Zafar Baoli Stepwell

Last updated: September 04, 2026

The Historic Stepwell of Khammam Fort | Kakatiya-Period Heritage

Kakatiya-Period Heritage · Fort Traditionally Dated to 950 CE · Historic Stepwell · 60 ft Length · Later Renovated by Zafar-ud-doula · Restored in 2024

Zafar Baoli — the historic stepwell of Khammam Fort. Photo: Telangana Today Zafar Baoli (also known as Zafar Bowli) is a historic stepwell located inside Khammam Fort in Telangana, India. The well is associated with the Kakatiya period, while the fort itself is traditionally dated to 950 CE. The exact year in which the existing stepwell was constructed is not securely established by a contemporary inscription. During the Asaf Jahi period, the well was renovated by Zafar-ud-doula, after whom it became known as Zafar Bowli. Earlier reports gave differing measurements for the structure; later reporting following restoration described it as approximately 60 feet long, 60 feet wide and 70 feet deep. The well once served as an important water source for the fort and surrounding inhabitants and later fell into neglect, becoming filled with silt and garbage. A major restoration project was completed and the renovated well was inaugurated in February 2024, giving new attention to this important piece of Khammam's historic water infrastructure.

KakatiyaPeriod Association

60 ftReported Length

60 ftLater Reported Width

70 ftLater Reported Depth

950 CEFort Traditionally Dated

Zafar-ud-doulaAsaf Jahi Renovation

₹61.80 LakhReported Restoration Cost

2024Restoration Inaugurated

I. Kakatiya Origins – A Historic Water Source

Zafar Baoli is associated with the Kakatiya-period history of Khammam Fort, whose origins are traditionally dated to 950 CE.

A Fortress Water Source

Zafar Baoli is a historic stepwell located on the southern side of Khammam Fort. The fort is traditionally dated to 950 CE and is associated with the Kakatiya period. However, the date of construction of the existing Zafar Baoli itself is not securely established. It is therefore more accurate to describe the well as a historic or Kakatiya-period water structure rather than state that it was definitively constructed in 950 CE.

            The well illustrates the importance of water management in a fortified settlement. Water storage and access were essential to the survival of fort communities, particularly during periods when access to outside water sources could be restricted.
        

II. Asaf Jahi Renovation – The Zafar-ud-doula Connection

The well was later renovated during the Asaf Jahi period by Zafar-ud-doula, after whom it became known as Zafar Bowli.

The Zafar-ud-doula Connection

During the Asaf Jahi period, the historic well was renovated by Zafar-ud-doula, a taluqdar associated with Khammam. It was subsequently known as Zafar Bowli. Some secondary accounts have also connected the wider development of Khammam Fort with French engineers working under the Nizams, but the available evidence does not establish the precise role of French engineers in the renovation of Zafar Baoli itself.

            The later Asaf Jahi intervention demonstrates that the well continued to have practical importance after the Kakatiya period. The name Zafar Bowli itself preserves the memory of this later phase of the site's history.
        

III. Decline and Neglect – From Water Source to Dumping Ground

After falling out of regular use, the historic well deteriorated and became filled with silt and garbage.

A Heritage at Risk

Over time, Zafar Baoli fell into neglect. Reports before restoration described the well as being filled with silt and garbage, substantially reducing its historic and practical value. The condition illustrated the broader challenges faced by historic water structures after they cease to serve their original purpose.

            The deterioration of Zafar Baoli highlights the importance of preserving historic water-management structures. Such sites provide evidence not only of architecture but also of how earlier communities supplied and managed water within fortified settlements.
        

IV. Restoration Efforts – A New Chapter for Zafar Baoli

A major restoration project cleaned and conserved Zafar Baoli, and the renovated well was inaugurated in February 2024.

A Restored Heritage Structure

The restoration of Zafar Baoli was undertaken as part of efforts to improve the heritage value of Khammam Fort. Reports stated that restoration work began in April 2023 and included the removal of accumulated silt and garbage. Two 7-HP motors were reportedly used for pumping, while workers spent weeks cleaning the well. The restoration was reported to have cost approximately ₹61.80 lakh.

            The renovated Zafar Baoli was inaugurated in February 2024. The restoration sought to improve the site for visitors while retaining its historic character and structure. This means the well should no longer be described as an "ongoing restoration" project based solely on the earlier 2023 reports.
        

V. Missing Historical Details & Controversies – The Unfinished Debate

Although Zafar Baoli's historical importance is well established, several details about its original construction and later development remain uncertain.

The Exact Date of Construction

Zafar Baoli is sometimes described as a 950 CE or 13th-century structure, but neither description is securely established for the existing well by a contemporary inscription or definitive documentary evidence.

What is important: The 950 CE date belongs to the traditional dating of Khammam Fort. The available evidence supports describing Zafar Baoli as a historic well associated with the Kakatiya-period fort, rather than assigning the well itself a precise construction year without qualification.

            Sources: Khammam district government information, historical reporting and heritage accounts.
        

The Extent of French Involvement

The French connection is mentioned in some accounts of the later development of Khammam Fort and Zafar Baoli, but the specific role of French engineers in the well's renovation is not securely documented.

What is important: The stronger historical evidence identifies Zafar-ud-doula with the Asaf Jahi-period renovation of the well. Claims about French engineering involvement should therefore be presented as a secondary tradition or report rather than an established fact.

