A
view along the top of the well, showing the top of the octagonal shaft.Home Indian Trips <<Previous Gujarat Next>>
This was the second step well we saw and it was situated just a short distance outside Ahmedabad. It was built in 1499, about five hundred years later than the Rani ni Vav, by Rudabai, who was the wife of a local chieftain. It was used to conserve water and provide a cool place to socialize and meet. Again the structure begins at ground level and descend five storeys to the first well, via a series of steps and galleries. This well is below an octagonal well shaft. There is then a second well behind, which was the main one for drawing water.
A
view along the top of the well, showing the top of the octagonal shaft.
This
picture was taken from the main entrance, at first floor level, steps in front
lead down to the well.
This
gentleman acted as our guide to the well, and he like to pose for photographs.
Behind is one of three sets of steps that provide entry to the first level.
The
side walls of the octagonal shaft and the spiral staircases that can be used to
reach different levels.
As
we visited shortly after the monsoon there was some water at the bottom, though
now much of the year it is dry.
Looking
back up
Some
of the intricate carving at the top level.