The ancient stepwells of Gujarat (Vav) has cultural, social, architectural and environmental value. Discuss (150 Words)
Refer - The Hindu
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IAS Parliament 5 years
KEY POINTS
· Rani-ki-Vav, or the ‘queen’s stepwell’, in Gujarat’s Patan, this 11th century subterranean water storage system happens to also be a World Heritage Site. Gujarat’s ancient stepwells are also centuries old, steeped in socio-cultural significance, and architecturally breathtaking.
Cultural significance
· The pillars on which the structure stands bear delicate designs, of deities, elephants, floral motifs which shows the culture of people lived.
Architectural significance
· Rudabai Vav in Adalaj near Gandhinagar has much ornamentation. The Bai Harir stepwell in Ahmedabad is octagonal and reflects the medieval Sultanate architecture. The step wells help archaeologists help in reconstructing the pasts of architectural marvel that has been existed in India.
Social Significance
· Around 25% were built by women — queens, royalty, wives of merchants, ordinary women, courtesans, servants — who hoped for religious recognition. Rani-ki-Vav, for instance, was built by a queen.
· Stepwells were considered as women’s spaces, where women came not just to fill their pots, but also to talk with other women, away from the public eye.
Environmental significance
· Step wells are the source of drinking water especially in arid areas, they can still be catchment areas if properly conserved, helps in irrigating agricultural fields.
Sandeep 5 years
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IAS Parliament 5 years
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AP 5 years
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IAS Parliament 5 years
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