Sources: Telangana heritage reporting and secondary historical accounts.

The Dimensions of Zafar Baoli

Published reports do not give completely consistent measurements for the well. Earlier reporting described dimensions of approximately 60 feet by 20 feet by 60 feet, while later reporting following restoration gave approximately 60 feet long, 60 feet wide and 70 feet deep.

What is important: Because the published measurements differ substantially, the dimensions should be treated as reported measurements rather than definitive archaeological specifications unless an official archaeological survey is cited.

            Editorial note: This article uses the later reported measurements while explicitly acknowledging the discrepancy.
        

The Restoration – What Changed

The restoration announced in 2023 was subsequently completed, and the renovated well was inaugurated in February 2024. Reports place the restoration expenditure at approximately ₹61.80 lakh.

What is important: Older versions of this article described the project as ongoing. That wording is now outdated. The appropriate description is that the well was restored and reopened/inaugurated in 2024, subject to current visitor-access arrangements.

Sources: Telangana Today and subsequent reports on the completed restoration.

Chronology & Milestones

950 CE – Khammam Fort is traditionally dated to this period; this date should not be treated as the confirmed construction date of Zafar Baoli itself.

Kakatiya Period – Khammam Fort and its historic water infrastructure are associated with the Kakatiya period.

Asaf Jahi Period – The historic well was renovated by Zafar-ud-doula and became known as Zafar Bowli.

Late 20th–Early 21st Century – The well deteriorated and became filled with silt and garbage.

April 2023 – Major restoration work was reported to have begun at Zafar Baoli.

2023–2024 – Silt and garbage were removed and restoration work was carried out.

February 2024 – The renovated Zafar Baoli was inaugurated.

Key Facts – Zafar Baoli

Location: Khammam Fort, Khammam, Telangana

Historical Association: Kakatiya Period

Fort Date: Traditionally dated to 950 CE

Well Date: Not precisely established

Reported Length: 60 feet

Later Reported Width: 60 feet

Later Reported Depth: 70 feet

Later Renovation: Zafar-ud-doula, Asaf Jahi Period

Restoration Cost: Approximately ₹61.80 lakh

Restored: 2024

Places Associated with Zafar Baoli

Key Locations

Khammam Fort – The historic fortress where Zafar Baoli is located. The fort is traditionally dated to 950 CE and has strong associations with the Kakatiya and later Asaf Jahi periods.

Southern Part of Khammam Fort – The reported location of Zafar Baoli within the fort complex.

Khammam – The district headquarters and the urban centre surrounding the fort.

Visitor Information – Zafar Baoli

Timings & Entry

Address: Khammam Fort, Khammam, Telangana.
Access: Current access to the restored Zafar Baoli should be confirmed locally before visiting.
Restoration Status: Major restoration completed and inaugurated in February 2024.
Best Season: October–March, when Hyderabad/Telangana weather is generally more pleasant.
Entry Fee: No reliable current Zafar Baoli-specific fee information was identified; confirm locally before visiting.

How to Reach

By road: Khammam is well connected by road with Hyderabad, Warangal and Vijayawada.
By rail: Khammam Railway Station provides rail access to the city and is a short local journey from the fort area.
By air: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad is the nearest major commercial airport.
Local transport: Autos, taxis and local transport are available from Khammam town to the fort.

Tips for Visitors

Combine your visit to Zafar Baoli with a tour of the wider Khammam Fort complex.
Respect the restored heritage structure and do not enter restricted areas.
Confirm current photography and access rules locally, especially if conservation work or security restrictions are in place.
Wear comfortable footwear because the fort complex includes uneven surfaces and historic masonry.

        Insider tip: Zafar Baoli is located in the southern part of the fort complex. Because visitor arrangements can change, ask the local heritage staff or guide for the current route and access conditions to the restored well.
    

Summary – A Historic Water Structure of Khammam Fort

Zafar Baoli is a historic stepwell inside Khammam Fort in Telangana. The well is associated with the Kakatiya period, while the fort itself is traditionally dated to 950 CE. The exact construction date of Zafar Baoli is not securely established, so it should not be described as definitively built in 950 CE or specifically as a 13th-century structure without qualification.

During the Asaf Jahi period, the well was renovated by Zafar-ud-doula, after whom it became known as Zafar Bowli. Some secondary accounts mention French involvement in the wider development of Khammam Fort, but the specific role of French engineers in renovating the well is not sufficiently documented to state as established fact.

After years of neglect, Zafar Baoli became filled with silt and garbage. A major restoration project began in April 2023, and reports placed the cost at approximately ₹61.80 lakh. The renovated well was inaugurated in February 2024. Today, Zafar Baoli represents an important surviving element of Khammam's historic water-management and fortification heritage and forms part of the broader heritage story of the Kakatiya and Asaf Jahi periods.

References & Further Reading

📌 Editorial Note: The 950 CE date refers to the traditional dating of Khammam Fort, not a securely established construction date for Zafar Baoli itself. Published measurements of the well differ between reports, and the precise extent of French involvement in its later renovation is not firmly documented. The restoration was completed and the renovated well was inaugurated in February 2024.

"A historic water structure within Khammam Fort, preserving the memory of the Kakatiya and Asaf Jahi periods." – Zafar Baoli, Khammam.