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{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2019}}
{{Infobox UNESCO World Heritage Site
| WHS = Rani-ki-Vav (the Queen’s Stepwell) at Patan, Gujarat
| image = Rani ki vav 02.jpg
| image_upright = 1.2
| caption = Rani-ki-Vav
| location = [[Patan, Gujarat]], India, 
| includes = 
| criteria = {{UNESCO WHS type|(i), (iv)}}(i), (iv)
| ID = 922
| coordinates = {{coord|23|51|32|N|72|6|6|E|region:IN-GJ_type:landmark|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
| year = 2014
| area = {{convert|4.68|ha|acre|abbr=on}}
| buffer_zone = {{convert|125.44|ha|acre|abbr=on}}
| locmapin = India Gujarat#India
| map_caption = Location in [[Gujarat]]##Location in India
}}
'''Rani Ki Vav''' ({{literally|The Queen's Stepwell}}) is a [[stepwell]] situated in the town of [[Patan, Gujarat|Patan]] in [[Gujarat]], India. It is located on the banks of the [[Saraswati River, Gujarat|Saraswati River]]. Its construction is attributed to Udayamati, the spouse of the 11th-century [[Chaulukya dynasty|Chaulukya]] king [[Bhima I]]. Silted over, it was rediscovered in the 1940s and restored in the 1980s by the [[Archaeological Survey of India]]. It has been listed as one of the [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site|World Heritage Sites]] [[List of World Heritage Sites in India|in India]] since 2014.

The finest and one of the largest examples of its kind, this stepwell is designed as an inverted temple highlighting the sanctity of water. It is divided into seven levels of stairs with sculptural panels. These panels have more than 500 principal sculptures and over a thousand minor ones that combine religious and symbolic imagery.

== History ==
[[File:Rani ki vav1.jpg|thumb|250px|Inside Rani Ki Vav|left]]
Rani ki vav was constructed during the rule of the [[Chaulukya dynasty]]. It is located on the banks of [[Saraswati River, Gujarat|Saraswati river]].<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/922|title=Rani-ki-Vav (the Queen's Stepwell) at Patan, Gujarat – UNESCO World Heritage Centre|website=whc.unesco.org|language=en|access-date=2015-12-05}}</ref> ''[[Prabandha-Chintamani]]'', composed by the Jain monk [[Merutunga]] in 1304, mentions: "Udayamati, the daughter of Naravaraha Khengara, built this novel stepwell at Shripattana (Patan) surpassing the glory of the [[Sahasralinga Tank]]". According to it, the stepwell was commissioned in 1063 and was completed after 20 years. It is generally assumed that it was built in the memory of [[Bhima I]] ({{reign|{{circa|1022}}|1064}}) by his queen Udayamati and probably completed by Udayamati and [[Karna (Chaulukya dynasty)|Karna]] after his death but whether she was a widow when she commissioned it is disputed. [[Commissariat]] puts the date of construction to 1032 based on the architectural similarity to [[Dilwara Temples|Vimalavasahi temple on Mount Abu]] built in the same year.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":0">{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.325016|title=Gujaratlo Rajkiya Ane Sanskritik Itihas Granth Part-iii Itihasni Gujaratlo Rajkiya Ane Sanskritik Itihas Granth Part-iv Solanki|last=Shastri|first=Hariprasadji|date=1976|pages=135–137}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Vinod Chandra Srivastava |title=History of Agriculture in India, Up to C. 1200 A.D. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FvjZVwYVmNcC&pg=PA857 |year=2008 |publisher=Concept |isbn=978-81-8069-521-6 |page=857}}</ref>

The stepwell was later flooded by the Saraswati river and silted over.<ref name=":6" /> In 1890s, Henry Cousens and [[James Burgess (archaeologist)|James Burgess]] visited it when it was completely buried under the earth and only well shaft and few pillars were visible. They described it as being a huge pit measuring {{convert|87|m|ft}}. In ''Travels in Western India,'' [[James Tod]] mentioned that the material from the stepwell was reused in the other stepwell built in modern Patan, probably Trikam Barot ni Vav (Bahadur Singh stepwell).<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":7">{{Cite book|title=Steps to Water : The Ancient Stepwells of India|last1=Livingston|first1=Morna|last2=Beach|first2=Milo|publisher=Princeton Architectural Press|year=2002|isbn=1568983247|edition=First|location=New York|pages=63–64|oclc=48263695|author-link2=Milo C. Beach}}</ref> In the 1940s, excavations carried out under the [[Baroda State]] revealed the stepwell. In 1986, a major excavation and restoration was carried out by the [[Archaeological Survey of India]] (ASI). An image of Udayamati was also recovered during the excavation. The restoration was carried out from 1981 to 1987.<ref name=":3">{{Cite book|title=Her Space, Her Story : Exploring the Stepwells of Gujarat|last=Mehta Bhatt|first=Purnima|publisher=Zubaan|others=del Solar, Daniel|year=2014|isbn=9789383074495|location=New Delhi|pages=72–90|chapter=7. Queen's Stepwell (Rani ni Vav) - Patan, Gujarat|oclc=898408173}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bhopal/archeologist-who-restored-rani-ka-vav-recalls-his-role/story-R3Mq3CWwJYGfXSwiOQvYIN.html|title=Archeologist who restored Rani Ka Vav recalls his role|last1=Tomar|first1=Shruti|last2=Faruqui|first2=Mujeeb|date=2018-07-26|publisher=Hindustan Times|location=Bhopal|access-date=2019-06-20}}</ref>

