History of India

This is the Rani ki Vav (Queen’s Stepwell), located in Patan, Gujarat, India. Built during the late 11th century by Queen Udayamati in memory of her husband, King Bhima I of the Solanki dynasty, it is one of the most elaborate and ornate stepwells in the world. In 2014, it was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding architectural and cultural significance.

The image shows the deep, multi-storied design of the stepwell, descending several levels into the ground with pillared pavilions and intricately carved walls. The well is not just a water storage system but also an inverted temple, with more than 500 sculptures and over a thousand minor stone carvings depicting Hindu deities, apsaras, and mythological scenes. Today, it is a major archaeological treasure, carefully preserved and admired by visitors for its grandeur and artistic mastery.