Khookha Baoli (stepwell) located in village Khookha, in the surrounding area of Rohtas Fort near Dina, is a monument of wartime engineering, which is worth preserving.

Such wells constructed alongside the main pathways not only cater to the needs of residents and travellers between Kabul and Dehli but also make it convenient for the horse riders to take their horses directly to the water table of the well and let them quench their thirst. It is believed that this was constructed during the Mughal era.

Chaudhry Mohammad Ashraf, retired chief secretary of the Azad Jammu Kashmir government, told Dawn that in some areas, like Mianwali, these wells were also called ‘Wahan’ in the local dialect.

Another ‘baoli’ still exists between Mandra and Gujar Khan towns on GT Road and the spot is known as the ‘Baoli Hotel’. According to Chaudhry Mohammad Ashraf, a mega-sized baoli (stepwell) was constructed by Emperor Akbar in Gujrat as a fulfillment of the promise made by his father, Emperor Humayun to the locals. According to Mr Ashraf, due to littering, this could not be excavated and retrieved in its original shape.

A smaller stepwell also existed near Ghazanabad village alongside the Kallar-Rawat road, but in the past, it was filled with earth by the neighbouring land grabbers. The residents of the area urged the commissioner to order its excavation. ‘Khookha Baoli’ in the surrounding area of Rohtas is quite intact, except for a portion of its retaining wall that needs timely repair.

The wide staircase leading through three majestic archways towards the cool and clean water springs is a testament to its “past glory”. The wide round well is also intact despite neglect from the authorities.

Meesam Abbas, the deputy commissioner of the Jhelum district, assured that the authorities would be directed for the preservation of this archaeological site.

Muhammad Irfan, the sub-divisional officer of the archaeology department, posted at Rohtas Fort, said that a thorough study of the site had been conducted by a team of engineers and a report was being forwarded to the higher authorities to include ‘Khookha Baoli’ in the list of ‘protected’ sites. The officer also said that the surrounding area would be converted into a park for visitors.

Published in Dawn, January 20th, 2025