Page 12 - E-Patrika 7th English Edition

4. PROMINENT PLACES TO VISIT IN GUJARAT

Adalaj Stepwell

Adalaj Stepwell, known as Adalaj ni Vav, is a stretches 240 feet in length
and plunges five stories deep into the ground., intricately carved water

reservoir located in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India. It was built in 1498 in
memory of Rana Veer Singh by his wife, Queen Rudabai.

The five-storey stepwell is famous for its beautiful and intricate stone
carvings. Its architecture beautifully combines Hindu, Jain and Islamic styles.

This architectural marvel reflects the socio-political dynamics of the time,
particularly the influence of the Solanki dynasty and later the Mughals.

The stepwell was built to provide water and shelter to travellers and

local people. Its underground structure remains cool even during the hot
summer months. Adalaj Stepwell is an excellent example of the traditional

water-management system and craftsmanship of medieval Gujarat.
The Sultan Mahmud Begada fell in love with Rana Veer Singh's

beautiful widow, Queen Rudabai (or Rani Roopba) and proposed marriage.
She agreed on the strict condition that he must first complete the stepwell

started by her late husband. The Sultan accepted, blending Islamic style
motifs with the original Hindu architecture. Immediately after the final stone

was laid in early 1499, Queen Rudabai walked down the steps and jumped
into the well to end her life, choosing to stay faithful to her late husband

rather than marry the Sultan.
There are many tourist attractions in India which have love stories

behind them (like Taj Mahal) or some tragic tales, but the Adalaj Vav in
Gujarat is a unique site which has all of it.
Love & respect of a
Queen for her King & people and a tragic end which the locals

still remember. Today, it is an important historical monument
and tourist attraction of Gujarat.

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