Rani Ki Vav - Patan

Rani Ki Vav (Step well) in Patan was built by Rani Udaymati of the Solanki dynasty in memory of her husband Bhimdeva I. It has seven galleries and is laid out in an east-west direction. The stepped corridors and some of the mandaps are beautiful to behold. The galleries contain exquisite sculptures of gods and goddesses. At water level the recumbent figure of Vishnu on Sesha (the thousand-hooded serpents) the Buddha is included among the Dasavataras, the ten incarnations of Vishnu. Such wells are found throughout arid regions of Gujarat and Rajasthan. They provided cool retreats from the torrid heat of the region. Initially such wells were dug as simple structures. But as time passed, they were embellished with sculptures to provide attraction to the viewers. The water at the lowest level was no doubt used by weary travelers to quench their thirst.

HISTORY OF RAN-KI-VAV - EXCERPTS FROM WIKIPEDIA

During the period of the Solanki or Chalukya , the stepwell called the Rani ki vav, or Ran-ki vav (Queen’s step well) was constructed. It is a richly sculptured monument, seven floors underground.

It is generally assumed that it was built in the memory of Bhimdev I (A.D. 1022 to 1063) son of Mularaja, the founder of the Solanki dynasty of Anahilwad Patan in about 1050 A.D. by his widowed queen Udayamati.

It was probably completed by Udayamati and Karandev Ist after his death. A reference to Udayamati building the monument is in the Jain Scripture 'Prabandha Chintamani' composed by Merutunga Suri in 1304 AD.

It was one of the largest and the most sumptuous structures of its type. Among its ruins one pillar still stands which is the proof not only of the elegance of its design, but also excellent example of this period. A part only of the west well is extant from which it appears that the wall had been built of brick and faced with stone. From this wall project vertical bracket in pairs, this supported the different galleries of the well shaft proper. This bracketing is arranged in seven tires and is richly carved. There is also a small gate below the last step of the step well which is having a 30 kilometer tunnel built (Now its has been blocked by stones and mud) which leads to the town of Sidhpur near Patan. It was used as an escape gateway for king in the times of defeat.

Most of the sculpture is in devotion to Lord Vishnu, in the forms of his Avataras (reincarnations), representing his return to the world.

Around 50-60 years back there used to be Ayurvedic plants around this areas which caused the water accumulated in Rani ni vav helpful for viral diseases, fever etc.

FOR MORE PICS.

plasma2007.pssi.in/documents/Pics/rani.htm

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Adalaj Step-Well - Adalaj Villege

Adalaj Vav is situated 18 kms. north of Ahmedabad in Gandhinagar district. Built in 1499 A.D. by Queen Rudabai, this step well at the village Adalaj is a fine example of magnificent architectural form, unique to Northwestern India.

The step well or Vav as it is locally called is intricately carved and is several stories in depth. The designs on its walls and pillars include, leaves, flowers, birds, fish and other breathtaking ornamental designs.

A unique characteristic of step wells was that they not only conserved water but were also cool chambers where one could rest during hot summer months. In the olden days, these step wells used to be frequented by travellers and caravans as stopovers along their trade routes.