Ahmednagar | July 16 | Reporter
The historic water architecture known as ‘Hatti Barav’, located near Darewadi-Nimbodi along the Nagar–Jamkhed road, is edging closer to being declared a nationally protected monument. On July 14, District Collector Dr. Pankaj Ashiya personally visited the site to inspect the structure and review its historical and administrative significance. Accompanying him were Tehsildar Sanjay Shinde, Talathi Suresh Yevle, ASI representative Sandeep Hapse, MIRC Subedar Dattaji Gawade, and heritage enthusiast Suraj Kapale from Nagar Trekkers.
‘Hatti Barav’ is believed to have been built during the Nizamshahi era by engineer Salabat Khan II. The stepwell spans a square structure measuring 90×90 feet and follows the Vijaya design — characterized by stairways on all four sides. During the monsoon, the well can hold up to 1.75 crore (17.5 million) liters of water. Through ancient terracotta pipelines, this water was once supplied to the distant Farahbaksh Mahal, 2 kilometers away.
The site is also historically documented in British records under the title “Bhandara Water Scheme” and holds strategic importance as it lies along the ancient trade route connecting Junnar–Naneghat to Ahmednagar, Paithan, and Ter. In addition to the main well, the site includes features such as a pulley-drawing pavilion (Mote Mandap), water chambers, deity alcoves (Devasthak), and step approaches from all four directions.
The district administration has already secured No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the local gram panchayat, forest department, and military authorities. The remaining formalities include obtaining a NOC from the Public Works Department (PWD) and officially registering the name ‘Hatti Barav’ in the land records. Dr. Ashiya has approved the administrative proposal and initiated further procedures in coordination with the ASI Aurangabad Circle.
If designated, ‘Hatti Barav’ will become Ahmednagar district’s first national monument post-Independence. Currently, the Aurangabad (Sambhajinagar) Circle has 75 national monuments, with 29 located in Ahmednagar — all notified during British rule.
Declaring this site a national monument will not only protect a vital part of regional heritage but also encourage public awareness and participation in heritage conservation. Nagar Trekkers and local historians have urged the public to visit and support the preservation of this unique stepwell.