Have you noticed the monument in 100 Rupee note?

If you have ever used a 100 Rupee note, you might have noticed a beautiful monument on its back. It is a stepwell called Rani Ki Vav, located in Patan, Gujarat. It is one of the finest examples of ancient Indian architecture and engineering, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In this article, we will explore the history, features, and significance of this remarkable structure.

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Rani Ki Vav, which means “Queen’s Stepwell” in Gujarati, is an ancient stepwell located in Patan, Gujarat. A stepwell is a type of water storage structure that consists of a series of steps leading down to a water reservoir. Stepwells were common in India, especially in the arid regions of Gujarat and Rajasthan, where they served as sources of water, social gathering places, and sites of religious and cultural significance.

Rani Ki Vav was built in the 11th century by Queen Udayamati, the wife of King Bhimdev I of the Solanki dynasty, as a memorial to her husband. It is one of the largest and most ornate stepwells in India, measuring about 64 meters long, 20 meters wide, and 27 meters deep. It has seven levels of stairs and more than 500 sculptures depicting Hindu gods and goddesses, mythological scenes, and floral motifs.

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Rani Ki Vav is important for several reasons. First, it is a remarkable example of the architectural and artistic excellence of the Solanki period, which is considered the golden age of Gujarat. The stepwell showcases the intricate and elaborate carving skills of the craftsmen, who used sandstone as their medium. The sculptures reflect the influence of various styles, such as Nagara, Dravidian, and Maru-Gurjara, and also incorporate elements of Buddhism and Jainism.

Second, Rani Ki Vav is a testimony to the devotion and dedication of Queen Udayamati, who commissioned the stepwell as a tribute to her husband and as a symbol of her love. The stepwell also demonstrates the prominent role of women in the Solanki society, as they were patrons of art, culture, and religion.

Third, Rani Ki Vav is a valuable source of information about the history, culture, and beliefs of the people of Gujarat in the 11th century. The stepwell contains inscriptions in Sanskrit and Prakrit, which provide details about the construction, maintenance, and donations of the stepwell. The sculptures depict various aspects of Hindu mythology, such as the Dashavatar (the ten incarnations of Vishnu), the Sapta Matrika (the seven mother goddesses), and the Ashta Dikpalas (the eight guardians of the directions). The stepwell also represents the cosmological concept of the Naga (the serpent deity), who is believed to reside in the underworld and control the water sources.

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Rani Ki Vav was in use for about two centuries, until it was flooded and buried by the nearby Saraswati river in the 13th century. The stepwell remained hidden and forgotten for centuries, until it was rediscovered by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in the 1980s. The ASI undertook extensive excavation and restoration work to bring back the glory of the stepwell. Today, Rani Ki Vav is a popular tourist attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Rani Ki Vav is located in Patan, which is about 125 kilometers from Ahmedabad, the capital of Gujarat. Patan can be reached by road, rail, or air from Ahmedabad or other major cities in Gujarat. The stepwell is open to visitors from 8 am to 6 pm every day, except on national holidays. The entry fee is 40 Rupees for Indian citizens and 600 Rupees for foreign nationals. There is also a museum near the stepwell, which displays some of the sculptures and artifacts found during the excavation.

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Here are some interesting facts about Rani Ki Vav that you may not know:

Rani Ki Vav is the only stepwell in India that has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It was inscribed in 2014 under the criteria of cultural significance and outstanding universal value.

Rani Ki Vav is also featured on the new 100 Rupee note, which was introduced by the Reserve Bank of India in 2018. The note depicts the view of the stepwell from the north side, along with the Swachh Bharat logo and the slogan “Satyameva Jayate”.

Rani Ki Vav is considered to be one of the finest examples of subterranean architecture in India. The stepwell has a unique design that resembles an inverted temple, with the main well at the bottom and the stairs and sculptures above it.

Rani Ki Vav is also known for its remarkable acoustics. The sound of water dripping from the well can be heard throughout the stepwell, creating a soothing and serene atmosphere. The stepwell also has a natural cooling effect, as the temperature inside is lower than the outside.

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