Adalaj Stepwell, or Adalaj Ni Vav as recognized regionally, is a 15^th century architectural marvel of India. Solely a few months again I had been to Rani Ki Vav in Patan, a step properly of 11^th century. That go to had elevated my need to know extra about stepwells of India. Googling additional revealed that Adalaj stepwell is among the many most interesting examples of stepwells in Gujarat. By some quirk of destiny, this stepwell of Adalaj in Ahmedabad had me calling to discover its intricately carved depths fairly too quickly.

Significance of Stepwells in India

Stepwells had been inbuilt India since historic instances, particularly in western elements of India and in south India the place there have been lengthy spells of drought and absence of water. I noticed the archeological proof of those wells in Dholavira Harappan ruins too. There are a number of hundred in Rajasthan, the place they’re recognized by the identify baori, in Gujarat there are round 100 stepwells.

These wells refill throughout monsoons and supply the native individuals for the remainder of the 12 months. These wells are gathering factors for girls, resting locations for weary vacationers and celebration grounds throughout festivals. Life centered on these stepwells. The stepwells are categorized into 4 varieties:

Nanda – stepwell with one entrance (Rani Ki Vav of Patan)
Bhadra – there are two entrances to the stepwell
Jaya – a stepwell with three entrances (Adalaj Ni Vav Ahmedabad)
Vijaya – stepwell with 4 entrances (Surya or Rama kund in Modhera Solar Temple)

Fascinating Issues to Find out about Adalaj Stepwell

Let me take you thru a fast commentary on the attention-grabbing information of Adalaj Stepwell of Ahmedabad that can quench your thirst about Adalaj Ni Vav historical past and architectural particulars.

Adalaj Stepwell Historical past

Like each stepwell, the story of Adalaj stepwell too is an attention-grabbing one. It’s a image of devotion, love and sacrifice of a Queen for her King, a token of obligation, generosity and duty of a King in the direction of his topics and immediately a heritage image of medieval instances. The development was began by a Hindu King and accomplished by a Muslim King.

Rana Veer Singh of Vaghela dynasty, who dominated Dandai Desh in the course of the late 15^th century, began the development of this five-storey construction in Ashaval (now Ahmedabad). Name it obligation or act of kindness in the direction of his topics, the properly was constructed to supply water for normal use and as a respite to native villagers, travellers, and pilgrims from the scorching desert solar. Nevertheless in a conflict that adopted, a Muslim ruler Mohammed Begda of Junagadh attacked Veer Singh, killed him and took over his kingdom.

Heartbroken Rana Veer Singh’s widow, Rani Roopba or Rudabai, wished to carry out Sati, on the similar time she needed to finish the stepwell that her late husband had began. Begda, the Muslim King, enamoured by her magnificence proposed marriage to the widowed Queen.

Queen Rudabai seized the chance, feigning willingness to marry if he would full the stepwell as her late husband had wished. The development was accomplished within the 12 months 1498, Muhammed Begda reminded the Queen of her promise.

Rudabai stated she needed to go to the stepwell one final time earlier than marriage. She descended the steps, with out dropping a touch of what would observe subsequent, gave up her life by leaping into the waters of the stepwell.

The stepwell obtained the identify Rudabai Vav after her act of supreme sacrifice. A tragic story related to this hauntingly lovely Adalaj stepwell!

Adalaj Stepwell Structure

I obtained goosebumps as I descended the steps of Adalaj pondering of the Queen’s story. The intricately carved columns and profusely sculpted partitions of the multi-storeyed architectural gem have for hundreds of years mutely witnessed the travellers and vacationers descend the identical steps. Some outstanding options of this stepwell are:

• Adalaj stepwell is inbuilt sandstone within the Solanki architectural model and is 5 tales deep.
• The properly has an octagonal plan, one in every of its varieties, when considered from high. The opening on the high is an efficient supply of sunshine and offers good air circulation and retains the temperature six levels decrease than outdoors temperature.
• One other distinctive characteristic of Adalaj Ni Vav is that it has three entrances. The three flights of stairs land at a platform, from there a single flight of stairs descends 5 layers to the properly under.
• The structure of Adalaj stepwell is a singular mixture of is Hindu, Jain, and Islamic traditions.

Sculpture particulars of Adalaj Stepwell

The very first thing that catches your eyes is 2 intricately sculpted home windows. Until some years again vacationers might go inside and pose via the window. However immediately the doorway is closed, fortunately, to stop any harm. Hundreds of vacationers should have posed in entrance of the home windows.

• The pillars in Adalaj Vav have beautiful carved designs.
• The platforms between the pillars are giant sufficient for individuals to assemble in small teams. The platforms have deities the place prayers are provided even immediately.
• Contemplating the age of the stepwell, most a part of Adalaj Vav is out of bounds for vacationers.
• Ami Khumbor means a pot of nectar, right here it’s for water. This specific carving is symbolic of Hindu tradition.
• The Tree of Life – right here it’s carved in stone. Vital each for Hindus and Muslims. Do examine the painted model in Rogan Artwork.

Extra options of Adalaj Ni Vav

An inscription written in Sanskrit on a marble slab on the primary flooring (not seen to vacationers now) signifies the historical past of this properly and price of development, which was about 5 lakh tankas or rupees.

There are two wells, whereas the one in entrance you can see was for public use; there’s a small one behind this which was meant for animals which has a separate entrance now blocked.

A small flight of steps takes you to the roof of the properly, which provides you clear photos of the octagonal define and the properly under (it’s lined with a powerful iron mesh now).

There’s a temple outdoors one of many entry gates of Adalaj stepwell. We obtained a little bit late and sadly discovered the temple shut. Adalaj Ni Vav backyard is a wonderful one; will likely be in its full glory in the course of the Spring.

Close by there are 5 tombs believed to be of the masons who constructed the properly. Begda requested the masons if they might construct one other comparable properly and after they admitted they might construct one, the king sentenced them to dying. Begda didn’t need a reproduction to be constructed.

How did Stepwells survive so lengthy?

It’s a marvel of wonders that stepwells which were constructed 5^th century onwards have survived so lengthy. Due to the architects and sculptors of that period, the monuments have strong structure. Add to that the best soil situations and low seismic exercise of the area have minimised harm to the foundations.

Timings and Tickets

Entrance timings are 6 AM to six PM. Images is permitted. No entry tickets required to go to this stepwell.

Greatest Time to Go to

Water Pageant – The annual Water Pageant in Adalaj Ni Vav, held in November. It’s organised by the Tourism Division of Gujarat. Your entire Stepwell is gorgeously lit, and varied leisure packages are organized on the venue.

The perfect time to go to Adalaj Stepwell is from October to March when the climate is nice and the properly is just not filled with water. Vacationers can discover many of the flooring of the stepwell then.

How you can Attain Adalaj Stepwell Ahmedabad

Adalaj Ni Vav is situated 11 km from Gandhinagar and 14.7 km from Ahmedabad. Each cities are properly linked by rail and air. There are many non-public autos and state transport buses that can drop you off on the stepwell.

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