This is thirty-third in the series on the rich cultural heritage of temples in India. The ancient monuments of India are richly carved and they behold ones attention for their craftsmanship.
Beautiful craftsmanship on 10th century Varahi Temple at Chaurasi. One of the windows of the 14th century Rudbai Step-well at Adalaj which has been carved intricately on all corners with different motifs and animals.
The sanctum doorway of Harishchandra ni Chori at Shamalaji is adorned with bands comprising a creeper, lotus leaves and the vine. The two female figures at the base represent Ganga and Yamuna.
Rudabai Stepwell in Adalaj is one of the magnificent Step-well that is truly a architectural marvel. King Mahmud Begada had built this step-well in 1499 for his queen Rudabai. Once upon a time it provided water for drinking, washing and bathing.
It is an fine masterpiece of Indo-Islamic fusion. It was dug deep to access ground water at that level and it is five stories deep. The sandstone structure built on intricately carved large number of pillars is octagonal in plan at the top.
The air and light vents in the roofs at various floors and at the landing level are in the form of large openings. Built along a North-South axis, entrance is from the South, the three staircases are from the South, West and East directions leading to the landing, which is on the northern side of the well.
Four small rooms with oriel windows decorated with minutely carved brackets are provided at the landing level, at the four corners.
The motifs of flowers and graphics of Islamic architecture blend very well with the symbols of Hindu and Jain gods carved at various levels of the well.
When we were in Adalaj to visit the ancient well near Ahmedabad we could spot several common birds in the vicinity. One of them is White Pigeon.
They were sitting on the tree in between the leaves.
When we were in Adalaj to visit the ancient well near Ahmedabad we could spot several common birds in the vicinity. One of them is Indian Mynah.
It has brown body with a black head. It has a yellow bill. In flight it shows large white wing patches.
It is an omnivorous open woodland bird with a strong territorial instinct. It has adapted extremely well to urban environments.
They are accomplished scavengers, and they feed on insects, fruits and vegetables and even fledgling sparrows.
Adalaj is a small village which is very near to both Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar. We visited this historic site from Ahmedabad during our tour of Gujarat state.
This must visit site is known for ancient Rudabai step-well that is a architectural marvel and we shall explore more of it soon.
Being away from the cities one can also spot a few common birds here.
