The rani ki vav in Patan, Gujarat is an excellent example of subterranean architecture with steps leading down to the water level. The exquisitely carved entrance, walls, pillars, and platforms lead to an elaborately carved water well. Although parts are in disrepair, the side walls and some structures like mandapas remain intact. The rani ki vav was built in the 11th century AD by Rani Udayamati as a memorial to her late husband and features the finest Indian sculptures and architecture, linking kundas to classical step-wells. Five staggered staircases connect various levels which are profusely adorned with carvings of Hindu deities and

1. The rani ki vav, a step well in patan is an excellent example of subterranean architecture in Gujarat and has steps that lead down to the water level . Rani ki vav

2. vav Step goes down

3. 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. Although, this vav is in a bad condition, but still the side walls of the well are still in a perfect condition, but still the entrance, side wall of the stepped corridor, some of the mandapas and the back wall of the well are still in the perfect condition.

4. 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 finest of the Indian sculpture and architecture and forms the link between a kunda and the classical step-well. This vav represents the finest 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.

5. Rani ki vav Presented by:-Rushita Dankhara Submitted by:-Birva Ganghi

6. The lower most level has 37 inches with rudimentary images of ganesha in the centre and images of the sheshashayi Vishnu on the upper level. On the upper levels, the impressive images of laxmi-narayan, uma-mahesh, brahma-bramani, kubera and ganesha, with their respective consorts are also sculpted. On the lower levels, there are images of Vishnu’s incarnations and 24 forms but the kumfa and matsya avatars do not find a place in this vav.

7. Every surface of the side well and level are adorned with fine sculpture of Hindu deities, religious motifs and geometrical pattens.

8. In addition to the straight staircase it also has lateral staircase, along with very broad, stepped corridors.