Panna Meena Ka Kund is one of the best-restored stepwell or Baori in Jaipur. Panna Meena Ka Kund is also called Panna Mian Kund, Panna Meena Baori, Panna Meena Bawri. Chand Baori, a stepwell on Jaipur- Agra highway gets all the limelight because of its massive size and history, but it is a 100 km drive from Jaipur. Panna Meena Kund, on the other hand, is accessible to all since it is in Amer town near Jaipur.
Panna Meena Kund is located in Amer town. Amer Fort is what brings tourists to the Amer town. Most tourists end up visiting only Amer Fort and thereby missing many other places to explore in this historic town. It is situated close to Anokhi Museum near the Kheri gate in Amer town.
History of Panna Meena ka Kund
There is no confirmed history or record on how this Baori came to be called Panna Meena or Panna Mian Kund. As per the local legend, during the reign of Maharajah Jai Singh, a eunuch named Panna Miah served in the royal court of Amer Fort and some believe that he was instrumental in constructing this stepwell. It is believed that it dates back to the 16th century. There is yet another theory according to which it was built by the locals Meenas who were original residents of Amer before Rajputs arrived during the 10-11th century. Locals believe that Panna Meena was a brave warrior and this stepwell was built in his remembrance.
Some sources have mentioned that it is in Panna Meena Kund that Rajputs killed Meena chiefs who ruled Amer and thereby came to control this town. None of the popular history books mentions this. What we do know is that before 11 century it was Meenas who ruled Amer. It is unlikely that Panna Meena Kund dates before the 11th century. In the absence of records, people add their own versions and stories. The fact is we know very little about its history.
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