Stepwells known as Vav in Gujarati was built in ancient times to
manage the source of ground water to the extent to make water available
all-round the year to the public at large. An innovative retort to the water scarcity
.The wells were dug deep into the earth and the walls were lined with blocks of
stone without mortar and stair line developed leading down to the ubiquitous
source of water. These Step wells being dug deep down and covered provided
relief to the daytime heat. In course of time it became a happening place for
leisure especially for the women folk and as time went by, the Vav became a
place for religious and social gatherings.
Stepwells mainly consist of two parts, a vertical shaft from which
water is drawn out and the adjacent environs having passageway and steps
leading to the well. This lead to the building the surrounds of the step wells
with decorative and architectural features associated with prevailing times and thus ensured the
survival of Stepwells as monuments. It
is believed that villagers would come every day in the morning to fill water,
offer prayers to the deities carved into the walls and interact with each other
in the cool shade of the Vav. These also turned as resting place for the travellers, pilgrims, traders and
merchants along their trade routes, as the place was well protected from
natural and human elements and also cool and a quiet retreat during the hot
summer months. The Stepwell offered them a place to bathe, rest, eat and
remain protected. The Mughal ruler encouraged the building of Stepwells, but
it was during the British Raj who found the concept unhygienic and hence had
forced abandonment of the Step wells.
Adalaj Stepwell, perhaps Gujarat’s finest Vav is situated in the
village of Adalaj, 18 KM from the City
of Ahmedabad in Gandhinagar district.
During 15th century, the region was known as Dandai Desh and ruled by
a Hindu king, Rana Veer Singh of Vaghela dynasty. King Veer Singh had commenced
the building of the Step Well at Adalaj, during which time the Muslim King Mohammad Begda attacked and defeated
the King. Mohammad Begda proposed to the
beautiful widow of King Veer to marry him. Queen Roopba agreed to the proposed nuptials
on condition that the Stepwell will be completed prior to the marriage. The Step well was completed in 1499 by Muslim
king Mohammed Begda to win over Queen Rani Roopba.
There is an opening
in the ceilings above the landing which allows the light and air to enter the
octagonal well. However, direct sunlight does not touch the flight of steps or
landings except for a brief period at noon. The
atmosphere inside the well is many degrees cooler than the outside and
one finds the difference on a hot summer afternoon.
The harmonious play of
intricate Islamic floral patterns seamlessly coalescing into Hindu and Jain
symbolism embody the culture and ethos of those times. All the walls carved by
ornamentation, mythological scenes along with everyday scenes of women churning
buttermilk, dancers accompanied by musicians, women adorning themselves. What mesmerise and captivates the visitors is the Ami Khumbor (a pot that contains the water of life) and the Kalp Vriksha (a tree of life) carved out of a single
slab of stone. There is a belief that the small mural of navagraha
(nine-planets) towards the edge of the well protects the monument from evil
spirits.
The Crraft of Arts, host the annual Music Fest during the World
Heritage Week at the site of Adalaj Stepwell. The sound and light effects are
enjoyed by both the heritage and music lovers. The fusion of the sound of classical
musical instruments with the modern keyboard, guitar and the drums amidst the
environs of the magnificently lit structure of the 15th century Stepwell draw crowds in large numbers.
This
not only creates awareness of the historic monument but promotes efforts in
conserving the heritage of yester years. The annual Water festival has become
an annual ritual at the Adalaj Vaav, and it calls for appreciation to the
organizers.
