Thread by @History_Mystery

Rani ki Vav is a stepwell situated in Patan, Gujarat. Its construction is attributed to Udayamati, daughter of Khengara of Saurashtra, queen of the 11th-century Chaulukya dynasty and spouse of Bhima I.

1/1

#HistoryEncyclopedia #BaolisOfIndia

One of the largest examples of its kind & designed as an inverted temple highlighting the sanctity of water, #RaniKiVav is divided into 7 levels of stairs with sculptural panels; more than 500 principal sculptures & over 1000 minor ones.

2/2

#HistoryEncyclopedia #BaolisOfIndia

#RaniKiVav was constructed during the rule of the Chaulukya dynasty by Queen Udayamati in the memory of her husband Bhima I. It was built in the Maru-Gurjara architecture style, reflecting mastery of this complex technique and beauty of detail & proportions.

3/3

#BaolisOfIndia

#RaniKiVav is classified as Nanda-type stepwell. It measures approx 213 ft long, 66 ft wide & 92 ft deep. 4th level is deepest & leads into rectangular tank 31 ft by 31 ft, at depth of 75 ft. The stepwell is divided into 7 levels of stairs which lead down to deep circular well.
4

The walls, pillars, columns, brackets & beams are ornamented with carvings & scroll work. The niches in side walls are ornamented with beautiful & delicate figures & sculptures. There are 212 pillars in #RaniKiVav.

📷1+2: Varaha Avatar (centre), woman with snake (left)

5/5

📷1+2: Vaman incarnation of #LordVishnu.

📷3: Lord Ram Sculptural Carving.

📷4: Kalki (centre), woman either applying lipstick or chewing twig while man is tickling her feet (left) & on right, sculpture of a woman warding off a monkey.

6/6

#HistoryEncyclopedia #RaniKiVav

📷1: Devi Durga/Mahishasurmardini.

📷2: Wall with sculptural panels.

📷3: Geometric lattice patterns & designs resembling Patola textile designs.

📷4: Sheshashayi Vishnu (Vishnu reclined on thousand hooded snake Shesha in celestial ocean).

7/7

#HistoryEncyclopedia #RaniKiVav