Adalaj Stepwell

The Adalaj Stepwell stands in the village of Adalaj, about 18 kilometres north of Ahmedabad and close to Gandhinagar in Gujarat. Completed in 1498–99, it goes five storeys deep and is famous for its carved pillars and cool, shady galleries.

A story carved in stone

An inscription says that the stepwell was built by Queen Rudabai in memory of her husband, Rana Veer Singh. A popular legend adds more drama: after the king died in battle, the sultan Mahmud Begada wished to marry the queen. She agreed only if he first completed the stepwell. When it was finished, the story says, she chose to end her life rather than marry him.

Light and shade

From the entrance, stairs lead down through floors of pillars and balconies. At the bottom, an octagonal opening lets light fall into the well. Because the stone stays cool, the air inside is noticeably fresher than outside, and the galleries were once a meeting place for travellers and villagers.

Visiting tips

• Visit around midday to see the light reach the lower floors.
• Look closely at the carvings of flowers, birds and everyday scenes on the pillars.
• The steps can be smooth, so wear shoes with good grip.

Key facts