01 Adalaj Step Well, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

Adalaj Vav or Stepwell was built by queen Rudadevi or Rani Roopba in memory of her husband Rana Veer Singh in 1499.

In the late 15th century, Rana Veer Singh ruled over Dandai Desh and his kingdom always faced water shortage so Rana ordered the construction of a large  and a deep well - but Rana valiantly died in battle with Mohammed Begda the neighbouring Muslim ruler before it was completed. Mohammed Begda asked the beautiful queen - Rudadevi to marry him - Rudadevi agreed  - but would do so only after he completed the construction of the stepwell. On completion of the step well Rudadevi came to offer her prayers and thereafter jumped into it to be one with her husband. Rani Roopba had ensured that saints performed detailed rituals after her death to purify the stepwell so her people could use the water collected in the stepwell.

Adalaj Vav is at a distance of about 20 km from Ahmedabad.

Tag: Gujarat, India | Content: gud2travel.com | Image: Karthik Easvur | Date: 12-Jan-2021