Stepping into the time well
Well – a word that epitomizes both, a state of healthy
body and a water body; the former heavily depends on the latter one. Though
there are a number of step wells in the semi-arid region of Gujarat and
Rajasthan, can also be found in the adjoining states of Madhya Pradesh,
Haryana, Delhi, but the one in Adalaj village (Gandhinagar distict), Gujarat,
is a unique one. Commonly called as Adalaj in vav or Adalaj Step-well,
it is a perfect embodiment of varied sciences including architectural, social,
and political, where every stone has a story to tell, every step has history
written, and every level has marvels carved out, all for a commitment towards
society.
As the narrative goes by, in 1498 AD, Adalaj and
surrounding semi arid region, erstwhile Dandai Desh, was reeling under severe
draught. The then ruler Rana Veer Sinh of Vaghela dynasty, as a social
commitment, decided to dig up a well, not only for the natives but also the
travelers passing through that area. He had just commissioned the work and was attacked
by Mahmud Begada, which resulted into the death of Veer Sinh. His widow, Roop
Ba also known as Roodabai, decided to end her life rather than falling into the
hands of the invader. But Mahmud Begada offered an alternative to Roodabai to
marry him rather than ending her life. She gave a thought and agreed but only on
one condition; marriage to solemnize only after the completion of the well.
Mahmud Begada readily agreed and completed the work of Step-well in the year
1499 AD, done more aesthetically than what was envisioned by Veer Sinh. Roodabai,
on seeing the fulfillment of their social responsibility, a political
commitment and up keeping the tradition ended her life by jumping into the very
well.
Thus, architecturally, Adalaj Step-well is a confluence
of Indo-Islamic style blended so perfectly that it needs a keen eye to
differentiate between the two. It is 75.3 meters in length and is laid out in
north-south direction. Flights of stairs from east, west and south directions
reach up to the first level where there is a large platform. This platform has
an octagonal opening and rests on 16 pillars. The four corners of the platform
have four built-in shrines. The descent is however from south side while the
well is in north direction. Being three-faced, it is a Jaya type of step-well
and the pillars being square with recesses are of the Bhadrak type. It presents a mesmerising procession of designs,
decorated columns, ornamental balconies with exquisite carvings, carved walls
and niches with deities, elephants, flowers, birds and chhatris all through its five floors of length and breadth
underground. The octagonal spaces unfold in front of the eyes while the steps
take one to the circular well.
For the visitors this five centuries old Adalaj ni vav, might present a varied
perspective; for some an example of social responsibility, or political commitment,
or architectural marvel but above all, it is a scientific heritage standing
tall into the depth of history.
Adalaj
ni vav or Adalaj Step-well is just 5 km from
Gandhinagar, the capital city of Gujarat.
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