Kathgola Stepwell, Murshidabad, West Bengal, India.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/YKiwN1URfSPWPo3C7
Kathgola is the attraction center in Murshidabad which is a huge complex. The entry is made after taking the ticket from the booking window and the first structure is a beautiful stepwell.
It is a rectangular stepwell. Before the stairs there is a beautiful gate with a lion statue above it. There are stairs to reach the water surface.
The water well is also rectangular and this part is a special symbol of Rajput architecture and elegance which is built entirely of brown stones.
The first floor of this pavilion appears to be submerged in water. To reach the pavilion above the surface of the water, narrow balconies with lattice railings of stone have been used, which are supported by stone brackets. It is not allowed to enter the stepwell.
Stone columns are extended to the roof which are basically functional vertical members and decorative elements too. Above the delicately carved arches stone lintel which ties the structure. In between the columns above the lintel finely carved stone lattices and stone beams over which the stone’s hangouts are the structural elements. Rectangular roof is decorated with stone balustrade. Engraving work is purely secular as no religious motifs are carved. At first glance it resembles the Mughal architecture as it was indigenous by adopting the Rajput Architecture.
This monument is an example of excellent and skilled Rajasthani workmanship.
