Amritavarshini Vav, also known as Panchkuva Stepwell or Katkhuni Vav, is a
stepwell
Stepwells (also known as vavs or baori) are wells or ponds with a long corridor of steps that descend to the water level. Stepwells played a significant role in defining subterranean architecture in western India from 7th to 19th century. So ...
near the
Panchkuva Darwaja in
Ahmedabad,
Gujarat
Gujarat (, ) is a state along the western coast of India. Its coastline of about is the longest in the country, most of which lies on the Kathiawar peninsula. Gujarat is the fifth-largest Indian state by area, covering some ; and the ninth ...
, India.
History
Panchkuva, literally ''five wells'', area derived its name the five wells in the area. Amritavarshini vav was completed in 1723 as per Devanagari and Persian inscription (
Vikram Samvat
Vikram Samvat (IAST: ''Vikrama Samvat''; abbreviated VS) or Bikram Sambat B.S. and also known as the Vikrami calendar, is a Hindu calendar historically used in the Indian subcontinent. Vikram Samvat is generally 57 years ahead of Gregorian Calend ...
1779/A.H. 1135 ) in the stepwell. It was built by Raghunathdas, diwan to Haidar Quli Khan, who was the governor of Gujarat during his stay in the city in 1721–1722 for charitable purpose.
Architecture
Sparsely ornamented, Amriavarshini Vav is notable for its L-shaped plan and has simple design. It has three storeys and is more than 50 feet deep. The bracing arches have different shapes at the two storeys and in the ''kuta'' (pavilion tower) before the well shaft. It was declared a protected monument in 1969 and was conserved in 1999. It was recharged later by digging in 2004.
Gallery
File:Amritavarshini Vav (Stepwell) 14.jpg, Right angled construction of stepwell
File:Amritavarshini Vav (Stepwell) 7.jpg, Inscriptions in the stepwell
File:Amritavarshini Vav (Stepwell) 2.jpg, Shaft of the well
File:Amritavarshini Vav (Stepwell) 4.jpg, Steps from inside
See also
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Adalaj Stepwell
Adalaj Stepwell or Rudabai Stepwell is a stepwell located in the village of Adalaj, close to Gandhinagar city in Gandhinagar district in the Indian state of Gujarat, and considered a fine example of Indian architecture work. It was built i ...
*
Dada Harir Stepwell
Bai Harir Sultani Stepwell is a stepwell in Asarwa area 15 km off Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.
History
The stepwell was built in 1485 by ''Dhai'' Harir, a household lady of Mahmud Begada according to the Persian inscription in the stepwel ...
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Mata Bhavani's Stepwell
Mata Bhavani's Stepwell or Mata Bhavani ni Vav is a stepwell in Asarwa area of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.
History and architecture
Mata Bhavani's stepwell was built in the 11th century during Chaulukya dynasty rule in Gujarat. It is one of the e ...
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Jethabhai's Stepwell
Jethabhai's Stepwell or Jethabhai ni Vav, is a stepwell in Isanpur area of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. It was situated near sha e Alam and one of the heritage stepwells in Ahmedabad.
History and architecture
James Burgess wrote in 1905 in t ...
*
Ahmedabad
References
{{Ahmedabad topics, status=collapsed
Stepwells in Gujarat
Buildings and structures in Ahmedabad
Tourist attractions in Ahmedabad