Skip to main content

Adalaj Step well, Gujarat, India


Adalaj Stepwell or Rudabai Stepwell is a stepwell located in the village of Adalaj, close to Ahmedabad city and in Gandhinagar district in the Indian state of Gujarat. It was built in 1498 by Rana Veer Singh of the Vaghela dynasty of Dandai Desh. It is an example of Indian architecture work.The step well or 'Vav', as it is called in Gujarati, is intricately carved and is five stories deep. Such step wells were once integral to the semi-arid regions of Gujarat, as they provided water for drinking, washing and bathing. These wells were also venues for colourful festivals and sacred rituals.
Stepwells, also called stepped ponds, built between the 5th and 19th centuries, are common in Western India; over 120 such wells are reported in the semi-arid region of Gujarat alone, of which the well at Adalaj is one of the most popular. Stepwells are also found in more arid regions of the subcontinent, extending into Pakistan, to collect rain water during seasonal monsoons. While many such structures are utilitarian in construction, they sometimes include significant architectural embellishments, as in the Adalaj stepwell, which attracts a large number of tourists. In the past, these stepwells were frequented by travellers and caravans as stopovers along trade routes Before the history of Adalaj Stepwell is stated, it would be informative to mention that the first rock-cut step wells in India are dated from 200 AD to 400 AD. Subsequently, the wells at Dhank (550-625) and construction of stepped ponds at Bhinmal (850-950) took place. The city of Mohenjo-daro has wells, which may be the predecessor of the step well; as many as 700 wells have been discovered in just one section of the city leading scholars to believe that 'cylindrical brick lined wells' were invented by the people of the Indus Valley Civilization.Between third and second millineum BC, at the 'Great Bath', at the site of Mohenjodaro of the Harappan civilization, filling of water was achieved from a large well located in one of the rooms in front of the open courtyard of the building–complex. While early stepwells were made of stone, later step wells were made of mortar, stucco, rubble and laminar stones. The well cylinder was the basic form used to deepen the wells. It is also inferred that the Stepwells in Gujarat have survived so long in view of the builder’s knowledge of the soil conditions and the earthquake proneness of the region.The well size recommended, based on considerations of stability, was of four to thirteen hasta (hasta’ a Sanskrit word, which means “forearm” of size varying from 12–24 inches (300–610 mm)), A size of eight hasta was considered ideal and a 13 hasta well was considered dangerous. However, the well thickness from top to bottom remained generally uniform. By the 11th century, the step well planning and design acquired architectural excellence and the Hindu Stepwells were standardized. The history of the Adalaj step-well built in 1498 is established by an inscription in Sanskrit found on a marble slab positioned in a recess on the first floor, from the eastern entry to the well. Its construction was started by Rana Veer Singh of the Vaghela dynasty of Dandai Desh. But he was killed in a war, wherefater the Muslim king Mahmud Begada of a neighbouring state built it in Indo-Islamic architectural style, in 1499. Visitor information The Adalaj step-well is a popular tourist attraction of the Ahmedabad city and is situated 18 kilometres north of the city. It is 5 kilometres from Gandhinagar, the capital city of Gujarat. Ahmedabad is well connected by road, rail and air links with the rest of the country. The international airport at Ahmedabad, known as the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport, has flights operating to several countries. Kalupur is the railway station closest to the stepwell.

Comments

Most visited

Does Your iPhone Battery Drain by Midday? Here’s the Game-Changing Trick You Might Be Missing!

If you’ve ever glanced at your iPhone screen in the afternoon only to find the battery hovering in the danger zone, you’re not alone. Many users believe rapid battery drain is just part of owning a smartphone. But here’s the truth — with the right tweaks, your iPhone can last far longer than you think. Why Your iPhone Battery Drains So Fast Battery life depends on multiple factors — background app activity, screen brightness, push notifications, location services, and even how you charge your phone. The problem isn’t always the battery itself, but how the phone’s resources are being used. Common culprits include: Background App Refresh constantly updating even when you’re not using them. High Screen Brightness draining power faster than you realize. Location Services running in the background for apps you barely use. Too Many Notifications waking your screen unnecessarily. The Solid Way to Boost Battery Life Apple has a feature that many people overlook — Optimized Ba...

Best Electricity Providers in New Zealand (2025) – Who Offers the Best Deal?

Choosing the right electricity provider in New Zealand isn’t just about keeping the lights on—it’s about saving money, getting better service, and even supporting renewable energy. With power prices on the rise and plenty of competition in the market, comparing your options has never been more important. In this guide, we’ll break down New Zealand’s top electricity providers in 2025 , their pricing, customer service ratings, and sustainability features—so you can find the perfect fit for your home or business. 🔌 Top Electricity Providers in NZ (2025) 1. Contact Energy Best for: Competitive pricing + renewable options Key Features: 30% renewable energy mix (hydro, wind, geothermal) $150 sign-up credit (promotional offer) Smart meter & app-based billing Solid customer satisfaction Pricing: Mid-range with bundled discounts (e.g., power + broadband) 2. Mercury Best for: 100% renewable power Key Features: 100% renewable (hydro & geothermal) No fixed-term ...

💙 The Depth of Blue: Color Theory and Psychology of Calm & Clarity

  By CRA ARTS 🎨 https://craarts.blogspot.com If color had a soul, blue would be its deep breath. Often associated with the sky, sea, and serenity, blue holds a place of quiet power in both color theory and psychology . It’s a color that evokes calmness, inspires trust, and reflects vast emotional and symbolic meaning. From ancient pigments to modern digital palettes, blue is the color of thought, truth, and transcendence . In this post, we dive into its emotional resonance, historical symbolism, and visual strength in art and design. 🔵 Blue in Color Theory In the RGB (digital) model, blue is one of the three primary colors , alongside red and green. In the RYB (traditional) artist model, it’s also a primary, forming the basis of endless color blends. 🎨 Key Characteristics: Cool Color : Blue belongs to the cool half of the color wheel, along with green and violet. Depth & Distance : Blue naturally recedes in space, creating perspective and calm in compositi...