(Self clicked)

INTRODUCTION OF ADALAJ
Adalaj Stepwell is a stepwell located in the village of Adalaj, close to Ahmedabad city
and in Gandhinagar district in the Indian state of Gujarat. It was built in 1498 in the
memory of Rana Veer Singh (the Vaghela dynasty of Dandai Des), by his wife Queen
Rudadevi. It is a fine example of Indian architecture work.

GENERALINFORMATION
Architecture Style – Hindu and Islamic Architecture

Town or City – Ahemdabad

Country – India
Coordinates – 23.16691°N 72.58024°E
Construction Started – 1499
Completed – 15th century
 Source: wikipedia.org/wiki/adalaj_stepwell

INTRODUCTION TO STEPWELLS
While in Gujarati and Marwari language, the stepwell is called a vav, (leading down to the
level of water), in other Hindi-speaking regions of North India it is known as a baoli.
Step wells like the one in Adalaj were once integral to the semi-arid regions of Gujarat, as
they provided water for drinking, washing and bathing. These wells were also venues for
colourful festivals and sacred rituals.
Stepwells, also called stepped ponds, built between the 5th and 19th centuries, are
common in Western India; over 120 such wells are reported in the semi-arid region of
Gujarat alone, of which the well at Adalaj is one of the most popular. Stepwells are also
found in more arid regions of the Indian subcontinent, extending into Pakistan, to collect
rainwater during seasonal monsoons. While many such structures are utilitarian in
construction, they sometimes include significant architectural embellishments, as in the
Adalaj stepwell, which attracts a large number of tourists. In the past, these stepwells were
frequented by travellers and caravans as stopovers along trade routes.
The first rock-cut step wells in India are dated from 200-400 AD. Subsequently, the wells
at Dhank (550-625) and construction of stepped ponds at Bhinmal (850-950) took place.
The city of Mohenjo-daro has wells, which may be the predecessor of the step well; as
many as 700 wells have been discovered in just one section of the city, leading scholars to
believe that 'cylindrical brick lined wells' were invented by the people of the Indus Valley
Civilization.
 Source: wikipedia.org/wiki/adalaj_stepwell

ADALAJ STEPWELL FROM TOP

While early stepwells were made of stone, later step wells were made of mortar, stucco,
rubble and laminar stones. The well cylinder was the basic form used to deepen the wells.
It is also inferred that the Stepwells in Gujarat have survived so long in view of the
builder's knowledge of the soil conditions and the earthquake proneness of the region.
The well size recommended, based on considerations of stability, was of four to
thirteen hasta ( 'hasta' a Sanskrit word, which means "forearm" of size varying from 12–24
inches (300–610 mm)), A size of eight hasta was considered ideal and a 13 hasta well was
considered dangerous. However, the well thickness from top to bottom remained generally
uniform. By the 11th century, the step well planning and design acquired architectural
excellence and the Hindu Stepwells were standardized.
 Source: wikipedia.org/wiki/adalaj_stepwell

HISTORY
In AD 1499, The area around Adalaj was known as Dandai Desh and was ruled by Rana
Veer Singh of the Vaghela dynasty. Around this time, Mohammed Bagda, a Muslim ruler
of a neighbouring state attacked Dandai Desh and was ruled by Rana Veer Singh. The
beauty of the slain king’s widow, Rani Roopba , enamoured Mohammed Begda who sent
her a proposal of marriage.
The heartbroken but determined queen agreed to the proposal on the condition that he
completes a five stored stepwell (vav) for her. The Muslim ruler, enticed by the charm of
the queen, readily agreed. The construction of this well had begun years ago under Rana
Veer Singh but had to be stopped water. Begda resumed this project with great enthusiasm
and got the well completed in record time. When this five-storied edifice was completed
but for the dome, Begda renewed his proposal. The next day Roopba took a round of the
well and saying a final prayer, flung herself into the water and drowned.
Adalaj is very small town and is mainly famous for this stepwell only. There was an acute
draft here and this stepwell was made to save people from such drafts by supplying water
all through the year. Such step wells also provide a good, cool place for the people to rest
during summer.
(self-clicked)
INTRODUCTION
ARCHITECTURE
THE ADALAJ STEP WELL IS ON THE NORTH SIDE AND THE ENTRANCE TO
THIS WELL IS ON THE SOUTH SIDE. THIS HAS BEEN THE GENERAL PRACTICE
WHILE MAKING SUCH STEP WELLS.
THE STRUCTURAL SYSTEM IS TYPICALLY INDIAN STYLE WITH
TRADITIONAL TRABEAT WITH HORIZONTAL BEAMS AND LINTELS. THE
TOTAL LENGTH OF THIS STEP WELL IS AROUND 240 FEET. IT HAS 3
ENTRANCES WITH THREE SEPARATE GATES FOR EACH ENTRANCE. THERE
ARE FIVE STORIES ТО THIS WELL. THE ENTIRE PLATFORM OF THE WELL
RESTS ON TOTAL 16 PILLARS. THE EIGHT PILLARS ARE SITUATED ON THE
FOUR CORNERS AND TWO PILLARS ARE LOCATED IN FRONT OF EACH MAIN
GATE.

