2AR733 - Journalism - IAPNU-Fall 2018

Assignment 3: Adalaj Stepwell

15BAR12
Himanshu Agrawal

ADALAJ STEPWELL

There are hundreds of stepwells gujarat, step well of Adalaj in Ahmedabad is a

popular tourist destination. The construction of Adalaj stepwell was started by King
Rana veer Singh and finish by Queen rania Roopba after his death. The structure is a
fusion of Hindu and Islamic style of architecture and consists of five underground
stories, which is uniquely designed with beautiful carving on the walls and columns. It
was built to access groundwater, accounting for seasonal fluctuation in water level
due to rainfall over the years. On the first story level three staircases lead to the
bottom water level of the well which is considered a unique feature. The stepwells

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were also used bu travelers to stop by during journey providing shelter. The design of
the stepwell is such that very little sunlight actually enter the lower level which keep
it cool during the daytime is allow the tablet to take shelter comfortable shelter from
hot sun.

Professor Mansee Bal along with the students of journalism visited Adalaj stepwell to
take a survey of the same and report the present condition of the vav. It always feels
great to visit a site like this, which makes you wistful about the history and intrigues
about architecture. However considering that it is now a part of UNESCO World
Heritage city the maintenance of structure is questionable. Even though some
measures have been taken to develop it, still a lot can be done. Considering its
architectural value little care has been taken on the waning carvings and the
jeopardizing structure. The current restoration is a total mismatch between the old
structure and the reconstructed one. It was also surprising to see that there was very
little water in the well even during the rainy season, also one cannot forget not forget
the foul smell of the stagnant water and Bird droppings. Garbage littered around in
the main structure, probably the carelessness of the tourist.

Surprisingly the garden was well maintained. The structure also seemed safe for
everyone, the management has restricted the entry to the main portions only, closing
down the risky areas for public entry. The entire complex is gated that stops the
misuse of the building in the odd times.