Vavs of Gujarat

1. Jnanesh Preethan
Vavs of Gujarat

2. Adalaj step well - Ahmedabad
Wankaner Palace Stepwell – Rajkot
Adi Kadi Vav and Navghan Kuvo - Junagadh
rani ki VAV - Patan
Modhera Surya KUND - Ahmedabad
Ramkund Stepwell - Bhuj
Navlakhi Vav - Vadodara
Dada Hari Ni vav - Ahmedabad
Helical Stepwell -Champaner
Vavs of Gujarat
It is said there are 100 odd stepwells in the state of Gujarat, also known as vav, the
local term for stepwell. The vavs are traditional, subterranean water harvesting
systems which doubled up as cool resting places for the villagers as well as the
visitors.

3. ADALAJ STEP WELL
The history of the Adalaj step-well built in 1498 is
established by an inscription found on a marble slab
positioned in a recess on the
fi
rst
fl
oor.
Its construction was started by Rana Veer Singh.But
whereafter the Muslim king Mahmud Begada of a
neighbouring state built it in IndoIslamic architectural
style, in 1499.
Early stepwells were made of stone, later step wells
were made of mortar, stucco, rubble and laminar stones.
The well cylinder was the basic form used to deepen the
wells.The Stepwells in Gujarat have survived so long in
view of the builder’s knowledge of the soil conditions and
the earthquake proneness of the region.
The cultural and architectural depiction in the deep wells
at various levels are a tribute to the history of step wells,
built initially by Hindus and subsequently ornamented and
blended with Islamic architecture during the Muslim rule.

4. Built in sand stone in Indo-Islamic architectural
style, the Adalaj stepwell is
fi
ve stories deep.
It is octagonal (8-sided polygon) in plan at the
top, built on intricately carved large number of
pillars.
Each
fl
oor is spacious enough to provide for
people to congregate.
It was dug deep to access ground water at that level,
accounting for seasonal
fl
uctuations in water level due to
rainfall over the year.
The air and light vents in the roofs at various
fl
oors and
at the landing level are in the form of large openings
STRUCTURE

5. Built along a North-South axis,
entrance is from the South, the
three staircases are from the
South, West and East directions
leading to the landing.
small rooms with oriel windows
decorated with minutely carved
brackets are provided at the
landing level, at the four
corners.
At the bottom of the well is a
square stepped
fl
oor in the
shape of a funnel extending to
the lowest plane.
PLAN AND SECTION

6. Adalaj stepwell is a magni
fi
cant
example of fusion of hindu
craftmanship and the
fl
oral,geometric
pattern of islamic architecture. 5
stories of adalaj well use cross
beams all along their length. Events
happened during the construction of
this well are carved on the walls of
the well as it was started by hindus
but decorated in a islamic style. Step
wells were used as meeting and
resting places during summer since
their cool interiors offered unbelivable
respite from the scorching sun
outside.
Sculpture

7. .
.
The Wankaner Palace is an example of how well a heritage structure can be preserved. The palace
now has been converted into a heritage stay and has been renamed as the Royal Oasis Hotel.
This beautiful palace is home to an early 20th century stepwell which too has been restored to its
former glory and can be seen. Drop by at the Royal Oasis Wankaner and request to see the
stepwell and be marvelled. Wankaner Palace Stepwell was built in white sandstone
WANKANER PALACE STEPWELL – RAJKOT

8. ADI KADI VAV AND NAVGHAN KUVO - JUNAGADH
These two step wells were carved from underground stone, including the steps, columns and
walls, while the well itself has been left as it was found naturally. Other kinds of dug wells are
constructed by digging into the surface and thereafter the walls, steps and columns are
constructed as they would have been in construction above the ground. This suggests that
the Navghan Kuwo and Adi Kadi Vav were built from a single stone piece which goes on to
show the brilliance of the diggers and craftsmen, who made this possible.

