RANI-KI-VAV StepWell

Uncover the Sands of Time

Step into History…..of #GoldenGujarat

The historic town of Patan was the capital of #GoldenGujarat for over 600 years between the 8^th and 14^th centuries. Under the reign of Bhimdeva, his son Karnadeva and grandson Siddharaja, Anhilwad attained its greatest splendour and the Solanki dominion, its widest extent and highest prosperity. There are many vestiges of structures in the form of Temples, Tombs, Mosques, Wells and Tanks.

Stepwells, subterranean structures with steps leading down to the water level, are found in large numbers in the arid regions of #GoldenGujarat and #DazzlingRajasthan. They started as simple structures, and in the course of time, evolved to become aesthetically pleasing works of art. The Rani-Ki-Vav is one such monument. The Vavs of #GoldenGujarat are not merely sites for collecting water and socializing, but simultaneously old great spiritual significance. They were originally constructed in a simple form, but became more intricate over the years.

Rani Udayamati of the Solanki dynasty commissioned this Vav or stepwell, in 1063 in the memory of her husband King Bhimdev I. The Vav was later flooded by the nearby Saraswati river and silted over until the late 1960s, when it was excavated by the Archaeological Survery of India, with the carvings found in pristine condition. Rani-Ki-Vav is amongst the finest stepwells in India, and one of the most famous legacies of the ancient capital city.

The architectural brilliance and elegance of the Vav is represented in its pristine glory in its ornamental work. The beautifully proportioned sculptures of gracefully carved Mahisasurmardini, Parvati and other Saiva sculptures, Vishnu Dashavtaras – as Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Narasimha, Vamana, Parasurama, Ramachandra, Krishna, Ayappa, Kalki and other forms adorn the walls of the well, being ample testimony to the mastery of Sollanki sculptors in depicting rhythm, vigour, beauty and various moods in stone.

The female figures have been depicted in various poses of Apsaras, Nagkanya and Yogini, etc.

Befitting its name, the Rani-ki-Vav is now considered to be the QUEEN AMONG THE STEPWELLS OF INDIA.

Come to Rani-Ki-Vav and step into history itself. Relive the golden times and bask in the wondrous architecture. Breather in a bit of the past, breather in #GoldenGujarat. #MaruGujaratGarvuGujarat

#GoldenGujarat #GoldenHolidays #bvhgoldenholidays
#MaruGujaratGarvuGujarat

Credits:#GujaratTourism

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