Adalaj stepwell – Gandhinagar’s historical monument

Stepwell, a lesson on community-based water harvesting system, Resonance of

Architectural Ingenuity

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Why stepwells?
The importance of water as a key foundation for all human settlement and habitation
cannot be overstated. From the earliest days of human civilization, when people lived in tiny
clans, through the establishment of rural communities, to the construction of towns and
cities, all human civilisation took place near water sources. People all around the world
evolved their own methods for harvesting, storing, and managing accessible water supplies.
Water has historically been revered as a holy element in Indian subcontinent cultures. It
defines the people's lifestyle, stories, and rituals. Stepwells, also known as 'vaavs,' have
been a part of life in western India for hundreds of years and are native to the semi-arid
regions. Stepwells are examples of historic water structures that were built for the purpose
of water storage and irrigation tanks in India, particularly to regulate seasonal changes in
water availability.
Architecture of Adalaj stepwell
This classical piece of structure flawlessly blends in Islamic floral and geometric designs and
Hindu in addition to Jain icons and symbols. There are 3 front stairs main into the stepwell.
A superb instance of Indo-Islamic architectural fashion and layout capabilities a hanging pot
stated to include the water of lifestyles known as the Ami Khumbor and the tree of lifestyles
known as the Kalpavriksha sculpted from a unmarried stone. This five-storeyed
subterranean structure is octagonal in form, with the main well in the centre. It is 250 feet
in length surrounded by columns on all four sides. The five storeys of the stepwell had cross
beams all along their lengths.

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The octagonal fashioned stepwell is supported with a large wide variety of pillars. Every
ground had sufficient area for humans to maintain gatherings. A properly deliberate step
properly changed into dug deep to make sure sufficient garage of water in order that
humans do now no longer starve throughout the shortage of rainfall.
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Adalaj Stepwell is a sandstone stepwell in the Solanki architectural style. Gujarat is where
Solanki architecture thrived the greatest. With exquisite stone carvings and trellis work, it
strongly recalls Rajasthani architecture. Closed halls, hypostyle pavilions, a porch that is
connected both internally and externally, and detailed and thematic carvings on the walls
and pillars are all hallmarks of Solanki architecture. The stepwell is made up of two well pits,
one for everyday use and the other for rainwater collecting only. During the rainy season,
the latter one would likely overflow into the main well pit. This assured that the residents
had access to water all year.

The Stepwell's evolution to Adalaj's Cultural Heritage

The Adalaj Stepwell had a significant role in defining Gandhinagar's customs and leaving a
lasting legacy. This stepwell not only served the practical goal of providing water for daily
activities, but it also acted as a cultural centre, hosting several dance and music festivals.
The large, open landing grounds were used as platforms for travelling artists to display their
abilities against a cool, breathtakingly beautiful environment. The Stepwell became well-
known as a result of this. The presence of such water conservation buildings encourages
community-wide rainwater gathering. Reviving these practical brick and stone structures
will go a long way toward saving rainwater and relieving the earth's natural need.

Today’s scenario
The current status of Adalaj Stepwell is primarily concerned with the preservation and
preventative repair of the structure's sculptural components. Balustrades protect sculptural
components from direct visitor contact, while vigilant caretakers assure their preservation.
The stepwell emphasis on their current state, value, and heritage concerns in the context of
the city.

Conclusion
The importance of historic stepwells that utilise the fundamentals of Rainwater Harvesting
is beginning to gain traction. Rainwater collection and watershed development strategies
showed significant promise in helping regions overcome their water shortages. As a result,
researching these historical marvels and giving inexpensive remedies for it raises awareness
of the greatest concern of the twenty-first century.