RANKI VAV

MAYURMANOJ

During the period of the Solanki or Chalukya , the

stepwell called the Rani ki vav, or Ran-ki

vav (Queen’s step well) was

constructed. It is a richly sculptured

monument, seven floors underground.

India is a land known for its antiquity. Its heritage is expressed in its cultural and

architectural traditions, which have transcended time and space to remain alive and appropriate

even in the present. Gujarat in western India is a place with many historical monuments, the step-wells, especially the one at a place called “Patan”

is truly a store-house of the rich cultural and religious heritage of India with stunning

architectural grandeur. Ranki Van also called Rani-ki-Vav, the step-well at Patan in Gujarat

State was constructed by Queen Udamati in the AD 11th century.

The Indian art of Ranki Vav is born of deep understanding of the divine glory. The sculptures

explain all aspects of life and the eternal wisdom of divinity is explained and shared with the viewers. A casual look at the sculptures may indicate that the

figures of apsaras are dancing figures. But a detailed examination and analysis convey a deeper

philosophical message. It is a sincere attempt to relate physical health to spiritual well-being.

Around 50-60 years back there used to be ayurvedic plants

around this areas which causes the water accumulated in Rani ni vav helpful for viral disease,

fever etc.

The first chapter is about the external appearance of the apsara; sculptures, the pillars and the symbols, which are present in an apsara sculpture unit. In

the second chapter, an attempt is made to discuss the various healing therapies that were practiced in those days for conditioning the physical body, and how and when therapies ayurvedic principles. It also explains the science

of mudra vignana (the science of sacred and gestures) and its usages to establish equilibrium in the body. The third chapter gives a brief introduction to

the vast and sacred philosophy of ‘Kundalini’ power and how this abstract thought is conveyed through sculptures. The fourth chapter gives some clues

towards easy understanding of the apsara sculptures. The philosophy of ‘Kundalini’, and the various Gods and Goddeses of sakti are beautifully carved

in this monument. In chapter five, around 50-55 apsara sculptures are described for the physical problem that is indicated, the diagnosis and the

remedy for it as indicated in every sculpture and the level of mental awareness that is associated with the actions.

The stepwell structures are underground

structure and are built in a way that any

amount of earthquake can’t damage them even slightly. Even

after two great earthquakes of 1819

and 2001,

Ranki Vav thus reflects the Hindu mind in its

religious, spiritual and medical aspects. The mysterious ancient

Indian culture with its varied facets of life and love for art combined with spirituality can be

seen at its peak in Ranki Vav sculptures.

Most of the sculpture is in devotion to Vishnu, in the forms of his Avataras (Krishna, Rama and others), representing their

return to the world.

There is also a small gate below the last step of the step well which is having a 30 kilometre tunnel built (now its has been

blocked by stones and mud) which leads to the town of Sidhpur near Patan. It was used as an escape gateway for king who built

the step well in the times of defeat.

FLOOR PLAN OF ADALAJ STEPWELL

CARVING