9. The rani ki vav was built by rani udayamti of the solanki dynasty, probably as a memorial for her
husband bhimdeva (1022-1063 a.d.) This vav represents the
fi
nest of the Indian sculpture and
architecture and forms the link between a kunda and the classical step-well. This vav represents the
fi
nest of the Indian sculpture and architecture and forms the link between kunda and an classical
step-well. Five lateral, staggered staircases attached to the side walls connect various storey. No
other vav in India is so profusely adorned as the Rani ki vav.
RANI KI VAV, PATAN

10. PLAN AND SECTION
The entrance of this vav is situated in the east and the well in the west.
The exquisitely carved side walls, pillars, steps and platforms lead to the elaborately carved water
well. It is 7 story height. They are built in way that amount of earthquake can’t damage them
slightly even after two great earthquakes of 1819 and 2001
Rani-Ki-Vav measures approximately 64m long, 20m wide and 27m deep

11. Most sculptures inside this step well has been constructed towards the devotion to
lord Vishnu in various forms of his avatars like Varahi, Vaman, Narsinh,
Mahisasurmardini, Rama, Kalki while other sculptures depict their return to this
world. There is also Nagkanya, Apsara and Yogini depicting their 16 different make-
up styles and are referred as Solah-Shringar.
Sculpture

12. A two hour drive in the northern direction from Ahmedabad through the Gujarat state highway
would take you to Modhera Sun temple, which hosts the Modhera Dance Festival held every year
in the month of January. The temple has a stepwell which is known as Surya Kund, though it looks
more like a temple tank in which people take the ritualistic bath before worshiping the Sun god. The
structure at present is used as a resting place and conserves water. The Sun Temple is a must visit
for its architecture; the Sabha Mantap which is a majestic assembly hall and which has 52
beautifully carved pillars is a must-see sight.
MODHERA SURYA KUND - AHMEDABAD

13. RAMKUND STEPWELL - KUTCH
Built to ful
fi
l the locals need of water as primary motive and then going on built as excellent art of
work with spiritual signi
fi
cance. Kutch district of Gujarat is famous for its ancient attractions,
traditional culture and values even today. Ramkund step well is one of this key heritage attraction
of Kutch located in Bhuj near Kutch Museum and behind Ram Dhun Temple. This Ramkund well is
a square in shape, 56 feet each side, with sculptures describing characters from the Ramayana
including Lord Shree Ram, Mata Sita, Lakshman and Lord Hanuman and also ten incarnations of
Lord Vishnu along the walls. On your walk down to the water individual experience a sudden
peace and coolness, this makes everyone to fall down in love of India ancient art and spirituality.

14. Dada Hari Ni Vav
Plan of stepwell: A. Principal well, octagonal. B. Spire staircases descending to the
water surface. C. Well for irrigation. D. Inscriptions on the sides of the gallery. E. Domed
porch mounted by cupolas.
Built in sandstone in Solanki architectural style, the Dada Harir stepwell is
fi
ve stories deep. It is
octagonal (8-sided polygon) in plan at the top, built on intricately carved large number of pillars.
Each
fl
oor is spacious enough to provide for people to congregate. It was dug deep to access
ground water at that level, accounting for seasonal
fl
uctuations in water level due to rainfall over
the year. The air and light vents in the roofs at various
fl
oors and at the landing level are in the form
of large openings. From the
fi
rst story level, three staircases lead to the bottom water level of the
well, which is considered a unique feature.

15. Navlakhi Vav, Vadodara
The most beautiful Laxmi Vilas Palace is home to the 15th century Navlakhi Vav. It is believed
that Nine lakh gold coins were spent to create this stunning structure. It was used to store and
serve water to the Laxmi Vilas Palace. When the palace use to be attacked by the opposite army,
the local army use to hide in the stepwell and led the defence. While earlier, it provided water to
the entire Laxmi Vilas Palace, now it helps in the irrigation of the golf course which is next to it.

16. This Helical stepwell is situated in the outskirts of Champaner, towards Vadodara and was
made in the 16th century CE. It boasts a spiral staircase which is 1.2 meter wide which are
narrower to the centre and wider towards the wall. These steps are made of stones and the
wall is make of bricks. There are also several places where people can take rest. It is a very
unique structure as it has circular staircase leading down to the water. The Pavagadh hills
which is very close to Champaner and is overlooking the city boasts number of pools and
ponds and so it is also known as ‘the hills of a hundred pools’.
Helical Stepwell, Champaner