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{{Short description|Building located in Ahmedabad, India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2018}}
{{more citations needed|date=February 2014}}
{{more citations needed|date=February 2014}}
{{Infobox Historic building
{{Infobox Historic building
|name = Bai Harir Stepwell
| name = Bai Harir Stepwell
|image = Stepwell staircase.JPG
| image = Stepwell staircase.JPG
|caption = Stepwell staircase
| caption = Stepwell staircase
|mapframe-zoom =14
| mapframe-zoom = 14
|mapframe-marker=water
| mapframe-marker = water
|coordinates = {{coord|23.0402692|72.605416|region:IN-GJ|display=inline}}
| coordinates = {{coord|23.0402692|72.605416|region:IN-GJ|display=inline}}
|location_town = [[Ahmedabad]]
| altitude = 72.6662992 m
| location_town = [[Ahmedabad]]
|location_country = India
| location_country = India
|architect = Local
|client =
| architect = Local
|engineer =
| client =
| engineer =
|construction_start_date = 1499
| construction_start_date = 1499
|completion_date = 15th century
| completion_date = 15th century
|date_demolished =
| date_demolished =
|cost =
|structural_system =
| cost =
| structural_system =
|style = [[Hindu architecture]]
|floor_count = Five storied stepwell
| style =
| floor_count = Five storied stepwell
|designations = [[Monument of National Importance]]<br />ASI Monument No. N-GJ-18
| designations = [[Monument of National Importance]]<br />ASI Monument No. N-GJ-18
}}
}}
'''Bai Harir Sultani Stepwell''' is a [[stepwell]] in [[Asarwa]] area 15&nbsp;km off [[Ahmedabad]], [[Gujarat]], India.
'''Bai Harir Sultani Stepwell''' is a 15th century [[stepwell]] in [[Asarwa]] area 15&nbsp;km off [[Ahmedabad]], [[Gujarat]], India.


==History==
==History==
[[File:Scripts written on stones, Dada (Bai) Harir's Stepwell.jpg|thumb|Sanskrit inscription]]
[[File:Dada Harir Stepwell - top view.JPG|left|thumb|Looking down into the well]]
[[File:Scripts written on stones, Dada (Bai) Harir's Stepwell.jpg|left|thumb|Sanskrit inscription]]
[[File:Dada Harir Stepwell - top view.JPG|thumbnail|Looking down into the well]]
The [[stepwell]] was built in 1485 by ''Dhai'' Harir, a household lady of [[Mahmud Begada]] according to the Persian inscription in the stepwell.<ref name=gg/> She was the superintendent of the royal harem.
The [[stepwell]] was built in 1485 by ''Dhai'' Harir, a household lady of [[Mahmud Begada]] according to the Persian inscription in the stepwell.<ref name=gg/> She was the superintendent of the royal harem.


Dhai Harir built a mosque and a tomb in which she was buried. The well bears two inscriptions, one in Sanskrit on the south, and one in Arabic on the north wall, of the first gallery.<ref name=gg/>
Dhai Harir built a mosque and a tomb in which she was buried. The well bears two inscriptions, one in Sanskrit on the south, and one in Arabic on the north wall, of the first gallery.<ref name=gg/>


The Arabic writing reads:<ref name=gg/> {{quote|This holy and wholesome water; the splendid travellers' rest-house enclosed on four sides by carved and painted walls, and a grove of fruit trees with their fruit, a well, and a pool of water for the use of man and heist, were built in the reign of the Sultan of the Sultans of the age, established by the grace of God and of the faith, Abul Fath Mahmud Shah, son of Muhammad Shah, son of Ahmed Shah, son of Muhammad Shah, son of Muzaffar Shah the Sultan, may God keep his kingdom. Dated the metropolis of the kingdom the 2nd of Jamadi-ul-awwal in the 26th year of the reign.}}
The Arabic writing reads:<ref name=gg/> {{quote|This holy and wholesome water; the splendid travellers' rest-house enclosed on four sides by carved and painted walls, and a grove of fruit trees with their fruit, a well, and a pool of water for the use of man and heist, were built in the reign of the Sultan of the Sultans of the age, established by the grace of God and of the faith, Abul Fath Mahmud Shah, son of Muhammad Shah, son of [[Ahmad Shah's Tomb|Ahmed Shah]], son of Muhammad Shah, son of Muzaffar Shah the Sultan, may God keep his kingdom. Dated the metropolis of the kingdom the 2nd of Jamadi-ul-awwal in the 26th year of the reign.}}


