Near Gandhinagar ,
we come across this extraordinary beautiful structure of a step-well at Adalaj
village. It is a historical architectural monument, it has carved pillars and niches which shows the skill of artists of Gujarat.
Built in sandstone in the Solanki architectural style, the Adalaj
stepwell is five storeys deep. It is octagonal at the top, built on
intricately carved large number of pillars. Each floor is spacious enough to
provide for people to congregate. It was dug deep to access ground water at
that level, accounting for seasonal fluctuations in water level due to rainfall
over the years. The air and light vents in the roofs at various floors and at
the landing level are in the form of large openings. From the first storey
level, three staircases lead to the bottom water level of the well, which is
considered a unique feature. Built along a North-South axis, entrance is from
the South, the three staircases are from the South, West and East directions
leading to the landing, which is on the northern side of the well. Four small
rooms with oriel windows decorated with minutely
carved brackets are provided at the landing level, at the four corners. The
structural system is typically Indian style with traditional trabeat with horizontal beams and lintels. At the bottom
of the well is a square stepped floor in the shape of a funnel extending to the
lowest plane. This is chiseled into a circular well. Above the square floor,
columns, beams, wall and arched openings spiral around; a feature that
continues to the top. The top part of the well, however, is a vertical space
open to the sky. The four corners of the square are strengthened with stone
beams, set at 45 degrees angle. The motifs of flowers and graphics of Islamic
architecture blend very well with the symbols of Hindu and Jain gods
carved at various levels of the well. The dominant carvings on the upper floors
are of elephants (3 inches (76 mm) in size, each of different design). The
Islamic architectural style could be attributed to the Muslim king Begda who
built it. The walls are carved with women performing daily chores such as churning
of buttermilk, adorning themselves, scenes of performance of dancers and
musicians, and the King overlooking all these activities.
An
interesting depiction carved from a single block of stone is of the Ami
Khumbor (symbolic pot of the water of life) and the Kalp
Vriksha(a tree of life). Also seen is a fresco of navgraha or
nine planets. These depictions are said to attract villagers for worship during
marriage and other ritualistic ceremonies.
The temperature inside the well is said to be about five degrees lower
than the outside hot summer temperatures. They stayed to worship
the gods and goddesses and gossip.
A tribute paid to the rich underground structures, which are intricately
decorated with sculptures, is that they are said to resemble palaces.
Government of Gujarat is taking a great care of the historical monument. This vav, situated at a distance of about 18km from Ahmedabad, was built by Rudabai in the memory of her husband Virsinh in 1499.
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