FIRST FLOOR OF THE STEPWELL (SELF CLICKED)

THERE ARE FOUR BUILT IN SHRINES AT THE FOUR CORNERS OF THE WELL.
THE WELL HAS 344 STEPS IN ALL. THE WATER CAN BE REACHED EASILY BY
GETTING DOWN THROUGH THESE STEPS. THE LEVEL OF WATER
INSIDE THE WELL CAN VARY BASED UPON THE SEASON AND NORMALLY,
ADALAJ STEP WELL LEVEL OF WATER REMAIN AT2 STORIES LEVEL.
THE ENTIRE CORRIDOR IS SURROUNDED BY 3 FEET TALL PARAPET WALL
FOR SAFETY REASONS. THIS STEP WELL CAN SERVE AS A WONDERFUL
PICNIC SPOT IN THE VILLAGE OF ADALAJ.
BUILT IN SAND STONE IN INDO-ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURAL STYLE, THE
ADALAJ STEPWELL IS FIVE STORIES DEEP. IF YOU SHOUT FROM THE
BOTTOM OF THE WELL, THERE WILL BE 5 REPETITIVE ECHOES OF YOU OWN
SOUND. THIS ISA REAL ENGINEERING WONDER.
THE STEP WELL IS ALSO FULL OF ARTISTIC SCULPTURES OF THE
RENOWNED KINGS OF GUJARAT OF THAT TIME. THE STONE STRUCTURES
ARE ALSO ENGRAVED WITH ARTISTIC DESIGNS OF FLOWERS AND OTHER
NATURAL ELEMENTS LIKE SKY, CLOUDS AND THE RAIN. THERE IS A
SAMADHI OF QUEEN RUDABAI JUST AT THE STEP WELL ENTRANCE. THE
LENGTH OF THE STEP WELL IS 75.3 METERS. IT IS THE ONLY BEST
ARCHITECTURAL WONDER OF ITS KIND WHICH HAS THREE ENTRANCE
STAIRS WHICH LEADS THE VISITORS TO THE STEPPED CORRIDOR. THE
PLATFORM OF THE ADALAJ VAV RESTS ON 16 PILLARS. THE CORNERS OF
THE PLATFORMS COMPRISES OF FOUR SHRINES, WITH DOORS,WINDOWS
AND BALCONIES. THE WALLS OF THE STEP WELL ARE ABSOLUTE
SHOWCASES OF SCULPTURES FROM ANCIENT PAST. THE MOTIFS OF
FLOWERS AND GRAPHICS OF ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE BLEND VERY WELL
WITH THE SYMBOLS OF HINDU AND JAIN GODS CARVED AT VARIOUS
LEVELS OF THE WELL.

4.1.5 ACCESS
ADALAJ STEPWELL OR VAV IS SITUATED ON CARAVAN ROUTE FROM
AHMEDABAD TO PATAN, THE THEN CAPITAL OF GUJARATAND 18KMS
AWAY, NORTH OF AHMEDABAD IN GANDHINAGAR DISTRICT IN ADALAJ
VILLAGE.

