{PBJFlorida} FW: The Best Stepwell in India

 

Recently Rani ki Vav was declared as UNESCO's World Heritage Site on 22 June 2014.

 

 

 

                                    The Well was built by Rani Udayamati in the memory of her husband Raja Bhimdev

                                    of Solanki Dynasty in the eleventh century A.D.near Saraswati River in Patan Gujarat, India.

 

             In the course of time the stepwell was completely buried due to flooding and silting of Saraswati Rver.

             The well was excavated by Archaeological Survey of India during 1958-1980 and beautifully restored

              to its present condition.

 

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           When we visit famous ancient temples or caves such as Ajintha and Verul we often get saddened to see

          damaged sculptures by the ravages of invaders and by natural forces such as water wind etc.

          I often wondered if I will ever get a chance to see at least one ancient sculpture in its original glory.

          My wish was fulfilled as I visited Rani Ki Vav. Due to burring of the well the ancient sculpture was

          preserved in the pristine condition. 

 

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      There are seven levels of pillared pavilions with panels and panels of beautiful galleries of ancient sculptures.

 

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      The figures in the sculpture depicts Dash Avtar like Ram Buddha etc. Nag kanya,Yogini and Apsaras showing

      16 different styles of make up.

 

                 Following few photos of upper galleries were taken with zoom lens.​ the trunk of Ganpati seems to

                 have broken during excavation.

 

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