Adalaj Stepwell Ahmedabad – A Queen Killed Herself Here

Adalaj Stepwell, or Adalaj Ni Vav as known locally, is a 15^th century architectural wonder of India. Only a couple of months back I had been to Rani Ki Vav in Patan, a step well of 11^th century. That visit had increased my desire to know more about stepwells of India. Googling further revealed that Adalaj vav Ahmedabad is among the finest examples of stepwells in Gujarat. By some quirk of fate, this stepwell of Adalaj in Ahmedabad had me calling to explore its intricately carved depths quite too soon. Distance from Ahmedabad to Adalaj is 18.8 km by road, that can be covered in 33 min.

Read on to know the tragic love story of this step well in Adalaj.

Temple in Adalaj Stepwell complex Ahmedabad

Importance of Stepwells in India

Stepwells were built in India since ancient times, especially in western parts of India and in south India where there were long spells of drought and shortage of water. I saw the archeological evidence of these wells in Dholavira Harappan ruins too. There are several hundred in Rajasthan, where they are known by the name baori. Pushkar Lake in front of Brahma Temple famous of all.

In south India they are known by the name Pushkarni or Kund.

In Gujarat there are around 100 stepwells. These wells fill up during monsoons and provide the local people for the rest of the year. They are gathering points for women, resting places for weary travelers and celebration grounds during festivals. Life centered on these stepwells. The stepwells are classified into four kinds:

Nanda – stepwell with one entrance (Rani Ki Vav of Patan)
Bhadra – there are two entrances to the stepwell
Jaya – a stepwell with three entrances (Adalaj Ni Vav Ahmedabad)
Vijaya – stepwell with four entrances (Surya or Rama kund in Modhera Sun Temple)

Adalaj Ni Vav Weekend destination in Ahmedabad

Interesting Things to Know about Adalaj Stepwell

Did you know – a Queen killed herself here? Know history, architecture, sculptural details, interesting facts Let me take you through a quick commentary on the interesting facts of Adalaj Stepwell of Ahmedabad that will quench your thirst about Adalaj Ni Vav history and architectural details.

Adalaj Stepwell History

Like every stepwell, the story of Adalaj stepwell too is an interesting one. It is a symbol of devotion, love and sacrifice of a Queen for her King, a token of duty, generosity and responsibility of a King towards his subjects and today a heritage symbol of medieval times. You will be surprised to know Who constructed Adalaj stepwell? The construction was started by a Hindu King for his subjectsand completed by a Muslim King to marry the Hindu King’s wife, Rudabai. The stepwell is thus called Rudabai ni Vav.

Deities worshiped on Platforms of Adalaj Stepwell

Rana Veer Singh of Vaghela dynasty, who ruled Dandai Desh during the late 15^th century, started the construction of this five-storey structure in Ashaval (now Ahmedabad). Call it duty or act of kindness towards his subjects, the well was constructed to provide water for regular use and as a respite to local villagers, travelers, and pilgrims from the scorching desert sun. However in a war that followed, a Muslim ruler Mohammed Begda of Junagadh attacked Veer Singh, killed him and took over his kingdom.

Heartbroken Rana Veer Singh’s widow, Rani Roopba or Rudabai, wished to perform Sati, at the same time she wanted to complete the stepwell that her late husband had started. Begda, the Muslim King, enamoured by her beauty proposed marriage to the widowed Queen.

Queen Rudabai seized the opportunity, feigning willingness to marry if he would complete the stepwell as her late husband had wished. The construction was completed in the year 1498, Muhammed Begda reminded the Queen of her promise.

Rudabai said she wanted to visit the stepwell one last time before marriage. She descended the steps, without dropping a hint of what would follow next, gave up her life by jumping into the waters of the stepwell.

The stepwell got the name Rudabai Vav after her act of supreme sacrifice. A sad story associated with this hauntingly beautiful Adalaj stepwell!

Adalaj Stepwell Architecture

I got goosebumps as I descended the steps of Adalaj thinking of the Queen’s story. The intricately carved columns and profusely sculpted walls of the multi-storeyed architectural gem have for centuries mutely witnessed the travellers and tourists descend the same steps. Some remarkable features of this stepwell are:

• Adalaj stepwell is built in sandstone in the Solanki architectural style and is five stories deep.
• The well has an octagonal plan, one of its kinds, when viewed from top. The opening at the top is a good source of light and provides good air circulation and keeps the temperature six degrees lower than outside temperature.
• Another unique feature of Adalaj Ni Vav is that it has three entrances. The three flights of stairs land at a platform, from there a single flight of stairs descends five layers to the well below.
• The architecture of Adalaj stepwell is a unique combination of is Hindu, Jain, and Islamic traditions.

Sculpture details of Adalaj Stepwell

The first thing that catches your eyes is two intricately sculpted windows. Till some years back tourists could go inside and pose through the window. But today the entrance is closed, thankfully, to prevent any damage. Thousands of tourists must have posed in front of the windows. See one in my faces of India series – Faces of India 228

Adalaj stepwell richly carved projected window (oriel)

• The pillars in Adalaj Vav have stunning carved designs.
• The platforms between the pillars are large enough for people to gather in small groups. The platforms have deities where prayers are offered even today.
• Considering the age of the stepwell, most part of Adalaj Vav is out of bounds for tourists.
• Ami Khumbor means a pot of nectar, here it is for water. This particular carving is symbolic of Hindu culture.
• The Tree of Life – here it is carved in stone. Significant both for Hindus and Muslims. Do check the painted version in Rogan Art.

Additional features of Adalaj Ni Vav

An inscription written in Sanskrit on a marble slab on the first floor (not visible to tourists now) indicates the history of this well and cost of construction, which was about 5 lakh tankas or rupees.

There are two wells, while the one in front that you can see was for public use; there is a small one behind this which was meant for animals which has a separate entrance now blocked.

A small flight of steps takes you to the roof of the well, which gives you clear images of the octagonal outline and the well below (it is covered with a strong iron mesh now).

There is a temple outside one of the entry gates of Adalaj stepwell. We got a little late and sadly found the temple shut. Adalaj Ni Vav garden is a beautiful one; will be in its full glory during the Spring.

Nearby there are five tombs believed to be of the masons who built the well. Begda asked the masons if they could build another similar well and when they admitted they could build one, the king sentenced them to death. Begda did not want a replica to be built.

Adalaj Stepwell Carving

How did Stepwells survive so long?

It is a wonder of wonders that stepwells that have been constructed 5^th century onwards have survived so long. Thanks to the architects and sculptors of that era, the monuments have robust architecture. Add to that the ideal soil conditions and low seismic activity of the region have minimised damage to the foundations.

Timings and Tickets

Entrance timings are 6 AM to 6 PM. Photography is permitted. No entry tickets required to visit this stepwell.

Best Time to Visit

Water Festival – The annual Water Festival in Adalaj Ni Vav, held in November. It is organised by the Tourism Department of Gujarat. The entire Stepwell is gorgeously lit, and various entertainment programs are arranged at the venue.

The best time to visit Adalaj Stepwell is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and the well is not full of water. Tourists can explore most of the floors of the stepwell then.

How to Reach Adalaj Stepwell Ahmedabad

Adalaj Ni Vav is located 11 km from Gandhinagar and 14.7 km from Ahmedabad. Both cities are well connected by rail and air. There are plenty of private vehicles and state transport buses that will drop you off at the stepwell.

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