Stepping into the time well

 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.