 Guard at the Step Well of Patan, otherwise known as the Queen’s Step Well (above); Inside (at the bottom) of the Adalaj Vav Step well, an elaborate carved muti-level structure used as a water catchment (right) |
 There are around 120 step-wells or water temples (‘vavs’) spread across the Indian state of Gujarat. The oldest is the Rani ni vav, otherwise known as the Queen’s Step Well, at Patan near Ahmedabad, which dates back to the 11th century AD. It is also the the oldest and largest stepwell in all of India. The elaborate maze-like structure of Rani ni Vav is seven stories high and elaborately carved. An architectural marvel, it is under submission to UNESCO for listing as a world heritage site.
However, Adalaj Ni Vav, a water temple in a small village outside Ahmedabad, is the most popular stepped well. It is in fact a na vav, literally meaning its structure is an upside down form of a step-well.
The carvings, construction and architecture of these water temples amaze many experts, since they were built at a time when sophisticated and meticulous engineering techniques had not developed to recent standards.
Openings in the ceilings above ground enable light and air to enter the well. However, direct sunlight never reaches the flight of steps or landings except for a brief period at noon as the inner ceilings are arranged to receive the sunlight through these openings. According to research, there is at least six degrees between the outside and inside of these wells, making them veritable air-conditioners.
There are hundreds of stepped wells in Gujarat, each unique in its construction. Displaying centuries old intrinsic stone carvings and water collection systems of a bygone era, they attract thousands of tourists every year.....runs to 1500 wds. Copyright story & images ©Karen Halabi 2007
|
