In almost every country, one can see various constructions with excellent architectural features. Neighbouring India is one of the countries where such creations can be seen in abundance. This article is about such a wonderful construction in the state of Gujarat which may be of interest to many with a liking for Indian architecture.
Located in the city of Gandhinagar in the state of Gujarat, the Adalaj stepwell with its magnificent staircase is considered to be a masterpiece of Indian architecture. Its work was started in the year 1498 AD by King Ranveer Singh of the Vaghela dynasty of the then ‘Dandai Desh’.
Excavation and other construction of the Adalaj stepwell, which is located on the ground floor of a five-storey building, began in 1498. The construction of this well was started by King Ranveer Singh but he died in a war.
Architectural features
Subsequently, ‘Mahmud Begada’, a Muslim king of a neighbouring kingdom who had won the war, completed its construction. Here one can see the architectural features of both Indo-Islamic styles. It is said that around 500,000 Taka, a Bangladeshi currency, was spent on it at that time.
An inscription in Sanskrit near a gate on one side of the stepwell tells at length about its history. In another inscription near the well one can see a few words written praising a certain queen. The stairs leading down to the well have been rebuilt from time to time by various kings.
The Adalaj stepwell has five floors and is built on very finely carved pillars. Seen from above, it takes on an octagonal shape. Each floor of the well is constructed in such a way that it can accommodate a large number of people at once. The five-storey building above the well is well lit and well ventilated, as it has no roof and is not covered by anything else.
A special feature is the construction of three steps which can be used to go from the upper floor to the lower floor of the well. The stairway leads to the entrance on the right side of the upper floor, and from there the three steps extend in a southerly, eastern and western direction. Downstairs in the four corners are four small rooms with four delicately carved windows.
Water shortage
Also, one of the legends associated with this well is that there was a severe water shortage in the area then known as Dandai Desh and Ranveer Singh started digging this well as an alternative. However, before its completion, Begada Dandai, who ruled a neighbouring kingdom, invaded the country.
Ranveer Singh was killed during that battle and Begada has been its king ever since. On the day of her husband’s cremation, Ranveer Singh’s wife wanted to commit suicide by jumping on the crematorium, but Begada prevented her and brought her a marriage proposal.
She then agreed to marry him on one condition. That is, he should build and complete the stepwell started by Ranvir Singh before getting engaged to her. The king, who wanted to marry her, who was an extremely beautiful woman, completed the construction of the well on time. After the construction was completed, the king reminded her of his promise to marry her as soon as possible.
However, she was deeply saddened by the death of her husband and decided to commit suicide instead of marrying Begada. Legend has it that she circled around the well several times and eventually jumped into it and committed suicide. According to another legend, she invited several priests to bathe in it before committing suicide. She is said to have believed that she could wash away her sins by jumping into the water purified by the touch of the priests.