New Delhi : Residents in the capital’s Nizamuddin area are only too aware of the deep well in their midst, but were amazed to find that the 800-year-old baoli with seven streams was found to be connected with a passage that was blocked over the years. The blocked passage came to light when archaeologists were carrying out conservation work at the well near the Nizamuddin dargah in south Delhi.

Archaeologists said the blocked passage may have been used by Sufi saint Nizamuddin Auliya, who had constructed the well in 1321-22, to access it from the nearby dargah.

 

The water of the well, which is the only baoli in Delhi with underground springs, is considered holy by pilgrims, Ratish Nanda, Project Director of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, said.

 

The conservation works at the baoli are being carried out by the Archaeological Survey of India, Aga Khan Trust for Culture in partnership with CPWD and Delhi civic body.

 

Repair work and strengthening masonry is expected to be completed by August 2009. A filtration system will also be put in place to ensure the water is rid of impurities.