Water-wells
are part and parcel of Indian culture, particularly in villages where
agriculture is a major occupation.There is no village in India that does not have a common well which is a place of gathering for the people, particularly village women. They come there for potable water, gossips and discussion on down-to-earth problems.
There are many step-wells in Gujarat and Rajasthan- the Rajputana states of India. But,Rani Ki Vav, an ornate, beautifully carved step-well is the first priority among the tourist attractions of Gujarat It is more exquisite and magnificent than other step -wells. They have a kind of mystic about them - a close relationship between human civilization and survival. The UNESCO’s list of 'World Heritage Sites' in India has included Rani Ki Vav.
Rani Ki Vav, as recognized by UNESCO for its sheer beauty, intricate carvings,workmanship, celestial sculptures, and water-preserving technology, is a masterpiece of technological excellence in Hydrology and ground water management as far back as in the 11th century. A great feat – one of a kind in the world.
The step-well is a seven-storied structure underground measuring about 64 meters in length, 20 meters in width and 27 meters in depth. It is an age-old representation of how ground water was collected,stored and used in those days. It is a good example of work of Indian subterranean architecture with ornamental sculptures.
According
to the history of the step-well, Patan where it is located, was the
capital of Gujarat during the time of Siddharja Jaysingh and Rani Ki
Vav was started in the Solanki or Chalukya regime.
Most
of the sculptures represent the incarnations of Lord Vishnu – Rama,
Krishna, Narsinha, Varah, Baman, Matsya, and Kalki. There are more than 800 elaborate sculptures - whopping figure considering the difficult terrain - among seven galleries. The central theme is the Dasavataras, or ten incarnations of Vishnu, including Buddha. The avatars are accompanied by sadhus, Brahmins, and apsaras (celestial dancers like Urvasi, Yogini, et al.), painting their lips and adorning themselves.
An eye catching carving of Lord Vishnu resting on the thousand-hooded serpent named Sheshnag is at the water level.
Rani Ki Vav in Patan is a 125-km from Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Modhera, the ancient Sun Temple, is on the way.
There are many step-wells in Gujarat and Rajasthan- the Rajputana states of India. But,Rani Ki Vav, an ornate, beautifully carved step-well is the first priority among the tourist attractions of Gujarat It is more exquisite and magnificent than other step -wells. They have a kind of mystic about them - a close relationship between human civilization and survival. The UNESCO’s list of 'World Heritage Sites' in India has included Rani Ki Vav.
Rani Ki Vav, as recognized by UNESCO for its sheer beauty, intricate carvings,workmanship, celestial sculptures, and water-preserving technology, is a masterpiece of technological excellence in Hydrology and ground water management as far back as in the 11th century. A great feat – one of a kind in the world.
The step-well is a seven-storied structure underground measuring about 64 meters in length, 20 meters in width and 27 meters in depth. It is an age-old representation of how ground water was collected,stored and used in those days. It is a good example of work of Indian subterranean architecture with ornamental sculptures.
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| Rani ki vav -step well credit: indiaheritagesites wordpress .com |
It
is believed that the
step-well was built in honor of Bhimdev, the First whose father
was the founder of the Solanki dynasty
in 1050 AD. The queen Udayamati, wife of Bhimdev, first made a
proposal for the well.
Sculptural
beauty is the main attraction of Rani Ki Vav for tourists.
The step-well is replete with finely designed architecture - the
inner walls,
pillars and columns are ornate and beautiful.It is a pain-taking, highly imaginative work one can hardly ever run into in any other part of the planet.
 |
| Rani ki Vav -carved step well. credit. flikr.com |
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| Rani ki Vav. step-well. credit:ancientorogins.com |
An eye catching carving of Lord Vishnu resting on the thousand-hooded serpent named Sheshnag is at the water level.
 |
| Rani ki Vav-step-wellcredit: flikr. com |
Till
the late 1980 the step wells were covered with silts from the waters
of Saraswati river. Then, the Archeological Survey of India
discovered and excavated Rani
Ki Vav which is an interface between a step-well and a temple. The
subterranean
temple with carvings of deities in stone and the step-well are
symbolic of the
age-old
tradition and faith in the purity and sanctity of water. Because of
their close relationship among water management,worship and social
gathering at one place in those by-gone eras, the step-wells were
interwoven with the society in the olden days.
The
steps lead to the deepest bottom through several pillared pavilions.
The lower most step ends at a small gate which opens to a 30-km
tunnel. It is supposed to have been used as an escape-route to the
nearby town Sidhpur in times of war or invasion by enemies.
No
doubt Rani Ki Vav
is also known as the Queen’s Step-well.
Rani Ki Vav in Patan is a 125-km from Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Modhera, the ancient Sun Temple, is on the way.
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