Adalaj Vav is one of the popular excursion spots in Ahmedabad. This popular tourist attraction is located at a distance of 19 kilometers from the north of Ahmedabad. Adalaj Vav is a step well which was constructed by Queen Rudabai. This architectural wonder is one of the best monuments of Gujarat.
Adalaj Vav is a seven-storied structure in the shape of a well. It has chambers one after the other. The Vav or the step-well in Adalaj gets its name from the lady patron, Ruda, who was the wife of the Vaghela chief, Virsinh. Adalaj Vav has an inscription written in Sanskrit, which tells the entire history to its visitors with exact dates. Steps well were generally used by the travelers and caravans as stopover along their trade routes. The step wells provided water and also the cools interiors of the step wells provided relief to its visitors from the scorching rays of the sun during summer season.
The Vav is positioned in the north-south direction. The length of the step well is 75.3 meters. It is the only best architectural wonder of its kind which has three entrance stairs which leads the visitors to the stepped corridor. The platform of the Adalaj Vav rests on 16 pillars. The corners of the platforms comprises of four shrines, with doors, windows and balconies. The corridor is also completely bounded by a one-meter high parapet wall. The walls of the Vav or the step well are absolute showcases of sculptures from ancient past.
The 'Vav' (step-well) at Adalaj derives its name from the lady patron, Ruda, wife of the Vaghela chief, Virsinh. There is an inscription in Sanskrit, which gives the entire history with exact dates. Stepwell perhaps is a unique feature of Gujarat, which speaks of the history, culture, and architecture. It was also considered to be a religious obligation. Kings, rulers, umraos and the rich people of Gujarat spent huge money for constructing these. These step wells used to be frequented by travellers and caravans as stopovers along their trade routes. A unique characteristic of step wells was that they not only conserved water but were also cool chambers where one could rest during hot summer months. In times of drought and scarcity these wells were of great use to common man.
The 'Vav', laid out in the north-south direction, the stepwell with the well in the north and the entrance in the south, has a total length of 75.3 metres. It is the only major monument of its kind, having three entrance stairs leading to the stepped corridor. The stepwell has five storeys and three gates to enter in. It is full of artistic sculptures. The platform rests on 16 pillars, eight on the corners, and two in front of each main side. Four built-in shrines, with doors, windows and balconies, mark the four corners of the platform. The stepped corridor begins from this square platform. The corridor is entirely surrounded by a one-metre high parapet wall with a rounded topping. It descends with four pavilion towers for five storeys. The walls of the 'Vav' are veritable showcases of sculptures and ornamentation.
The stepwell at Adalaj has been preserved by the archaeological department and developed into as a tourist spot. It provides a cool and secluded retreat during the hot summer months. The construction of a stepwell reflected the artistic sense of its promoter. There are hundreds of stepwells in Gujarat, each being unique in its construction. Most of them are simple. The prime purpose behind them could be to serve the people. These step wells attract lots of tourists every year. The carvings, construction and the architecture amaze many experts, since it was built during those days when sophisticated and meticulous engineering techniques had not developed upto the recent standards.
The Adalaj Vav has been preserved and conserved by the archaeological department of India. They have tried to promote this venue as a major tourist spot of Gujarat. Large number of tourists pays a visit to Adalaj Vav every year.
Adalaj Vav is one of the finest monuments of Gujarat. Come and enjoy the amazing carvings, construction and the architecture of Adalaj Vav.
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