The event took place at Mandawa Castle in Jhunjhunu. Diya Kumari said the BJP-led government, under Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, remains committed to heritage conservation.

The state has already identified over 600 havelis with historic value. Officials have also mapped clusters with dense heritage assets. The government plans to submit a formal proposal to UNESCO seeking protection status for these structures.

Rajasthan already has nine UNESCO-listed heritage sites. It also leads Indian states in the number of protected monuments. Diya Kumari expressed confidence that UNESCO would recognise the importance of preserving havelis.

She acknowledged limits to government action since many havelis are privately owned. The administration cannot force owners but continues awareness campaigns. Authorities also intervene if owners attempt to alter original architectural features.

The government encourages adaptive reuse of havelis. Many could function as homestays, museums, or cultural centres. Such use may ensure maintenance while preserving original character. The initiative aims to balance development with heritage conservation.

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Historical records credit its construction to King Chand of the Nikumbh dynasty during the 8th or 9th century. However, local folklore tells a different story. Villagers believe supernatural beings built the massive structure in a single night.

The stepwell features around 1,300 steps arranged in precise geometric patterns. It reaches a depth of nearly 19.5 meters. Visitors often describe it as a maze because the stairs look identical from every angle.

Locals also share eerie tales of a wedding procession that entered the stepwell and never returned. Historians dismiss the story as myth, yet it fuels curiosity among tourists. Another belief says moonlight makes the stepwell glow on full-moon nights.

The Archaeological Survey of India maintains the site today. Entry remains open only from sunrise to sunset. Nearby, the Harshat Mata Temple adds to the area’s cultural appeal.

Chand Baori attracts thousands of visitors each year from India and abroad.

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