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Rani Ki Vav: 5 things you need to know about the latest World Heritage Site

The NaMo led Gujarat has seen various developments and there have been various inclusions to this list even in the Anandiben led government.

Updated: June 23, 2014 10:53 AM IST

By Aishwarya Krishnan

Rani Ki Vav: 5 things you need to know about the latest World Heritage Site

The NaMo led Gujarat has seen various developments and there have been various inclusions to this list even in the Anandiben led government. One such delighting development is the inclusion of a 11th century step well, Rani Ki Vav in the UNESCO’s world Heritage site. As the pleasant news of another inclusion into the UNESCO’s World Heritage site is celebrated with joy, here are five things you need to know about the Rani Ki Vav step well.

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1. Where

This step well is situated in the Patan town of Gujarat. Patan, which was founded by Mr. Vanraja Chavda was the capital of Gujarat for a short span of time.

2. The history

Built in the 11th century in the step well is said to be built in the memory of Bhimdev in the period of Solanki or Chalukya. Bhimedev was the founder of the entire Solnaki dynasty or Patan or then Anahiwada Pattan.

3. The dimensions

This step well is 64 m long and 20 m wide. Originally constructed of seven levels, only five levels have been preserved. The corridor walls, pillar pavilions and inner side of the well are embellished with fine sculptures. Of the original 800 sculptures, only 400 have survived over the period of time.

4. The theme

The central theme of the steep well is based on Dasavataeas or the ten incarnations of Vishnu. The avatars are accompanied by sadhus, Brahmins, and apsaras (celestial dancers), painting their lips and adorning themselves. At water level you come to a carving of Sheshashayi-Vishnu, in which Vishnu reclines on the thousand-hooded serpent Shesha, where it is said he rests in the infinity between ages.

5. The well

The well is located in the western most end of the monument and consists of a shaft 10 m in diameter and 30m deep. It is in the fourth and deepest level of the area and also holds a rectangular tank of 9.5 by 9.4 meters.

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