Rani ki vav has been declared a [[Monuments of National Importance (India)|Monument of National Importance]] and protected by the ASI. It was added to the list of [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site|World Heritage Sites]] [[List of World Heritage Sites in India|in India]] on 22 June 2014.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/1157|title=Four new cultural sites inscribed on World Heritage List|date=2014-06-22|work=UNESCO World Heritage Centre|access-date=2014-10-11}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{cite web|url=http://news.biharprabha.com/2014/06/gujarats-rani-ki-vav-added-to-unesco-world-heritage-site-list/|title=Gujarat's Rani ki Vav added to UNESCO World Heritage site List|work=IANS|publisher=news.biharprabha.com|access-date=22 June 2014}}</ref> It was named India's "Cleanest Iconic Place" at the 2016 Indian Sanitation Conference.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/gujarat-world-heritage-site-rani-ki-vav-bags-cleanest-iconic-place-award/|title=Gujarat world heritage site: Rani ki Vav bags 'Cleanest Iconic Place' award|website=indianexpress.com|date=October 2016|language=en|access-date=2016-10-25}}</ref>

== Architecture ==
[[File:Rani Ki Vav, Above View.JPG|thumb|Rani Ki Vav, view from the top|left]]
Rani ki vav is considered as the finest and one of the largest example of stepwell architecture in Gujarat. It was built at the height of craftsmens’ ability in stepwell construction and the [[Maru-Gurjara architecture]] style, reflecting mastery of this complex technique and beauty of detail and proportions. The architecture and sculptures are similar to the [[Dilwara Temples|Vimalavasahi temple on Mount Abu]] and [[Sun Temple, Modhera|Sun temple at Modhera]].<ref name=":3" />

It is classified as a ''Nanda''-type stepwell. It measures approximately {{convert|65|m|ft}} long, {{convert|20|m|ft}} wide and {{convert|28|m|ft}} deep. The fourth level is the deepest and leads into a rectangular tank {{convert|9.5|m|ft}} by {{convert|9.4|m|ft}}, at a depth of {{convert|23|m|ft}}. The entrance is located in the east while the well is located at the westernmost end and consists of a shaft {{convert|10|m|ft}} in diameter and {{convert|30|m|ft}} deep.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":3" /> The stepwell is divided into seven levels of stairs which lead down to deep circular well. A stepped corridor is compartmentalized at regular intervals with pillared multistory pavilions. The walls, pillars, columns, brackets and beams are ornamented with carvings and scroll work. The [[Niche (architecture)|niches]] in the side walls are ornamented with beautiful and delicate figures and sculptures. There are 212 pillars in the stepwell.<ref name=":3" />

=== Sculptures ===
<gallery mode=packed heights=200px>
File:Rani ki Vav Vishnu.jpg|[[Varaha]] (centre), woman with snake (left)
File:Rani ki Vaav 15.jpg|[[Vamana]] incarnation
File:Rani ki vav - Patan - Gujarat - Wall Decorations.jpg|Four-armed [[Parashurama]] in the centre
File:Kalki on Stone Panel.JPG|[[Kalki]] incarnation (centre), women with lipstick or twig (left) and with monkey (right)
File:Maa Durga idol in rani ki vav.jpg|[[Durga]] killing Mahishasura
File:Gujarat heritage.jpg|[[Bhairava]] and Apsaras
File:Ganesha, Sculptures at Rani ki Vav (15778247014).jpg|[[Ganesha]] with his consort and Apsaras

</gallery>
[[File:Rani Ki Vav - Patan, Gujarat.jpg|thumb|Wall with sculptural panels]]
[[File:Queens stepwell, patan, gujarat.JPG|thumb|Wall with sculptural panels]]
[[File:Rani ki vav 08.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Carved pillars]]
There are more than 500 principal sculptures and over a thousand minor ones often referencing literary works in combination with religious, symbolic and secular imagery.<ref name=":4" /> The ornamentation of stepwell depicts the entire universe inhabited by gods and goddesses; celestial beings; men and women; monks, priests and [[laity]]; animals, fishes and birds including seen and unseen ones; as well as plants and trees.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":7" />

