Ranki Vav is a richly sculpted stepwell located in Patan, Gujarat that was constructed in the 11th century AD by Queen Udayamati. It consists of seven levels underground and features over 500 sculptured panels depicting Hindu religious imagery, deities, and scenes of daily life. The sculptures convey philosophical messages and attempt to relate physical health to spiritual well-being through Ayurvedic principles and mudras. Despite earthquakes, the stepwell structures have remained intact due to their underground design. Ranki Vav reflects the Hindu religious and medical traditions of its time through its intricate carvings.

1. RANKI VAV MAYUR MANOJ

2. 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.

3. India is a land known for its antiquity. Its heritage is expressed in its cultural and architectural traditions, which have transcended time and space to remain alive and appropriate even in the present. Gujarat in western India is a place with many historical monuments, the step-wells, especially the one at a place called “Patan” is truly a store-house of the rich cultural and religious heritage of India with stunning architectural grandeur. Ranki Van also called Rani-ki-Vav, the step-well at Patan in Gujarat State was constructed by Queen Udamati in the AD 11th century.

7. The Indian art of Ranki Vav is born of deep understanding of the divine glory. The sculptures explain all aspects of life and the eternal wisdom of divinity is explained and shared with the viewers. A casual look at the sculptures may indicate that the figures of apsaras are dancing figures. But a detailed examination and analysis convey a deeper philosophical message. It is a sincere attempt to relate physical health to spiritual well-being. Around 50-60 years back there used to be ayurvedic plants around this areas which causes the water accumulated in Rani ni vav helpful for viral disease, fever etc.

8. The first chapter is about the external appearance of the apsara; sculptures, the pillars and the symbols, which are present in an apsara sculpture unit. In the second chapter, an attempt is made to discuss the various healing therapies that were practiced in those days for conditioning the physical body, and how and when therapies ayurvedic principles. It also explains the science of mudra vignana (the science of sacred and gestures) and its usages to establish equilibrium in the body. The third chapter gives a brief introduction to the vast and sacred philosophy of ‘Kundalini’ power and how this abstract thought is conveyed through sculptures. The fourth chapter gives some clues towards easy understanding of the apsara sculptures. The philosophy of ‘Kundalini’, and the various Gods and Goddeses of sakti are beautifully carved in this monument. In chapter five, around 50-55 apsara sculptures are described for the physical problem that is indicated, the diagnosis and the remedy for it as indicated in every sculpture and the level of mental awareness that is associated with the actions.

9. The stepwell structures are underground structure and are built in a way that any amount of earthquake can’t damage them even slightly. Even after two great earthquakes of 1819 and 2001,

10. Ranki Vav thus reflects the Hindu mind in its religious, spiritual and medical aspects. The mysterious ancient Indian culture with its varied facets of life and love for art combined with spirituality can be seen at its peak in Ranki Vav sculptures.

11. Most of the sculpture is in devotion to Vishnu, in the forms of his Avataras (Krishna, Rama and others), representing their return to the world.

12. There is also a small gate below the last step of the step well which is having a 30 kilometre 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 who built the step well in the times of defeat.

13. FLOOR PLAN OF ADALAJ STEPWELL

14. CARVING