India’s Haunted Stepwells, Part ll

A stepwell is an ancient subterranean structure that was built to allow India’s citizens access to water year-round.

At one time there were 1000s of these wells in India’s villages, cities and alongside roads. Most had elaborate architecture and artistic stone reliefs. 

Here are two that are considered to be haunted--both having histories of people drowning.

Madha Vav

This stepwell is located in the village of Vadhavan in the state of Gujarat, India.

It was constructed under the ruler, Karnadeva Vaghela. He was a weak ruler, and his people called him Karan Ghelo--meaning Ghelo the insane.

A statue of Ghelo and his wife can still be seen at Madha Vav.

This vav *, which is still intact, is 55 meters long (60 yards) and has 6 pavilion-towers. It has six flights of stairs, which is the usual number. These steps go down 49.80 m (54 yards).

Madha Vav

According to local belief, a dangerous spirit haunts Madha Vav. It is believed this spirit rises every three years and claims a life.

His victims always drown in the well’s water. This story is so prevalent that it is told in a popular folk-song.

Agrasen Ki Baoli

Agrasen Ki Baoli

Aragsen Ki is a 700-year-old beautiful stepwell that still exists in New Delhi, the capital of India.

It was built in the 10^th century by Rajput King Anang Pal ll of the Tomar Dynasty.

This baoli is an excellent example of a single flight stepwell. It has 104 steps made of red stone.

At one time this well was submerged in murky water, so it was considered to be one of the most “spooky haunted places in India.”

Today, many report feeling the presence of an invisible ghost. This ghost is said to follow people around--if they quicken their pace in fear so does the spirit quicken its pace.

For years rumors have persisted that this well had several evil spirits. It is said that the well’s murky black waters mesmerized or attracted vulnerable people.

If a person was discouraged or depressed it is believed this baoli * hypnotized them-- a power would overtake them, and they would jump into the well’s waters where they died.

For hundreds of years, it was believed that “Baoli of the unseen” called people to offer their lives--a sacrifice in order to raise a well’s water levels.

Agrasen Ki is a protected monument by the Archeological Survey of India (ASI).

*  In Hindi-speaking regions these wells were referred to as "baoli." In the Gujarati and Marwari languages, they are usually called "vav" or "vaav."

Here is a link to Part l India’s Haunted Stepwells where I talk about their history and demise.

The Ghost of White Rock Lake

This story has been told in Dallas, Texas since the 1930s it is sometimes called the “Lady of White Rock Lake.” 

It is a very similar story to the traditional “vanishing hitchhiker.” story where a young woman in a party dress is given a ride. The driver typically finding something she left behind, a sweater or scarf, etc. tries to return it only to find out the young lady had died weeks or years before. 

Chicago’s Resurrection Mary, also told since the 1930s, is one version of this traditional hitchhiker story.

Woodrow Wilson High School students in East Dallas told this story in the 1930s, but it is not known if they originated it. This version of the story begins with a young couple to escape a hot July summer evening decide to drive out of the city to park along the cooler shore of White Rock Lake. 

When they switch on their headlights to leave they spot a white figure approaching. As the figure draws near to the driver’s side of their car, they see it is a young woman dressed in a sheer dress that is dripping wet.

The drenched young woman looks at them and in a faltering voice says, “Sorry to bother you but I must find a way home immediately, I was in a boat that overturned, the others are safe, but I must get home.” 

The couple offers her a ride, and she climbs into the rumble seat, stating she doesn’t want to get them wet. She gives them her address, which is in Oak Cliff on the opposite side of Dallas.

As they travel across town, the young couple becomes ill at ease. They can’t help but feel there is something odd about their passenger. As they draw near Oak Cliff, the female of the couple turns to ask for specific directions only to find that the rumble seat is empty, but is still wet.

After a brief search for the girl, the couple drives to the address the girl gave them. As they approach the front door, a man greets them with a worried look. 

They explain why they are there, and he replies in a troubled tone, “This is very strange, you are the third couple who has come to my door with this story. Three weeks ago, while sailing on White Rock Lake, my daughter was drowned.”

One version of this story that is told in Dallas gives much more specific details. 

The couple that encounters the wet young lady are the directors of the famous Neiman-Marcus store—a Mr. and Mrs. Guy Malloy. The girl is described as a beautiful blonde with an educated voice who is wearing a fancy dress that was purchased at Neiman-Marcus. This couple is cited, to make the point, that even hard-working, no-nonsense people see ghosts. 

Yet another version has a doctor returning home from a country club dance, he slows down to admire the lake and spots the young woman beckoning him for a ride. 

Each vanishing hitchhiker story has its own nuisances but they obviously are all similar.

In Dallas, some speculate that the wet young lady, whom many have seen over the years, is the spirit of Louise Ford Davis who committed suicide by drowning herself in the reservoir in July of 1935.