Have you visited this 1,200-year-old baoli near Nagpur? Credit: Wikimedia/DhirajLinge
A 12th century stepwell in Nagpur‘s Ramtek Temple The complex is a lesser-known historical site in the city and has a unique legend. While stepwells were a common feature in India and served as a source of water for regular consumption and irrigation, it is believed that this stepwell has had the same water level since it was built.
Karpur translates to camphor and baoli means water tank. The stepwell was so named because of the camphor-like smell of the water, which is believed to have medicinal properties. Today, this ruined structure stands at the foot of some small hills, within a forest. The baoli is dedicated to six goddesses: Chamunda, Bhairavi, Ingalaj, Kali, Ranchandi and Kapurta. In fact, a temple dedicated to the goddess Kali stands on the edge of the baoli. There is a colonnaded corridor on three sides, with a partially ruined garbhagriha, which once housed a deity.
Probably built between the 10th and 12th century AD by the Yadava dynasty, today this baoli is a peaceful site, about 1 km from Shri Shantnath Digambar Jain Mandir Ramtek.
Places to see nearby Baoli of Karpur
While exploring the baoli itself will take you an hour, you can also head to the medieval Ramtek Fort, perched atop a hill and offering panoramic views. There is also Khindsi Lake, a tranquil body of water surrounded by greenery, perfect for boating and picnics. For a dose of spirituality, the town of Mansar, about 30 km from Ramtek, boasts ancient temples like the Mansar Devi Temple and the Lakshmi Narayan Temple, which have incredible and intricate architecture that are worth visiting.
Those seeking a deeper connection with India’s heritage can visit Sevagram Ashram, the epicentre of the Indian independence movement, or Deekshabhoomi, an important Buddhist site. 60km from the city is the Adasa Ganpati Temple, which showcases the region’s rich artistic heritage.
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