Toorji Ka Jhalra (Toorji’s Step Well)
Rajasthan · India
Toorji Ka Jhalra, an ancient stepwell built in the 1740s by Maharaja Abhay Singh's consort Queen in Jodhpur, is a testament to the age-old tradition of royal women constructing public water works. The steps are designed to follow the changing levels of water throughout the year, ensuring easy access for all.
Contents
7 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Toorji Ka Jhalra (Toorji’s Step Well)
Welcome to Toorji Ka Jhalra, or Toor-jee's Stepwell, a breathtaking example of 18th-century 'Jal San-rakshan'—water conservation—and one of Jodhpur's most stunning architectural wonders. We are standing in the heart of the old…
Listen in the app2The Architecture of Necessity: Interlocking Stones
As you descend the first few flights of stairs, take a close look at the joints between the stones. One of the most remarkable features of Toorji Ka Jhalra is its 'lithic' construction technique. …
Listen in the app3The Queen's Oversight and the Architect's Dishonesty
There is a fascinating local legend regarding the construction of this Jhalra that speaks to the character of Queen Toorji. It is said that she funded the project entirely from her personal 'Hath-kharch' or allowance, rather than…
Listen in the app4Intelligence Gathering in the Depths
While the primary purpose of the Jhalra was water, it also served a more clandestine function in the medieval city. Look at the small alcoves and shaded platforms built into the side walls, just above the usual water line. …
Listen in the app5The Engineering of Inflow: Ancient Canals
To understand how this well stays filled in a desert, we must look at the hidden engineering of 'Na-laas' or canals. In the 18th century, the Jhalra was part of a sophisticated, interconnected water system that spanned the entire…
Listen in the app6Modern Revitalization and Community Spirit
Today, Toorji Ka Jhalra is a symbol of Jodhpur's 'Punar-ja-gran' or cultural rebirth. For nearly a century, the well was used as a dump site, filled with stagnant water and mountains of trash. …
Listen in the app7Closing
As we conclude our journey through the emerald depths of Toorji Ka Jhalra, take one last look at the symmetrical beauty of its stairs. We have explored the ingenious engineering of the 'Gaj-dhars,' the humanitarian vision of…
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What is Toorji Ka Jhalra (Toorji’s Step Well)?
Toorji Ka Jhalra (Toorji’s Step Well) is a place in Rajasthan · India with 7 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Rajasthan · India |
|---|---|
| Type | Heritage |
| Story sections | 7 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 26.2971, 73.0229 |
| Last updated |
