Rani Ki Vav - Patan, Gujarat
Rani Ki Vav, or the Queen’s Stepwell was constructed by Rani Udaymati in memory of her husband, King Bhima, of the Chalukya or Solanki dynasty, which existed between 950 and 1300 CE. A water management system was designed and divided into seven levels of stairs with sculptural panels of high artistic and aesthetic quality.
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- A small niche through which one sees the birth of Brahma through Vishnu’s navel
Designed as an inverted temple highlighting the sanctity of water, more than 500 principle sculptures and over a thousand minor ones combine religious, mythological, and secular imagery, often referencing literary works. Its construction in the Maru-Gurjara architectural style reflects mastery of not just aesthetics but also engineering, science, literature, environment and more. These examples from the past clearly showcase the multifaceted knowledge and teamwork that reigned in that era.
The detail of each panel is incredibly realistic, the narratives are mesmerizing, inspiring and educational. For a sculptor, even the study of a single figurine here will unfold many learnings.
In 2008, I visited Patan and the patola weaver community. The imagery and experience are still vivid as I reminisce after 12 years. These images were documented on Canon Powershot S5IS.
