Gujarat has around 100 stepwell a.k.a Vav in local language. I visited Rudabai stepwell/ Adalaj Stepwell near Ahmedabad in 2018. It is a fine blend of Indo - Islamic architectural style. It is 5 feet deep, temperature inside the stepwell is 3 to 4 degrees less than outside.
As per local legend -
This stepwell was built by Rana Veer singh because of the water scarcity in his kingdom. But before it’s completion he got killed in war by Mahmud Begada. As per the ritual prevailing during that time, his wife Rudabai decide to kill herself by jumping in the funeral pyre, so that their marriage continues afterlife. Mahmud begada stopped her and proposed her for marriage. He was mesmerized by her beauty. Rudabai agreed on one condition, when the half built stepwell will be completed she will marry him. Mahmud begada built the stepwell in record time. After completion Rudabai jumped into the stepwell and ended life because she didn’t wanted to marry him.
Travelling tip -
- It is around 45 mintues away from Ahmedabad, you can book a cab to reach there.
- Do not visit here in summer, the heat around place is scorching and is crowded.
- Best time to visit is during winter in the afternoon. Less crowd and less heat!
- Carry some food because only lemon soda is available outside.
- Carry a camera which is good at clicking low light images, the shape of the stepwell is like a inverted cone, light is dim near the well.
Thank you for reading.
I can only imagine.