4.1.6 FACT
VEGETATION:

EUCAYPTUS
 PEEPAL

NEEM (SOURCE-THE HINDU.COM)

WATER TABLE:
THE WATER TABLE IS 100M BELOW THE GROUNG LEVEL

SOIL TYPE:
LOAM TO SANDY.

LOAM SOIL(SOURCE-GARDENGUIDES.COM) SANDY SOIL

4.1.7 CONCEPT:
TO A HINDU, STEPWELLS HAVE TWO ASSOCIATIONS-
ONE OF PURIFICATION OF HOLY WATER AND THE ASSOCIATION OF ’PATAL
LOK’, ONE OF THE THREE DOMAINS OF THE WORLD APART FROM EARTH
AND SKY.
BUILT IN SANDSTONE I SOLANKI ARCHITECTURE STYLE, THE ADALAJ
STEPWELL IS FIVE STORIES DEEP.
EARLY STEPWELLS WERE MADE IN STONE, LATER STEPWELLS WERE MADE
OD STUCCO, MORTAR, RUBBLE AND LAMINAR STONES OVER THE YEARS.
THE STRUCTURAL SYSTEM IS TYPICALLY INDIAN, WITH TRADITIONAL
TRABEAT WITH HORIZONTAL BEAMS AND LINTELS.AT THE BOTTOM OF
THE WELL IS A SQUARE STEPPED FLOOR IN THE SHAPE OF FUNNEL
EXTENDING TO THE LOWEST PLANE. EACH FLOOR IS SPACIOUS ENOUGH TO
PROVIDE FOE PEOPLE TO CONGEGRATE. IT WAS DUG DEEP TO ACCESS
GROUNG WATER AT THAT LEVEL, ACCOUNTING FOR SEASONAL
FLUCTUATIONS IN WATERLEVEL DUE TO RAINFALL.

CARVING ON PILLARS (SOURCE-GOOGLE) PILLARS OF STEPWELL

CLIMATIC RESPONSE
THE AIR AND THE LIGHT VENTS IN THE ROOFS AT VARIOUS FLOORS AND
AT THE LANDING LEVEL ARE IN THE FORM OF LARGE OPENINGS LEADING
TO THE OCTAGONAL WALL. HOWEVER DIRECT SUNLIGHT DO NOT TOUCH
THE FLIGHT OF STAIRS OR WELL EXCEPT FOR A BRIEF PERIOD OF TIME. THE
TEMPERATURE INSIDE IS SAID TO BE 6 DEGREES COOLER THAN THE
OUTSIDE.
ABOVE THE SQUARE FLOORS, COLUMNS, BEAMS, WALLS AND ARCHED
OPENING SPIRAL AROUND; A FEATURE THAT CONTINUES TO THE TOP PART
OF THE WELL; HOWEVER, IS A VERTICAL SPACE OPEN TO THE SKY.

LIGHT AND SHADOW

WATER REFLECTS THE SUNLIGHT AND SKY TO BRING TOGETHER THE BI-
UNITY OF THE EXTREMES:
WATER AND FIRE AS NOTIONAL OPPOSITES THAT CO—EXIST AS COUNTER
REFERENCES TO EACH OTHER. THE TIMELESSNESS IS ATTRIBUTED TO THE
FRESHNESS OFFERED BY THE VARIATION OF VISUAL FRAMES AS WELL AS
THE INTEGRATION OF LIGHT/NATURE WHERE THE SUN IS CONSTANT
VARIABLE AS IT CHANGES POSITION AND INTENSITY FROM MORNING TO
EVENING THROUGH SUMMER TO WINTER, ENSURING THAT THE STATIC
OBJECT CHANGES WITH CHANGING OUTDOOR CONDITIONS IN THE SUN.

