Mata Bhavani's Stepwell or Mata Bhavani ni 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 ...
in
Asarwa
Asarwa is a district of Ahmedabad, India. It is divided into two parts, New Asarwa and Old Asarwa. New Asawa contains more newly developed residential areas while Old Asarwa is a small village, and contains several manufacturing and weaving in ...
area of
Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad ( ; Gujarati: Amdavad ) is the most populous city in the Indian state of Gujarat. It is the administrative headquarters of the Ahmedabad district and the seat of the Gujarat High Court. Ahmedabad's population of 5,570,585 (per t ...
,
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 and architecture
Mata Bhavani's stepwell was built in the 11th century during
Chaulukya dynasty
The Chaulukya dynasty (), also Solanki dynasty, was a dynasty that ruled parts of what are now Gujarat and Rajasthan in north-western India, between and . Their capital was located at Anahilavada (modern Patan). At times, their rule extended ...
rule in Gujarat. It is one of the earliest existing examples of stepwells in India. A long flight of steps leads to the water below a sequence of multi-story open pavilions positioned along the east–west axis. The elaborate ornamentation of the columns, brackets and beams are a prime example of how stepwells were used as a form of art.
A much later constructed small shrine of Hindu Goddess
Bhavani
Bhavānī (also known as Bhāvya, Tulajā, Turajā, Tvarita, Aṃbā, Jagadambā and Aṃbē) is manifestation of Adi Shakti (Durga). Bhavani translates to "giver of life", meaning the power of nature or the source of creative energy. She is co ...
is located in the lower gallery from which the stepwell derived its name.
It was built before the establishment of the modern city of Ahmedabad.
The stepwell is 46 metres long and 5.1 metres wide at its entrance. It has three stories and three pavilions. The diameter of the well is 4.8 metres.
See also
*
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 ...
*
Amritavarshini Vav
Amritavarshini Vav, also known as Panchkuva Stepwell or Katkhuni Vav, is a stepwell near the Panchkuva Darwaja in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.
History
Panchkuva, literally ''five wells'', area derived its name the five wells in the area. Amrit ...
*
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 ...
*
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
Ahmedabad ( ; Gujarati: Amdavad ) is the most populous city in the Indian state of Gujarat. It is the administrative headquarters of the Ahmedabad district and the seat of the Gujarat High Court. Ahmedabad's population of 5,570,585 (per t ...
References
{{Ahmedabad topics, status=collapsed
Buildings and structures completed in the 11th century
Stepwells in Gujarat
Religious buildings and structures in Ahmedabad
Buildings and structures in Ahmedabad
Tourist attractions in Ahmedabad
Monuments of National Importance in Gujarat