[rajnish manga]

Rani Ki Vav, The Queen's Stepwell

Stepwells are a distinctive form of subterranean water resource and storage systems on the Indian subcontinent, and have been constructed since the 3rd millennium BC. They evolved over time from what was basically a pit in sandy soil towards elaborate multi-storey works of art and architecture. Rani-ki-Vav was built at a period when craftsmen were at the height of their stepwell construction ability. The Maru-Gurjara architectural style reflect mastery of this complex technique and great beauty of detail and proportions. Befitting its name, the Rani-Ki-Vav is now considered to be the queen among step wells of India. Chand Baori, in Rajasthan, is another exceptional example of this technology.