Heritage Visit To Adalaj Step Well

                                            Adalaj Step Well

As a designer i am impress with the carving done on the walls of step well. It was a very good example on Indo-Islamic architecture. This spectacular monument was built in 1499 by Queen Rudabai. This well was specially meant for resting purpose. 

This is a five storey octagonal shape step well. There is an opening in the ceilings above the landing which allows the light and air to enter the octagonal well. The most important idea behind the construction of well is, it keep the area "six degree" cooler than outside temperature. Another remarkable feature of this step well, is that out of many step wells in Gujarat, it is the only one with three entrance stairs and all three stairs meet at the first storey, underground in a huge square platform, which has an octagonal opening on top.

The harmonious play of intricate Islamic floral patterns seamlessly fusing into Hindus 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 adoring themselves and a king sitting on a stool. fascinating to many visitors is the Ami Khumbor and the Kalp Vriksha carved out of s single slab of stone..........