History & Travel

Stepwells of Gujarat By Harpreet Kaur Kapoor In the unforgiving grip of arid lands, ancient civilizations thrived, their very existence intertwined with brilliant architectural innovations and deep ecological wisdom. Their interaction with water went beyond mere retrieval; they were builders of community, shaping spaces like stepwells that resonated with social, religious, and cultural significance. These subterranean wonders, embellished with sculptures depicting mythology and daily life, endure as powerful testaments to sustainable living and the strength of communal effort, illustrating how humanity once flourished in balance with the earth. The earliest whispers of these water sanctuaries date back to the 4th century AD. The unpredictable rhythm of monsoons, the Indian subcontinent prioritized water. Stepwells emerged not just as utilitarian structures to conserve and harvest water, but also as ingenious solution to a fundamental need.

Rani ki Vav, Patan, Gujarat Water, the very essence of life since its emergence on Earth, has been managed and stored in diverse ways across cultures, each adapting to their unique terrains. Beyond the simple well, Persia engineered the ingenious qanats around 800 BCE – subterranean tunnels that channeled water. Egypt employed shafts sunk into underground catchment areas. In the Indian subcontinent, the stepwell, known by various names like vavs or baoris, emerged as a sophisticated method of containing and storing water. The subterranean architecture of western India flourished from the 7th to the 19th centuries, with the earliest stepwells dating back to the 3rd century CE, born from the region's characteristic long dry spells punctuated by intense rainfall. Rani Ki Vav, Patan, Gujarat Stepwells have roots in the Indus Valley civilization. They have evolved from simple trenches into architectural marvels by the 11th century. The Stepwell Atlas documents over 3000 such structures in India. The advent of British rule and their emphasis on modern notions of "clean water" ushered in an era of piped water systems leading to a decline of these ancient structures. There are over 100 stepwells in Gujarat each an architectural marvel, unique, preventing direct sunlight from penetrating the walls thus reducing evaporation. Made in stone, brick, and limestone the water usually came from deep within the earth or from rain fall or from a runoff into the depth of the well. Adalaj Ni Vav, Gandhinagar Adalaj ni Vav Stepwell Design The stepwell is divided into four sections (it does not matter when they were constructed). They have been found in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan and the south:- • Nanda: The simplest and most common type, featuring a single flight of steps leading to the well. • Bhadra: Characterized by two flights of steps with the well situated in the center. • Jaya: Incorporating three flights of steps arranged in three different directions around the central well shaft. • Vijaya: Similar to the Jaya type but featuring staircases extending in four directions. Todas – are a pair of ornate pillars at the entrance to mark the location of the stepwell. Kutas – the landings between sets of steps for the purpose of providing a resting area. An ardhakuta – a supporting arch, without landing or pavilion. Well shaft – structure for storing water. Beyond these classifications, stepwells can also be categorized based on their size, plan (rectangular, circular, or L-shaped), building materials (ranging from masonry and rubble to brick), and the number of entries they possess (from one to four). Each stepwell stands as a unique architectural creation, reflecting the diverse design approaches of its architects. All are richly decorated with relief work, sculptures, and ornaments. The construction during Muslim rule was markedly different:- - They had true dome. - devoid of human figures (Dadi Harir ni vav) Dada Harir ni Vav Both the above-mentioned vavs were constructed in 1500 CE, patrons were females one was built by Hindu artists in the Islamic reign and is devoid of human figures. Dada Harir ni Vav Navghan Kuvo, Uperkot Fort, Junagadh (Gujarat): Carved directly out of soft rock, this well within the Uperkot Fort is named after Ra Navghan and stands as the earliest known example of a rock-cut stepwell. A spiral staircase descends 52 meters to the water level. The well itself is square in shape, with light filtering in through small openings in its sides. It is enclosed within a large courtyard, though the well predates the courtyard's construction. Navghan Kuvo Rani Ki Vav, Patan, North Gujarat: A breathtaking marvel of Solanki architecture, Rani Ki Vav (Queen's Stepwell) was commissioned in 1063 CE by Udaymati, the queen of Patan and wife of Bhimdev. Extending 64 meters in length, 20 meters in width, and 27 meters in depth, this multi-storied vav features interconnected walkways, walls, columns, pilasters, cornices, and beams, all leading down to the well. Every surface is adorned with intricate scrollwork, images, and depictions of the ten avatars of Vishnu alternating with graceful female figures along the staircase walls. This multi-storied well with colonnades and retaining walls that link the stepped tank to a circular well. Columns, brackets, and beams are encrusted with scrollwork and wall niches have carved figures. Its exceptional artistry and historical significance have earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Adalaj Vav, Ahmedabad (Gujarat): A captivating blend of artistry and geometric precision, Adalaj Vav is strategically located along the ancient caravan route connecting Ahmedabad and Patan. Commissioned in 1499 CE by Rudabai, the widow of the Rajput noble Veer Sinh Vaghela, it is classified as a 'Jaya' type vav. Its five stories are replete with exquisite carvings, decorated walls, ornamented pillars, verandas, and images of Hindu gods and goddesses, interspersed with depictions of flowers, birds, trees, vines, and chhatris (domed pavilions). The well's interior space is octagonal, and transverse stone floor slabs with a three-dimensional trellis create a mesmerizing interplay of light and shadow. The temperature within the well remains noticeably cooler than the surface. The Dada Harir's vav at Ahmedabad, was modeled on the Mata Bhavani's Vav; it has an additional domed pavilion at the entrance. Figures are absent, but motifs and stylized scrollwork adorn the wall niches and can be compared to those that often appear in Islamic architecture. These are just a couple of Vavs mentioned here, there are many more hidden under. Indeed, the grandeur of these ancient stepwells has been dimmed by the passage of time and lack of upkeep. Yet, recognizing their profound importance, the states of Gujarat and Rajasthan have undertaken significant restoration efforts. These stepwells are more than just historical artifacts; they represent vital elements in addressing today's pressing water challenges. Despite its extensive water ecosystem, India has witnessed a decline in the utilization of its traditional water bodies. Revitalizing these stepwells presents a concrete opportunity for communities to reconnect with their heritage and harness these considerable traditional water resources. Their remarkable storage capacity offers the potential to substantially ease the increasing strain of water scarcity. Adi kadi Vav Two stories claim to explain why this step-well, built in the 15thcentury AD, is named so. One tells the tale of a king who ordered the step-well to be built. But when no water was found, the priest proposed that two unmarried girls be sacrificed at the altar. The two girls were Adi and Kadi and their sacrifice ensured that the water was struck soon after. The other tale is more probable, that the two girls were actually royal servant girls who fetched water from the well every day. No matter what story they believe in, people pay their respects by hanging up pieces of cloth and bangles. Unlike the other step-wells in Gujarat, which were dug out of layers of soil and rock and later given a structure by erecting stone columns, floors, stairs and walls, Adi-Kadi Vav was carved entirely of hard rock and goes down 120 steps