LIGHT AND SHADOW (SOURCE-FILCKR.COM)

PLAN, ELEVATION AND
SECTION

PLAN
 THE STEPWELL IS OCTAGONAL IN EACH FLOOR IS SPACIOUS ENOUGH TO PROVIDE
PLAN AT THE TOP SPACE FOR PEOPLE TO CONGREGATE

(SOURCE:DRAFTED)

BUILT IN SANDSTONE IN SOLANKI THE PLANNING IS BASED ON THE DESIGN PRINCIPLE OF

ARCHITECTURL STYLE AXIS

THE AIR AND LIGHT VENTS IN THE ROOF AT VARIOUS BLOW UP DETAIL OF TYPICAL FLOOR
FLOORS AND AT THE LANDING LEVEL ARE IN (SOURCE:DRAFTED)
THE FORM OF LARGE OPENINGS
ELEVATION

Source : gosahin.com
Adalaj Stepwell is a magnificient example of fusion of hindu craftsmanship and the floral ,
geometric pattern of Islamic architecture.

Source : myowncity.in
The structural system is typically Indian Style.
Source: tripadvisor.in
Having a traditional trabeated structure with horizontal beams and lintels.

Source: myhinduethics.com
Adalaj was dug deep to access ground water at that level, accounting for seasonal
fluctuations in water level due to rainfall over the years.
ELEVATION (SOURCE: DRAFTED)
SECTION

SECTION OF ADALAJB(SOURCE:DRAFTED)
The top part of the well, however, is a There is an opening in the ceiling above
vertical space open to sky. the landing which allows the light and air
to enter the octagonal well.

From the first storey level, three staircases The bottom of the well is square shape
lead to the bottom water level of the well, stepped floor in the shape of funnel
which is considered a unique feature. extending to the lowest plane.
DESIGN ELEMENTS
STRUCTURE OF ADALJ STEPWELL CONSIST OF FOUR SMALL ROOMS WITH
ORIEL WINDOWS DECORATIVE WITH MINUTELY CARVED BRACKETS THAT
ARE PROVIDED AT LANDING LEVEL, THE FOUR CORNERS.
THE STRUCTURAL SYSTEM IS TOTALLY INDIAN STYLE WITH TRADITIONAL
TRABEAT WITH HORIZONTAL BEAMS AND LINTELS.
AT THE BOTTOM OF THE WELL IS A SQUARE STEPPED FLOOR IN THE SHAPE
OF A FUNNEL EXTENDING TO THE LOWEST PLANE.

MOTIFS

SOURCE: SELF CLICKED

MOTIFS DETAILS
THE MOTIFS OF FLOWER AND GRAPHICS OF ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE
BLEND VERY WELL WITH THE SYMBOLS OF HINDU AND JAINS GODS
CARVED AT VARIOUS LEVELS OF THE WELL.
THE DOMINANT CARVING OF THE UPPER FLOORS ARE OF ELEPHANTS (3
INCHES (76MM) IN SIZE, EACH OF DIFFERENT DESIGN). THE ISLAMIC
ARCHITECTURE STYLE COULD BE ATTRIBUTED TO THE MUSLIM KING
BEGDA WHO BUILT IT. THE WALLS ARE CARVED WITH WOMEN
PERFORMING DAILY CHORES SUCH AS CHURNING OF BUTTERMILK,
ADORNING THEMSELVES, SCENES OF PERFORMING DANCERS AND
MUSICIANS, AND THE KING OVERLOOKING ALL THESE ACTIVITIES.

MOTIFS MOTIFS

SOURCE: SELF CLICKED SOURCE: SELF CLICKED

COLUMN DETAILS
THE PLATFORM REST ON 16 PILLAR, 8 ON THE CORNERS, AND 2 IN FRONT OF
EACH MAIN SIDE FOR BUILT IN SHRINES, DOORS, WINDOWS, AND
BALCONIES, MARK THE 4 CORNERS OF THE PLATFORM, WALL OF STEPWELL
ARE VERITABLE SHOWCASE OF SCULPTURES AND ORNAMENTATION.
5 STORIES OF ADALAJ WELL USE CROSS BEAMS ALL ALONG THEIR
LENGTH.

