Adalaj ki vav: Started by a king, completed because of his queen

The quaint village of Adalaj near Ahmedabad in Gujarat is home to one of the country’s most beautiful stepwells, a testament to Indian architectural prowess. The construction of Adalaj ni Vav, also known as Rudabai’s Vav, was started in 1498 by Rana Veer Singh of the Vaghela dynasty. He ruled over what was then called the Dandai Desh region. 

Stepwells, locally called 'Vav', were essential in Gujarat's semi-arid regions, providing water for drinking, bathing, and rituals. Adalaj ni Vav is intricately carved and spans five stories deep, reflecting a blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles.

The history of the Adalaj stepwell is documented by a Sanskrit inscription on a marble slab located in a recess on the first floor, near the eastern entrance of the structure.

Before Rana Veer Singh could complete the construction of the stepwell, he died in a battle with King Mahmud Begada of a neighbouring state.

Unique Architecture

Built from sandstone in the Solanki architectural style, the Adalaj stepwell is octagonal at the top, supported by intricately carved pillars. Each level is spacious enough for gatherings, with the well dug deep to reach groundwater. This accommodated seasonal fluctuations due to rainfall. Large openings in the roofs at various floors and the landing level serve as air and light vents. 

Also Read: Kalpana Ramesh: The architect leading restoration of Telangana’s historic stepwells

A unique feature of the stepwell is the three staircases that descend from the first story level to the bottom water level.

At the bottom of the well, there is a square stepped floor shaped like a funnel, leading to the lowest level where it transitions into a circular well. The uppermost part of the well is open to the sky, with the corners of the square reinforced by stone beams set at a 45-degree angle.

The carvings on the well showcase a blend of floral motifs and Islamic architectural designs, harmonizing with depictions of Hindu and Jain deities. The upper floors prominently feature carvings of elephants. This Islamic architectural influence is attributed to the Muslim king Begda who oversaw its completion. The walls are adorned with scenes of women engaged in daily activities, such as churning buttermilk, adorning themselves, and dancing and musical performances, with the king observing these scenes.

Also Read: Chand Baori: India's biggest & deepest stepwell built in the 9th century for water conservation

The legends of Adalaj ni Vav

Legend surrounds Adalaj ni Vav, particularly the story of Rani Rudabai (also Roopba), who, despite tragic circumstances, ensured the completion of the stepwell by the Muslim ruler Begda. Her devotion is depicted in carvings within the well.

After Rana was killed and his territory taken over by the invader Begada, he asked his widow, Rani Rudabai, to marry him. She agreed to marry Begada on the condition that he first completed the stepwell that her husband had begun. 

He agreed and quickly completed the well. However, upon its completion, when Begada reminded the queen of her promise, she chose to end her life as a mark of devotion to her late husband. 

She prayed while circumambulating the stepwell and then leapt into it. These events are depicted on the walls of the well, which Begada left intact without any alterations.

The stepwell is full of interesting inscriptions and structures. An inscription in Sanskrit and Devanagari likens the waters of the stepwell to the sacred waters of the Ganges River and Mount Kailasha while praising Rani Rudabai and comparing her to Goddess Sita.

Even today, villagers come to the stepwell for worship during ritualistic ceremonies because Adalaj ki Vav is home to sculptures and frescos of Hindu and Jain deities.

A notable feature is a fresco of Navagraha (nine planets), located at the farthest corner of the well, which is believed to protect the historic site from evil spirits. Additionally, there are intriguing carvings from a single block of stone, including the Ami Khumbor (a symbolic pot of the water of life) and the Kalp Vriksha (a tree of life). 

Adalaj ni Vav remains a historical marvel and also a cultural hub, attracting visitors for its architectural beauty and spiritual significance in local rituals and ceremonies.

Also Read: Rani ki Vav: A queen’s tribute to her husband through a water temple

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