Chand Baori stepwell, Abhaneri, Rajasthan, India.

Chand Baori consists of 3,500 symmetrical narrow steps over 13 stories. It extends approximately 30 m into the ground, making it one of the deepest and largest stepwells in India. It was built to preserve water and provide relief from the intense heat in Rajasthan. The oldest parts date from the 8th century AD, the palace building and upper stories with the columned arcade from the 18th century were later additions.

Many of these stepwells, including Chand Baori, served multiple purposes including preservation and drawing of water and religious or ceremonial activities. In addition, the communal aspects are important, as people met and rested in the shadow at the bottom of the stepwell, where temperatures are some 5-6 degrees below the often sweltering heat above.