Sambhal's District Magistrate, Rajendra Pensiya, confirmed the unearthing of the 'baoli', covering an area of approximately 400 square meters. The structure comprises around four chambers, with the second and third floors constructed from marble, while the upper levels are made of bricks. The stepwell is believed to have been built during the era of the grandfather of Bilari's king, indicating its historical significance.
The excavation commenced after a public meeting brought the matter to the attention of local authorities. The structure was found fully covered in mud, prompting the Nagar Palika team to initiate the removal of topsoil. Currently, only 210 square meters of the stepwell are exposed, with the remaining portion still under encroachment. District Magistrate Pensiya stated that actions will be taken to remove these encroachments to fully reveal and restore the structure.
Krishna Kumar Sonkar, Executive Officer of the Municipal Corporation, mentioned that excavation work began promptly upon receiving information about the underground structure. He emphasized the commitment to restore the stepwell and explore its full extent, highlighting the cultural and historical value such structures add to the region.
This discovery follows the reopening of the Shiv-Hanuman temple in Sambhal, which had been closed since 1978. The temple was uncovered during an anti-encroachment drive by the district police and administration. Upon its reopening, traditional rituals resumed, with morning 'aarti' performed amidst heavy security. The rediscovery of the temple has been met with enthusiasm from the local Hindu community, who expressed happiness over the restoration of their place of worship.
The temple's closure had been attributed to the absence of a resident priest and the encroachment of surrounding structures over the years. Its reopening involved significant efforts from the administration, including cleaning the premises, restoring electricity connections, and installing CCTV cameras for security. Local leaders, such as BJP's Geeta Pradhan, have lauded the efforts, noting the temple's significance to the community and the successful removal of encroachments that had concealed it for decades.
In addition to the Shiv-Hanuman temple, another abandoned temple dedicated to Radha-Krishna was discovered and reopened in Sambhal's Sarai Tarin area. This temple, located in a predominantly Muslim locality, had been abandoned after the migration of Hindu families from the area. Upon receiving information, the police reopened the temple, finding idols of Lord Krishna, Goddess Radha, and Lord Hanuman. The administration has since launched cleaning and restoration efforts at the site.
These developments have sparked a renewed interest in the historical and cultural heritage of Sambhal district. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has been actively involved in surveying and excavating various sites in the region. Recently, a four-member ASI team conducted surveys and carbon dating at the Kalki Vishnu temple and other Hindu pilgrimage sites in Sambhal, covering approximately 24 areas over an 8-10 hour inspection.
The discovery of the stepwell and the reopening of ancient temples underscore the rich cultural tapestry of Uttar Pradesh. These efforts not only preserve historical structures but also revive the spiritual and communal life associated with them. As restoration and excavation activities continue, there is optimism that more such historical treasures will come to light, offering deeper insights into the region's past.
The local administration has expressed its commitment to preserving these sites, ensuring they are protected from future encroachments and degradation. Community involvement is also being encouraged to maintain the sanctity and cleanliness of these heritage sites. The collaborative efforts between the authorities and the local populace aim to safeguard Sambhal's historical legacy for future generations.
As excavation work progresses at the stepwell in Chandausi, authorities are optimistic about uncovering its full structure and potentially discovering additional historical artifacts. The restoration of such sites is expected to boost local tourism, providing economic benefits to the region while educating visitors about its rich cultural heritage.