Step well Adalaj Ahmedabad, Gujrat, India
Civilization in the Indian subcontinent is almost as old as the human civilization! The scientific acumen and the city planning of our ancestors are mind boggling! The concept of rainwater harvesting was known to the Indians since the Harappan time (The ‘Greath Bath of Harappa-Mohenjo-Daro in 2000-3000 B.C). The rock cut step wells (steps leading to a large reservoir that used to hold rain water and used for drinking and several other purposes) started from 200 AD . Many step wells ('Vav' in Gujrathi, Baoli in Hindi) in the Indian subcontinents, particularly in semi arid region, demonstrate architectural splendor! The scientific designs of the colossal structure around the step well were so robust that these structures survived earth quakes and other natural hazards for several hundreds of years. This photo depicts a step well and the structure around this that was built in 1498-99 in the village Adalaj (now in Ahmedabad in the Indian state of Gujrat). The five storied structures with a centrally located well was constructed by Rana Veer Singh of the Vaghela dynasty and the muslim king Mahmud Begada. The magnificent five storied structures, curved out of sand stone, represent the amazing architectural design and exquisite Indo-Islamic artwork. This huge building is believed to be used for performing rituals, festivity and other purposes.
In this photo fourth floor of the structure is seen . Note as to how the design of the structure allows maximum penetration of sun light that was necessary to illuminate the floors.
Step well Adalaj Ahmedabad, Gujrat, India
Civilization in the Indian subcontinent is almost as old as the human civilization! The scientific acumen and the city planning of our ancestors are mind boggling! The concept of rainwater harvesting was known to the Indians since the Harappan time (The ‘Greath Bath of Harappa-Mohenjo-Daro in 2000-3000 B.C). The rock cut step wells (steps leading to a large reservoir that used to hold rain water and used for drinking and several other purposes) started from 200 AD . Many step wells ('Vav' in Gujrathi, Baoli in Hindi) in the Indian subcontinents, particularly in semi arid region, demonstrate architectural splendor! The scientific designs of the colossal structure around the step well were so robust that these structures survived earth quakes and other natural hazards for several hundreds of years. This photo depicts a step well and the structure around this that was built in 1498-99 in the village Adalaj (now in Ahmedabad in the Indian state of Gujrat). The five storied structures with a centrally located well was constructed by Rana Veer Singh of the Vaghela dynasty and the muslim king Mahmud Begada. The magnificent five storied structures, curved out of sand stone, represent the amazing architectural design and exquisite Indo-Islamic artwork. This huge building is believed to be used for performing rituals, festivity and other purposes.
In this photo fourth floor of the structure is seen . Note as to how the design of the structure allows maximum penetration of sun light that was necessary to illuminate the floors.