A Sanskrit inscription says that the step-well was built in December 1499 AD.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.49130|title=Epigraphia Indica|last=Hultzsch|first=E.|last2=Abbot|first2=J. E.|year=1912|volume=IV|pages=297–300|chapter=Bai Harir's Inscription at Ahmadabad, AD 1499}}</ref> It was during the reign of Mahmud Shah that Bai Harir Sultani, locally known as Dhai Harir, built the step-well. The name later corrupted into Dada Hari. It costed 3,29,000 Mahmudis ({{INR}} 3 lakh) at that time. The ornate step-well has spiral staircases pieced into the sidewall of the well shaft and descending to the different platform levels.<ref name=gg>{{cite book|title=Gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency: Ahmedabad|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EL4IAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA284|year=1879|publisher=Government Central Press|page=282}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Bad times for Dada Hari ni Vav in Gujarat|date=27 November 2009|access-date =14 December 2014|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-bad-times-for-dada-hari-ni-vav-in-gujarat-1317047|first=Soundara|last=Rajan}}</ref>
A Sanskrit inscription says that the step-well was built in December 1499 AD.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.49130|title=Epigraphia Indica|last1=Hultzsch|first1=E.|last2=Abbot|first2=J. E.|year=1912|volume=IV|pages=297–300|chapter=Bai Harir's Inscription at Ahmadabad, AD 1499}}</ref> It was during the reign of Mahmud Shah that Bai Harir Sultani, locally known as Dhai Harir, built the step-well. The name later corrupted into Dada Hari. It costed 3,29,000 Mahmudis ({{INR}} 3 lakh) at that time. The ornate step-well has spiral staircases pieced into the sidewall of the well shaft and descending to the different platform levels.<ref name=gg>{{cite book|title=Gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency: Ahmedabad|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EL4IAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA284|year=1879|publisher=Government Central Press|page=282}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Bad times for Dada Hari ni Vav in Gujarat|date=27 November 2009|access-date =14 December 2014|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-bad-times-for-dada-hari-ni-vav-in-gujarat-1317047|first=Soundara|last=Rajan}}</ref>


==Structure==
==Structure==
[[File:Dada Harir Stepwell Ahmedabad Plan.jpg|thumb|400px|Plan of stepwell: A. Principal well, octagonal.
[[File:Dada Harir Stepwell Ahmedabad Plan.jpg|left|thumb|400px|Plan of stepwell: A. Principal well, octagonal.
B. Spire staircases descending to the water surface.
B. Spire staircases descending to the water surface.
C. Well for irrigation.
C. Well for irrigation.
D. Inscriptions on the sides of the gallery.
D. Inscriptions on the sides of the gallery.
E. Domed porch mounted by cupolas.]]
E. Domed porch mounted by cupolas.]]
⚫
[[File:Upper Gallery Dada Hari Stepwell Ahmedabad 1866.jpg|thumb|The upper gallery]]
Built in sandstone in Solanki architectural style, the Dada Harir stepwell is five stories deep. It is octagonal (8-sided polygon) in plan at the top, built on intricately carved large number of pillars. Each floor is spacious enough to provide for people to congregate. It was dug deep to access ground water at that level, accounting for seasonal fluctuations in water level due to rainfall over the year. The air and light vents in the roofs at various floors and at the landing level are in the form of large openings. From the first story level, three staircases lead to the bottom water level of the well, which is considered a unique feature.


Built in sandstone in [[Māru-Gurjara architecture|Solanki architectural style]], the Dada Harir stepwell is five stories deep.
The well is designed in five levels, the east level being octagonal in shape. Each level is provided with finely sculptured pillars and volute capitals. The niches are full of finely sculptured stone work and parapets of kumbha or geometric friezes. The builder has also provided stone ledges for people to take rest. Each stair also contains a square domed kiosk with an overhanging chajja (cover of a roof). The pillars and platforms rise vertically one on top of the other. The steps are open to the sky, whereas the kutas (landings) are closed with stone slabs. The well shaft is circular. There are passage ways at all levels which connect the shaft to the octagonal space above the tank. The shaft wall is covered with geometric designs.<ref name="Dai Harir Vav">{{cite book |editor1-last=M. Amirthalingam |title=ECOLOGICAL TRADITIONS OF INDIA |date=19 August 2023 |publisher=C.P.R. Environmental Education Centre |isbn=978-81-86901-25-0 |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/312798642}}</ref> From the first story level, three staircases lead to the bottom water level of the well, which is considered a unique feature.

