash (156) 2009-08-15 23:18