Steps to Hope
Living Waters Museum started discussion around how knowledge about stepwells can be documented, After that through series of activities done which led to the emergence of “Steps of Hope”, an online platform showcasing knowledge of Stepwells of Ahmedabad. can be seen on stepwells.livingwatersmuseum.org
Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Amritavarshini Vav
The only stepwell inside the walled city of Ahmedabad, built in 1723 AD by Raja Raghunath Das who was the chief governor of Haider Quli Khan. It has an L shaped plan most probably due to its proximity with the fort wall. It is completed in arches to support the horizontal load which proves that it is of a later era than stepwells like Adalaj and Dada Hari ni Vav which are trabeated structures. It has 2 inscriptions in Persian and Sanskrit. It was listed as a protected monument in 1969 by the state Archaeological Department of Gujarat but conservation work started only in 1999 and finished in 2004.
Experience Amritvarshini Vaav in 360 Degree View or Virtual Reality
Matar Bhavani Stepwell
Built in the second century, the Mata Bhavani Vav, suggested by Hasmukh Dhirajlal Sankalia, cannot belong to the pre-Islamic time. According to the scholars, the stepwell was probably constructed during the reign of Karnadev, the Chalukya king who is credited with founding the ancient city of Karnavati. Other scholars believed that the stepwell was commissioned by Queen Minaldevi. Mata Bhavani has a double system of stairs with a square pool in front of the actual well, which is usually a part of a larger stepwell. It has three storeys and three pavilion towers.
Shakti Kund, Akhaj
A Kund is a unique structure that is characterised by a flight of stairs along all four sides of the well, and the Shakti Kund in Akhaj is one of the most prominent monuments in North-Gujarat. Archaeological work has revealed structures of divine beings, pillars and arches, etc. This Kund is called a ‘Bhadraka’ because it is square in shape. Traditionally, the walls of a Kund are meant to be decorated with niche figures and the landings with temples and arched gates.