⚫
[[File:Upper Gallery Dada Hari Stepwell Ahmedabad 1866.jpg|thumb|The upper gallery]]
At the level of the ground, it is 190 feet long by forty wide. At the east end, from a domed canopy, a descent of eight steps leads to a covered gallery. A second flight of nine steps leads to another gallery, and a third of eight steps to the lowest gallery two or three foot above the level of the water. At each landing a corridor runs along the sides and leads to other galleries that cross the well at intervals.
At the level of the ground, it is 190 feet long by forty wide. At the east end, from a domed canopy, a descent of eight steps leads to a covered gallery. A second flight of nine steps leads to another gallery, and a third of eight steps to the lowest gallery two or three foot above the level of the water. At each landing a corridor runs along the sides and leads to other galleries that cross the well at intervals.


Built along an east–west axis, entrance is from the East, the two spiral staircases are in West, near the well. The structural system is typically Indian style with traditional [[Trabeated|trabeat]] with horizontal beams and lintels. At the bottom of the well is a square stepped floor in the shape of a funnel extending to the lowest plane. This is chiseled into a circular well. Above the square floor, columns, beams, wall and arched openings spiral around; a feature that continues to the top. The top part of the well, however, is a vertical space open to the sky. The four corners of the square are strengthened with stone beams, set at 45 degrees angle. 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. The dominant carvings on the upper floors are of elephants ({{convert|3|in|mm}} in size, each of different design).
Built along an east–west axis, entrance is from the East, the two spiral staircases are in West, near the well. The structural system is typically Indian style with traditional [[trabeate]] with horizontal beams and lintels. At the bottom of the well is a square stepped floor in the shape of a funnel extending to the lowest plane. This is chiseled into a circular well. Above the square floor, columns, beams, wall and arched openings spiral around; a feature that continues to the top. The top part of the well, however, is a vertical space open to the sky. The four corners of the square are strengthened with stone beams, set at 45 degrees angle. The motifs of [[flowers]] and graphics of Islamic architecture blend very well. The dominant carvings on the upper floors are of elephants ({{convert|3|in|mm}} in size, each of a different design).


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
Line 73: Line 77:
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120125100936/http://www.gujarattourism.com/showpage.aspx?contentid=141&webpartid=916 Dada Harir Stepwell on Gujarat Tourism Official Website]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120125100936/http://www.gujarattourism.com/showpage.aspx?contentid=141&webpartid=916 Dada Harir Stepwell on Gujarat Tourism Official Website]
* [http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-bad-times-for-dada-hari-ni-vav-in-gujarat-1317047 Bad times for Dada Hari ni Vav in Gujarat]
* [http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-bad-times-for-dada-hari-ni-vav-in-gujarat-1317047 Bad times for Dada Hari ni Vav in Gujarat]



[[Category:Stepwells in Gujarat]]
[[Category:Stepwells in Gujarat]]
[[Category:Islamic architecture]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures of the Gujarat Sultanate]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures completed in 1499]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures completed in 1499]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Ahmedabad]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Ahmedabad]]

Latest revision as of 14:03, 19 November 2024

Bai Harir Stepwell
Stepwell staircase
Map
General information
Town or cityAhmedabad
CountryIndia
Coordinates23°02′25″N 72°36′19″E / 23.0402692°N 72.605416°E / 23.0402692; 72.605416
Elevation72.6662992 m
Construction started1499
Completed15th century
Technical details
Floor countFive storied stepwell
Design and construction
Architect(s)Local
DesignationsMonument of National Importance
ASI Monument No. N-GJ-18

Bai Harir Sultani Stepwell is a 15th century stepwell in Asarwa area 15 km off Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.

