The Queen Step Well- Rani-ki-Vav
Dr. K.C. Nauriyal presented a fine lecture about the famous Rani-ki-Vav i.e. The Queen Step well. Rani-ki-Vavhas recently been declared as a World Heritage Site. Present in the lecture was Dr. B.R. Mani, Additional Director General of Archaeological Survey of India, who chaired the lecture.
Mr. K.C. Nauriyal
Dr. Mani introduced Dr. K.C. Nauriyal and lauded him for his work on Rani-ki-Vav and his contribution which led Rani-ki-Vav to be included as a World Heritage Site. He said that he was proud of the fact that it was approved at the first go and there was unanimous consensus in the Archaeological Survey of India.
The person from ASI introducing Mr. Nauriyal
Dr. Nauriyal began by introducing the subject. He said that step-wells are, most certainly, India’s one of the most unique contribution to the world. But they are not known outside the Indo-Pak subcontinent. Step-wells have influenced many structures in India, especially the ones that incorporated water into their design element.
The Queen stepwell- Rani ki Va
He then talked about Rani-ki-Vav in detail. He said that the well has religious and secular iconography. It basically has three structural components: 1) stepped corridor 2) cross bracing system 3) circular well shaft. The sidewall rises straight from the lowest level. The bracing structure prevents the lateral thrust acting on the side walls and an internal collapse. The cross bracing system has pavilions as superstructures. Besides drinking water and irrigation purposes, it also served socio-religious and secular purposes. Rani-ki-Vav at Patan, Gujrat is a unique and outstanding example of a Vav or Baoli.