COLUMN DOUBLE COLUMN SINGLE COLUMN

SOURCE : SELF CLICKED SOURCE : SELF DRAFTED SOURCE : SELF DRAFTED

COLUMN CENTRE COLUMN TOP

SOURCE : SELF CLICKED SOURCE : SELF CLICKED

ORIEL WINDOW
ALL ORIEL WINDOW IS A SET OF WINDOWS, ARRANGED TOGETHER IN A
BAY THAT PROTRUDES FROM THE FACE OF A BUILDING ON AN UPPER
FLOOR AND IS BRACED UNDERNEATH BY A BRACKET OR CORBEL.
THE ORIEL WINDOWS AT ADALAJ STEPWELL SERVED AS BUILT-IN SHRINES
AND DECORITIVE ELEMENTS.
 ORIEL WINDOW BUILT IN SHRINE

SOURCE : SELF DRAFTED SOURCE : SELF CLICKED

CORBEL DETAILS
THE ORIEL WINDOW AND THE COLUMNS WERE PROVIDED WITH
INTRICATELY CARVED CORBEL WHICH WAS ALSO WERE MADE OF
SANDSTONE.

CORBEL CORBEL
SOURCE : SELF CLICKED SOURCE : SELF CLICKED
SITE PLANNING
PROJECT BRIEF
LOCATION —near Amba mataji temple, Adalaj, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
382421
ARCHITECTURAL STYLE —Hindu and Islamic architecture
CONSTRUCTION STARTED -1499
COMPLETED -15th century
SIZE —Five storied Deep well
ARCHITECT –Local

SOURCE: GOOGLE SOURCE: GOOGLE

LOCATION OF GUJRAT IN INDIA LOCATION OF GANDHI NAGAR IN GUJRAT

SOURCE: GOOGLE

ADALAJ STEPWELL
INTRODUCTION

 The stepwell is called a vav, (leading down to the level of water), in

other Hindi-speaking regions of North India it is known as a baoli
(also spelt, ’bawdi’, ’bawri’ and ’bavadi').
 Stepwells are wells or ponds in which the water is reached by
descending a set of steps. They may be niúlti-staried with a bullock
turning a water wheel to raise the well water to the first or second
floor.
 Step wells like the one in Adalaj were once integral to the semi-arid
regions of Gujarat, as they provided water for drinking, washing and
bathing. These wells were also venues for colourful festivals and
sacred rituals.

SITE LOCATION
near Amba mata ji temple, Adalaj, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 382421
Latitude: 23.17°N
Longitude: 72.5B°E

SITE AREA
The well size recommended, based on considerations of stability, was of
four to thirteen hasta ('hasta’ a Sanskrit word, which means ”forearm”
of size varying from 12—24 inches (300—6 10 mm)), A size of eight
hasta was considered ideal and a 13 hasta well was dangerous.

ABOUT THE CITY

Adalaj Stepwell is a unique Hindu 'water building’ in the village of
Adalaj, close to Ahmedabad town in Gandhinagar district in the Indian
state of Gujarat. The stepwell was built in 1499 by Muslim king
Mohammed Begda for Queen Rani Roopba, wife of Veer Singh, rani
Roopba, wife of Veer Singh, the Vaghela chieftain. The step well or
'Vav', as it is called in Gujarati, is intricately carved and is five stories in
depth. Such step wells were once integral to the semi arid regions of
Gujarat as they provided basic water needs for drinking, washing and
bathing. These wells were also venues for colorful festivals.

HISTORY
As per legend the 15th century, Rana Veer Singh of the Vaghela
dynasty, a Hindu ruler, reigned over this territory known at that time as
Dandai Desh. His kingdom was a small one. It was subject to water
shortage and was highly dependent on the rains. To alleviate the misery
of his people, the Rana began the construction of a large and deep
stepwell.

MAJOR DISTANCES
- AIRPORT: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport.
- RAILWAY STATION: Kalupur.
- BUS STAND: Adalaj gam-800m
- HOSPITAL: Satyamev Hospital-6.2 Km.
- POLICE STATION: Adalaj Police Station-1.2KM.
- PETROL PUMP: Siddhachakra Petroleum & CNG Services -1.2KM.

NATURE OF THE NEARBY BUILDING

- Canteen and village residence around.
- Residential buildings.
- Use of basic material like brick, glass, concrete, cement mortar.
- Rapid under construction work in progress around.
KEY PLAN

SITE SECTION

SITE PLAN