1857-Era Stepwell Uncovered in Sambhal's Laxman Ganj, Rani Surendra Wala's Grand Daughter Reacts

Sambhal Stepwell: In a remarkable discovery, a 250-foot-deep stepwell from the era of the 1857 revolt has been unearthed in the Laxman Ganj area of Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh. This Sambhal Stepwell, known as Rani ki Bawdi, was revealed during an excavation drive, which also unearthed ruins of an ancient Banke Bihari temple. The stepwell, dating back to the time of the First War of Independence, has piqued local interest, as it was once part of the royal family's estate in Sahaspur.

Granddaughter of Rani Surendra Wala Reacts to the Discovery

Shipra, the granddaughter of Rani Surendra Wala, has shared her memories with ANI about the Sambhal stepwell's connection to her family. She recalls, “This was our farm, farming was done here. There was a stepwell in the fields, inside which rooms were built. People used to rest there during farming time.”

#WATCH | Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh: Rani Surendra Wala's granddaughter Shipra says, "This was our farm, farming was done here. There was a step well in the fields, inside which rooms were built, people used to rest in it during farming time. My father had sold the field to someone,… https://t.co/GPGizmZbBV pic.twitter.com/rJIt7oKDeY

— ANI (@ANI) December 22, 2024

Shipra went on to explain that the family sold the land but kept the stepwell intact. “My father had sold the field to someone, but not the stepwell. We had sold this field to Aneja ji of Badaun, I do not know to whom he sold it. We are five sisters, if we get it, we will preserve it. If the government wants to keep it, then we have no problem,” she added.

Excavation Brings a Hidden Treasure to Light

The stepwell’s story began with a letter from Kaushal Kishore, a representative of the Sanatan Sevak Sangh, to District Magistrate Rajendra Pensia. Kishore highlighted historical records suggesting that Laxman Ganj once housed the royal family of Sahaspur and a stepwell of immense significance. Acting promptly, the DM authorised a survey, leading to the deployment of bulldozers to uncover the site.

Uttar Pradesh: Excavation team unearths old stepwell in Sambhal

Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/Onirh6I6Cd#Sambhal #Excavation #Stepwell pic.twitter.com/lwWSpUp0Z1

— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) December 22, 2024

As the digging progressed, layers of history were revealed. Beneath the soil lay the remnants of a two-story structure and the famed Rani ki Baori, beautifully preserved. Officials confirmed its historical authenticity, noting that its construction aligns with the timeline of the First War of Independence in 1857.

Linking Past and Present

Interestingly, this discovery follows closely on the heels of another major finding in Sambhal—the reopening of the Kartikeya Temple, locked since 1978 due to communal tensions. Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) experts conducted carbon dating at the temple and nearby pilgrimage sites, such as Bhadrak Ashram and Chakrapani, further deepening the historical intrigue.

Preserving Sambhal’s Heritage

Authorities are now focused on safeguarding these sites for future generations. Encroachments near the stepwell are being addressed, with notices issued to affected families. The DM emphasised the importance of preserving this piece of history while ensuring fair treatment of residents.