Panna Meena ka Kund

Panna Meena ka Kund Jaipur is an eight storey step well located close to Jaipur-Amer road near the Anokhi Museum.
Also known as Panna Mian Ki Baoli, the step well was built in sixteenth century. It is one of the most visited tourist spots in and around Jaipur. This beautiful well has a unique architecture with criss-cross steps arranged on three sides with small niches created into the walls. The fourth side has a multi-storeyed balcony. The doorways are located at a lower level and one can find octagonal gazebos here which make this place quite attractive. According to the local residents, it is impossible for a person to use the same stairs to get down and go upstairs. It is one of the mysteries of the place and all the tourists visiting here try doing this.
The beauty of the place can be best seen during rainy season. Thousands of the tourists visit this place to explore its beauty and unique style. It is a great place to sit and spend some time in the evenings.

History of Panna Meena ka Kund
There is no confirmed history or record on how this Baori came to be called Panna Meena or Panna Mian Kund. As per the local legend, during the reign of Maharajah Jai Singh, a eunuch named Panna Miah served in the royal court of Amer Fort and some believe that he was instrumental in constructing this stepwell. It is believed that it dates back to the 16th century. There is yet another theory that it was built by the locals Meenas who were original residents of Amer before Rajputs arrived during 10-11th century. Locals believe that Panna Meena was a brave warrior and this stepwell was built in his remembrance.

Some sources have mentioned that it is in Panna Meena Kund that Rajputs killed Meena chiefs who ruled Amer and thereby came to control this town. None of the popular history books mentions this. What we do know is that before 11 century it was Meenas who ruled Amer. It is unlikely that Panna Meena Kund dates before the 11th century. In the absence of records, people add their own versions and stories. The fact is we know very little about its history.

The Architecture of Panna Meena ka Kund
The current structure is 400 years old built by Maharaja Jai Singh designed by a Brahmin and constructed by craftsmen and engineers. The well was originally built to do water harvesting during the rainy season. It was once a source of water for nearby locals, especially during the dry summers when piped water didn’t exist. Panna meena ka kund has served its purpose for many centuries. It was also utilized as a place of social meetings. The people of the community residing around it, especially women come here to gather, relax and sit on the multiple levels of the stairwell to exchange local news and gossip.

The current structure is 400 years old built by Maharaja Jai Singh designed by a Brahmin and constructed by craftsmen and engineers. The well was originally built to do water harvesting during the rainy season. It was once a source of water for nearby locals, especially during the dry summers when piped water didn’t exist. Panna meena ka kund has served its purpose for many centuries. It was also utilized as a place of social meetings. The people of the community residing around it, especially women come here to gather, relax and sit on the multiple levels of the stairwell to exchange local news and gossip.