Step wall from Mughal period still exists in Pakistan

Islamabad, Feb 9 (ANI): One of the Mughal era's architectural constructions, a step wall from that period, still exists in a well preserved condition, in Pakistan.

According to a report in The News International, the step wall, called as the 'Losar Baoli', is located among the Margalla Hills at Shah Allah Ditta, in the Potohar plateau.

Potohar plateau is the area which was the home of the Soan Civilization, which is evidenced by the discovery of fossils, tools, coins, and remains of ancient archaeological sites ranging from Stone Age to the Mughal architectural remains.

Being situated in the rich Potohar plateau, Margalla hills also preserves various remains of history which though lost their original shape, yet maintain the glory of the past kings and emperors.

The 'Losar Baoli', situated right upward the caves at Shah Allah Ditta, is thought to be constructed by Sher Shah Suri in order to facilitate the caravans moving towards Kabul via Taxila.

The traces of an old passage (darrah) are still found in its dilapidated condition, starting almost 100 feet upward from Shah Allah Ditta caves towards Girri (Taxila).

According to archeologists, this passage was regularly used by the Mughals and before that for the purpose of trade and other purposes.

Along with this old passage, a step well (Losar Baoli) constructed in grey limestone still exists.

The blocks, known as dressed blocks, are used in the construction of the step well in order to ensure its durability.

The width of the well is about six to eight feet while the steps of the well are still in their original shape.

Quoting famous archeologist Dr Dani, archeologist Ansar Ahmed said that the step wells were usually constructed during the regime of Sher Shah Suri, who in order to facilitate the caravans, used to construct these wells at the distance of almost 10 kilometers in a passage.

"He not only used to construct wells but also a mosque and an inn (Saraai) for the passengers so that they could continue their journey with comfort," said Ahmed.

Ahmed pointed out that there were traces of step wells, mosques and inn in the way of Peshawar and Lahore and they are situated almost at the distance of 10 kilometers.

"There were several step wells either in their good or bad shape along with the trunk road," he said.

According to Ahmed, although there were no traces found of any mosque or inn near the 'Losar Baoli' of Shah Allah Ditta, yet its relevance to Sher Shah Suri could not be denied. (ANI)