Monument – Adalaj Stepwell, Ahmedabad
Built by – Commenced by Raja Veer Singh. Completed by Queen Rudabai
Built in – 1499

“Adalaj ni Vav is a beautiful structure descending five stories deep. It was built in 1499 to hold water, provide refuge to travellers and local people and offer spiritual sustenance. The fifth floor of the vav is stunning. The deep turquoise water of the well seems to glow with inner light, surrounded by astonishing beauty forever captured in stone.

The tale of the creation of Adalaj ni Vav is full of love, war, devotion, and betrayal.

Rana Veer Singh commenced the construction of Adalaj ni Vav to provide relief to his people in the arid region. However, before the completion of the Vav, Rana Veer Singh was killed in battle against King Mehmud Begada. Mehmud Begada fell in love with Queen Rudabai, the widowed queen of Rana Veer Singh.

Queen Rudabai agreed to marry Mehmud Begada on the condition that he completes the stepwell’s construction. However, once the construction was complete, she threw herself into the well and died.

The architecture of Adalaj ni Vav is an amalgamation of the Solanki style of architecture adorned with Hindu and Jain images and Islamic influences. The entire structure is covered with carvings, sculptures, and ornamentation, combining Indo-Islamic architectural elements and designs. Islamic floral patterns blend seamlessly with Hindu and Jain symbolism and scenes of everyday life, such as women churning butter. Hindu and Jain gods also adorn the walls; to this day, the stepwell serves as a temple. It’s not uncommon to see flower offerings.

The only stepwell with three entrances, Adalaj ni Vav, is unique!”

Photo Courtesy – www.gosahin.com