LEGEND OF ADLAJ VAVThe legend behind the origin of this step-well is as

interesting as its architecture and is shrouded in beauty, romance and tragedy. In AD 1499, the area around Adlaj was known as Dandai Deshand was ruled by Rana Veer Singh of the Vaghela dynasty. Around this time, Mohammed Begda, a Muslim ruler of a neighboring state attacked Dandai Desh and killed Rana Veer Singh. The beauty of the slain king's widow, Rani Roopba, enamored Mohammed Begda who sent her a proposal of marriage. The heartbroken but determined queen agreed to the proposal on the condition that he complete a five-storied step-well (vav) for her. The Muslim ruler, enticed by the charm of the queen, readily agreed.

The construction of this well had begun years ago under RanaVeer Singh but had to be stopped later. Begda resumed this project with great enthusiasm and got the well completed in record time. When this five-storied edifice was completed but for the dome, Begdarenewed his proposal. The next day, Roopba took a round of the well and saying a final prayer, flung herself into the water and drowned.

Adalaj is a very small town and is mainly famous for this step well only. The population of Adalaj is hardly around 10000 people. The famous Adalaj step well was built by the queen Rudabai before around 500 years during the time of Vaghela rulers. There was an acute draft here and this step well was made to save people from such drafts by supplying water all through the year. Such step wells also provide a good, cool place for the people to rest during summer. The Adalaj step well is on the North side and the entrance to this well is on the south side. This has been the general practice while making such step wells. The total length of this step well is around 240 feet. It has 3 entrances with three separate gates for each entrance. There are five stories to this well. The entire platform of the well rests on total 16 pillars. The eight pillars are situated on the four corners and two pillars are located in front of each main gate.

There are four built in shrines at the four corners of the well. The well has 344 steps in all. The water can be reached easily by getting down through these steps. The level of water inside the well can vary based upon the season and the rains. Normally, Adalaj step well level of waterremains at 2 stories level.

The entire corridor is surrounded by 3 feet tall parapet wall for safety reasons. This step well can serve as a wonderful picnic spot in the village of Adalaj. When you get down in the step well, you will feel as if you are getting down under the soil in the most mysterious land. Be extremely careful while getting down as some people may feel dizzy due to height phobia and may slip due to the steps condition. If you shout from the bottom of the well, there will be 5 repetitive echoes of your own sound. This is a real engineering wonder. There are various shloks written in Sanskrit on all the walls of the step well. The step well is also full of artistic sculptures of the renowned kings of Gujarat of that time. The stone structures are also engraved with artistic designs of flowers and other natural elements like sky, clouds and the rain. There is a Samadhi of queen Rudabai just at the step well entrance.

The Vav is positioned in the north-south direction. The length of the step well is 75.3 meters. It is the only best architectural wonder of its kind which has three entrance stairs which leads the visitors to the stepped corridor. The platform of the Adalaj Vav rests on 16 pillars. The corners of the platforms comprises of four shrines, with doors, windows and balconies. The corridor is also completely bounded by a one-meter high parapet wall. The walls of the Vav or the step well are absolute showcases of sculptures from ancient past.

SKETCH OF PLAN, SECTION & COLUMN DETAIL

MAIN PLAN & SECTION VIEW OFADALAJ STEP WELL

Built entirely of sandstone, one can enter into this step-well from three sides, which consist of octagonal landings with huge carved colonnades and intricately carved niches. The architecture of this well also shows the influence of the earlier Solanki rulers of Gujarat. Carvings of leafy creepers-typical adornment of Islamic architecture-co-exist with Hindu symbolism. Among the other carvings on the panels are a king sitting on a stool with two bearers, a scene depicting women churning buttermilk, musicians accompanying dancing women apart from abstract representations of various Hindu Gods and Goddesses. One can also see a few Buddhist and Jain influences on some of the pillars and walls.

This stupendous structure with its elaborate and heavily ornamented temple-like finish and surrounding structures is a synthesis of various elements-earth, rock and water. On one story is a little Hindu shrine secretly hidden in an obscure corner. The step-well served both ritualistic as well as utilitarian needs. People from the nearby villages used to take water from the well and considered it holy. In the semi arid climate of Gujarat, the cool water from the vav provided a welcome break, particularly in the harsh summer months. Water from the vav was also used for irrigation.

Openings in the ceilings above the landing enable light and air to enter the well. However, direct sunlight never reaches the flight of steps or landings except for a brief period at noon as the inner ceilings are arranged to receive the sunlight through these openings. According to a research, there was a total difference of six degrees between the outside and inside of the well, thus making it a veritable air-conditioner.

Innumerable strong and exquisitely carved pillars support each story of the vav and each available stone surface is profusely covered with carvings. Each landing has wide space suggesting that people, especially travelers, rested there while on journey. The main attraction of this step-well is the pool of water at the lowest level. Besides this, there is a niche here that houses an ami khumb or a pot that contains the water of life and a kalpavriksha or a tree of life made out of a single stone slab. These sites attract the villagers on religious and auspicious occasions like marriages, sacred thread ceremonies (a ritual performed by Hindus) etc.

In the vicinity of the well are graves of the six masons who were instrumental in erecting it. It is believed when Mohammed Begda asked them if another vav was possible, they replied in the affirmative. This proved to be their undoing and they were instantly put to death. Perhaps that is why the Adlaj step-well stands unrivalled till today.