History

[edit]
Looking down into the well
Sanskrit inscription

The stepwell was built in 1485 by Dhai Harir, a household lady of Mahmud Begada according to the Persian inscription in the stepwell.[1] She was the superintendent of the royal harem.

Dhai Harir built a mosque and a tomb in which she was buried. The well bears two inscriptions, one in Sanskrit on the south, and one in Arabic on the north wall, of the first gallery.[1]

The Arabic writing reads:[1]

This holy and wholesome water; the splendid travellers' rest-house enclosed on four sides by carved and painted walls, and a grove of fruit trees with their fruit, a well, and a pool of water for the use of man and heist, were built in the reign of the Sultan of the Sultans of the age, established by the grace of God and of the faith, Abul Fath Mahmud Shah, son of Muhammad Shah, son of Ahmed Shah, son of Muhammad Shah, son of Muzaffar Shah the Sultan, may God keep his kingdom. Dated the metropolis of the kingdom the 2nd of Jamadi-ul-awwal in the 26th year of the reign.

A Sanskrit inscription says that the step-well was built in December 1499 AD.[2] It was during the reign of Mahmud Shah that Bai Harir Sultani, locally known as Dhai Harir, built the step-well. The name later corrupted into Dada Hari. It costed 3,29,000 Mahmudis (₹ 3 lakh) at that time. The ornate step-well has spiral staircases pieced into the sidewall of the well shaft and descending to the different platform levels.[1][3]

Structure

[edit]
Plan of stepwell: A. Principal well, octagonal. B. Spire staircases descending to the water surface. C. Well for irrigation. D. Inscriptions on the sides of the gallery. E. Domed porch mounted by cupolas.

Built in sandstone in Solanki architectural style, the Dada Harir stepwell is five stories deep. The well is designed in five levels, the east level being octagonal in shape. Each level is provided with finely sculptured pillars and volute capitals. The niches are full of finely sculptured stone work and parapets of kumbha or geometric friezes. The builder has also provided stone ledges for people to take rest. Each stair also contains a square domed kiosk with an overhanging chajja (cover of a roof). The pillars and platforms rise vertically one on top of the other. The steps are open to the sky, whereas the kutas (landings) are closed with stone slabs. The well shaft is circular. There are passage ways at all levels which connect the shaft to the octagonal space above the tank. The shaft wall is covered with geometric designs.[4] From the first story level, three staircases lead to the bottom water level of the well, which is considered a unique feature.

The upper gallery

At the level of the ground, it is 190 feet long by forty wide. At the east end, from a domed canopy, a descent of eight steps leads to a covered gallery. A second flight of nine steps leads to another gallery, and a third of eight steps to the lowest gallery two or three foot above the level of the water. At each landing a corridor runs along the sides and leads to other galleries that cross the well at intervals.

Built along an east–west axis, entrance is from the East, the two spiral staircases are in West, near the well. The structural system is typically Indian style with traditional trabeate with horizontal beams and lintels. At the bottom of the well is a square stepped floor in the shape of a funnel extending to the lowest plane. This is chiseled into a circular well. Above the square floor, columns, beams, wall and arched openings spiral around; a feature that continues to the top. The top part of the well, however, is a vertical space open to the sky. The four corners of the square are strengthened with stone beams, set at 45 degrees angle. The motifs of flowers and graphics of Islamic architecture blend very well. The dominant carvings on the upper floors are of elephants (3 inches (76 mm) in size, each of a different design).

[edit]
  • Looking up from the lowest level of the step well.
    Looking up from the lowest level of the step well.
  • Cupola over staircases, 1866
    Cupola over staircases, 1866

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d Gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency: Ahmedabad. Government Central Press. 1879. p. 282.
  2. ^ Hultzsch, E.; Abbot, J. E. (1912). "Bai Harir's Inscription at Ahmadabad, AD 1499". Epigraphia Indica. Vol. IV. pp. 297–300.
  3. ^ Rajan, Soundara (27 November 2009). "Bad times for Dada Hari ni Vav in Gujarat". Retrieved 14 December 2014.
  4. ^ M. Amirthalingam, ed. (19 August 2023). ECOLOGICAL TRADITIONS OF INDIA. C.P.R. Environmental Education Centre. ISBN 978-81-86901-25-0.
[edit]
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