Page 13 - E-Patrika 7th English Edition

Rani ki Vav

Rani ki Vav, also known

as the Queen’s Stepwell, is a

beautiful and historic monument
located in Patan, Gujarat. It was

built in the 11th century by

Queen Udayamati in memory of
her husband, King Bhima I of the

Solanki dynasty. The stepwell
was built not only to provide

water but also as a memorial to

the king
Rani ki Vav is famous for its amazing architecture and detailed

stone carvings. The stepwell has seven levels connected by a long flight of

steps leading down to the water. Its walls, pillars and galleries are decorated
with thousands of beautiful sculptures. These include images of Hindu gods

and goddesses, mythological characters, animals, flowers and other
decorative designs. The design of the stepwell is sometimes described as an

“inverted temple”, because visitors move downwards through beautifully

carved levels towards the water.
Over the centuries, the stepwell was affected by floods from the

Saraswati River and became buried under layers of mud and silt.

Surprisingly, this helped protect many of its sculptures from damage. The
monument was later discovered and excavated by archaeologists. The

Archaeological Survey of India carried out important conservation &

restoration work to preserve it.
It represents the rich culture, engineering skills and artistic talent of

medieval Gujarat. Rani ki Vav is not just a stepwell but a wonderful example
of how art, architecture, history and water management came together in

ancient India.

In 2014, Rani ki Vav was declared a UNESCO World
Heritage Site. Today, it is one of Gujarat’s most important

historical attractions.

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