DESI DISCOVERY QUIZ 34

1. The figurines are from Rani Ki Wav (stepwell) near Patan
2. Place 2 is Adalaj Ki Wav near Ahmedabad

While I wanted to declare Gangai Konda Cholapuram (GKC) as the best engineering structure in the world for its no-foundation, no-mortar construction standing for over 1000 years, I read that Rani Ki Wav (RKW) also did not make use of any mortars for joints. I kept the judgement pending till I checked it out. Ever since, it has been on my bucket list.

 If GKC is the epitome in heights, RKW is epitome in depths. Interestingly both were made more or less in the same period a good 1000 years back. Such artistry can never be conceived now despite the availability of technology. While GKC is all about Shiva, RKW is all about Vishnu. The Solanki dynasty rule which built it is to Gujarat what Cholas were to TN – Golden period. Both GKC & RKW vie for the top honours. If GKC is  grace in tact even after 1000 years, RKW’s survival of the  Gujarat 2002 earthquake even after 1000 years since construction, makes it hard to give it a ranking other than the first. It’s like asking which eye -right or left you want.

It would turn out interesting if it so happens that RKW is an fairly close inversion of GKC. Need to check

While it took 40 years to make RKW, it took over 35 years to excavate & rediscover it. It went underground completely after  massive flood. The beauty remains, despite this.

Adalaj is smaller than RKW but more intact & no less a counterpart in terms of  splendour & architecture. However the sheer size (depth)  of RKW at 27metre is stunning.

A stepwell was constructed to meet water needs of the community. The primary concept was  to make lifting water easy when compared to taking it out using a rope & pulley from greater depths. But I find it a task to simply climb the steps without rails ; imagine the task with pots of water on the head. The fact that this was easier is a pointer to the health & stamina of the people of yore. The cows here appear well built.

Tried looking for some Patola sarees( double ikat) at Patan (its birth place)  but the starting price of 1.5 lac for chemical dyed & 3.5 lac for vegetable dyed ensured that I may have to wait till my rebirth to buy one. Waiting period is 6 months which is the time required to produce one. Made only against order. More about this later.

Adalaj, Ambaji, Patan & Mount Abu  can be clubbed as a 3 day tour circuit starting from Ahmedabad. Palanpur can serve as a central place of stay for the 3 days. Aravalli Trails which is in a village a good 20 KM away from the highway is a wonderful place to destress; no mobile, no tv & a lot to discover. Good for personalised corporate programmes too with some jungle safari & treks thrown in.