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Ahmedabad |
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Adalaj is a small village, situated at a distance of 18 km to the
north of Ahmedabad. Vav means a step well. Adalaj Vav was built by Queen Rudabai,
in 1499 AD. She was the wife of the Vaghela chief, Veer Sinh. A beautifully chiseled
step well, Adalaj Vav is counted amongst the finest architectural structures of
Gujarat. According to the folklore, Sultan Beghara killed the Vaghela King, Veer
Sinh, in order to expand his territory. He then sent a marriage proposal to his
wife, Queen Rudabai.
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She begged for sometime from the Sultan, so that she could complete the Vav that
she was building in the memory of her loving husband. The Sultan agreed without
knowing the true intentions of the queen. Queen Rudabai dragged the construction
work for 20 long years. Losing patience, the Sultan again insisted for marriage.
He queen reciprocated by jumping from one of the balconies in the well. It is said
that she took Jal Samadhi in order to save her honor and to please the Jal Devi
to maintain constant flow of water in the well.
Adalaj Vav is adorned with intricate carvings and splendid sculptures. The walls
of the well depict figures of flowers, birds, fish and other ornamental designs.
There are a number of corridors and platforms surrounding the well. The three entrances
contain steps that reach upto the stepped corridors. These corridors meet on a platform,
which has an octagonal opening on the top. The missing canopy of the well tells
us that it is still not complete.
The unique feature of Adalaj Vav is that apart from conserving water for drinking
purposes, it also serves as a cooling chamber in the hot summer months. The steps
of the well were used by the travelers and caravans passing from the area, on the
due course of their trade routes. With time, the well has become a memorial of the
love of the queen for her husband. One can still see water in the well which is
a living example of spirit of the queen.
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Location: |
Adalaj |
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Distance: |
18 km north from Ahmedabad |
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Built by: |
Queen Rudabai |
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Year of construction: |
1499 AD |
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