Do You Have the GUTS to Drive Inside the "Well of Death"?

They don't call it the "Well of Death" for nothing. Reaching speeds at around 40 miles per hour isn't really that thrilling to begin with, but if you drive it higher and higher inside a barrel-shaped wooden cylinder while performing death-defying stunts, then it becomes extremely dangerous.

Yes, only those with steel guts need apply here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIX6vfnhjy4

How It Started

Also known as "Wall of Death", "Silodrome", "Motordrome," or "Maut ka Kuaa" -- as most Indians call it -- the "Well of Death" isn't really a new thing on the block. Its roots can be traced back in the United States, when it made its debut at Coney Island in 1911. Back then, it was called motordrome, a boardwork motorycle racing that used a slanted track.

Its popularity waned in the U.S., but gained following in the U.K., and was re-named silodrome. The first ones appeared at the  Kursaal Amusement Park in 1929, and gained a huge popularity that continued even in the 60's.

Eventually, it found its way to Indian soil, and was incorporated in its carnival performances.  At first, they only used bicycles around the silodromes, but they turned to motorcycles and cars, which is an original addition made by the Indians. Typically, the audience usually stand on top of the platform and look down into the well as cars and motorbikes drive by.

Here's National Geographic's short documentary about the "Well of Death" that you should see:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndrr9eZyU1A

How Does It Work?

The "Well of Death" almost uses the same physics with that of the loop-the-loop roller coaster: gravitational force, frictional force, and centripetal force. You can read more about the science behind it here.

Who are the Performers?

There is one similarity that many of the performers have both in the U.K. or in India: almost all the performers actually come from humble means.

In fact, the performers in England -- even in India, are actually quite poor. The shows aren't usually advertised, since the performers who did this would just set up the show whenever they can -- sort of like gypsies.

Still, the show catered to all people from different backgrounds, and the tickets were inexpensive.

Shorna Pal, a director-writer based in Preston, Lancashire, in England, explains: "The tickets are extremely cheap and geared at an audience who may be from any economic band, who may have wandered into the park."

How Dangerous Is It?

Unlike their British counterpart, the Indian "Well of Death" is more daring not just because riders perform more dangerous stunts, but also because their safety is often disregarded. It's not uncommon to find them wearing no helmets, harness, and other safety gear on. What's more, the cars used are often are in need of repairs, since many don't have the money to have them fixed.

Even the walls are not safe. Some of the planks used to create the silodrome have missing pieces of wood. This can create a lot of problems for cars when they start gaining speed.

Still, many drivers say that it's quite safe. And while accidents do occur when the tire gets punctured during the act, many performers say it's just as risky as driving normally on the road.

"Well of Death's" Future

The "Well of Death" has been on the decline -- even in India. Many people are now turning to television to watch stunt shows, and carnivals have been losing its appeal in recent years.

Surbhi Goel, assistant professor at Panjab University in Chandigarh, India explains:

"Television is the biggest cause — most people would prefer to see daredevil/stunt shows on TV. Films have better and more entertaining stunts​. Popular films in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu have amazing stunts, and those are more attractive for a major population."