The stepwell is designed as an underground shrine or inverted temple. It has spiritual significance and represents the sanctity of water.<ref name=":4" /> Sculptures in the stepwell depict numerous Hindu deities including [[Brahma]], [[Vishnu]], [[Shiva]], [[Ganesha]], [[Kubera]], [[Lakulisha]], [[Bhairava]], [[Surya]], [[Indra]] and [[Hayagriva]]and goddesses (''[[Devi]]''). The sculptures associated with Vishnu outnumber all other deities mentioned above and include Sheshashayi Vishnu (Vishnu reclining on the thousand-hooded snake [[Shesha]] in the celestial ocean), Vishwarupa Vishnu (Cosmic form of Vishnu), twenty-four forms as well as [[Dashavatara]] (ten incarnations) of Vishnu.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":5">{{Cite book|title=The Stepwells of Gujarat. In Art-historical Perspective|last=Jain-Neubauer|first=Jutta|publisher=Abhinav Publications|year=1981|isbn=0391022849|edition=First|location=New Delhi|pages=35|oclc=19399030}}</ref>

The sculptures of deities with their families such as Brahma-Savitri, Uma-Maheshwar and Lakshmi-Narayan are there. Notable among other sculptures are [[Ardhanarishvara|Ardhanarishwara]] as well as large number of goddesses such as [[Lakshmi]], [[Parvati]], [[Saraswati]], [[Chamunda]], [[Durga]]/Mahishasurmardini with twenty hands, Kshemankari, Suryani and [[Matrikas|Saptamatrikas]]. There are images of [[Navagraha]] (nine planets) as well.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":5" />

There are a large number of celestial beings (''[[Apsara]]''s). One sculpture of an Apsara depicts either applying lipstick to her lips or chewing on aromatic twig while a man is attending her feet. On the northern side of the third storey pavilion, there is a sculpture of an Apsara warding off a monkey clinging to her leg and pulling her. At her feet, there is a nude female with a snake around her neck. A sculpture of Nagkanya (a serpent princess) with long hair and a swan, as well as sculptures of celestial dancers in classical dance positions are there.<ref name=":3" />

There are large number of sculptures portraying women in their everyday life and activities. One sculpture depicts a woman combing her hair, adjusting her earring and looking at herself in the mirror. Other sculptures include a woman writing a letter, a young woman with a scorpion climbing her right leg and her clothes sliding off unknowingly, a young woman pulling a beard of a dwarf-like man, a woman with fish plate in her hands with a snake encircling her leg and reaching out to fish. One sculpture depicts a young woman coming out of her bath with wet hair and a swan catching droplets of water falling from her hair like pearls. The women in these sculptures are adorned with jewelry including bangles, earrings, necklaces, waist girdles, anklets and others as well as with elegant clothes and well combed hair. The variety of expressions and emotions are depicted in them. They represent beauty as well as love in its sublime and seductive forms. There are sculptures representing maternal love such as a woman holding her child and pointing to the moon to divert his attention, a woman raising her child high to let him pick a mango from tree, and a woman in a mango grove accompanied by children.<ref name=":3" />

[[File:Rani Ka Vav, Patan, Gujarat.jpg|thumb|Cantilevered brackets in well shaft]]
[[File:Inside rani ki vav another wall structure.jpg|thumb|Geometric lattice patterns and designs resembling [[Patola Sari|Patola]] textile designs]]
There are gradually increasing [[cantilevered]] brackets in the well shaft which are profusely ornamented.<ref name=":7" /> [[Kalpavriksha]] carvings on the wall represent fertility and nature worship while [[kirtimukha]]s and [[makara]]<nowiki/>s adorn the basements and capitals of pillars.<ref name=":3" /> There are [[latticework]] patterns and designs resembling geometric local textile designs, and traditional [[Patola Sari|Patola]] are featured on the wall at the stepwell's northern entrance. These may have been adapted from wood carvings and ceilings seen in temples.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":7" /> Figures of horses, elephants and lions decorate pillars and basement moldings.<ref name=":3" />

== Depiction ==
Since July 2018, the [[Indian 100-rupee note|{{INR}}100]] banknote of [[Mahatma Gandhi New Series]], features Rani Ki Vav on the reverse.<ref>{{Cite web|title = RBI to Issue New Design ₹ 100 Denomination Banknote|url = https://rbi.org.in/Scripts/BS_PressReleaseDisplay.aspx?prid=44533|website =rbi.org.in|access-date = 2018-07-19|language = en}}</ref>

== See also ==
*[[Agrasen Ki Baoli]]
*[[Adalaj Stepwell]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== Further reading ==
* {{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Fu7VAAAAMAAJ|title=The Queen's stepwell at Patan|last=Mankodi|first=Kirit|publisher=Project for Indian Cultural Studies|year=1991|isbn=978-81-900184-0-1|location=Bombay|language=en|oclc=28801053}}

== External links ==
* [http://www.cyark.org/projects/rani-ki-vav 3D Model]

{{World Heritage Sites in India}}

[[Category:Stepwells in Gujarat]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Gujarat]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Patan district]]
[[Category:World Heritage Sites in India]]
[[Category:Cultural history of Gujarat]]
[[Category:Rajput architecture]]
[[Category:Monuments of National Importance in Gujarat]]
[[Category:Māru-Gurjara architecture]]
[[Category:Water Heritage Sites in India]]

Rani ki Vav - Revision history

N V Raghunath: expanded page per standard format

Ajay Kumar: Created a new article