Std-9, Unit-5 "Raani Ki Vav"

(1).   Rani ki Vaav (step-well) is an approved site on the world heritage list. It was declared by the UNESCO at the world heritage committee. UNESCO has recognized this masterpiece as an exceptional example of water management system.

Q1. Who declared Rani ki Vaav an approved site?

Ans. UNESCO declared Rani ki Vaav as an approved site.

Q2. What is the Vaav an example of?

Ans. The Vaav is an example of water management system.

(2)  Queen Udayamati, the widow of King Bhimdev – I, constructed this Vaav between 1022 and 1063 AD. Rani ki Vaav has become one of the most popular places to visit in Gujarat. King Bhimdev – I belonged to the Solanki dynasty of Anhilwad Patan. After his death, Udayamati took up the project for solving the problem of water scarcity faced by the people of Patan. Unfortunately, the queen also died before the completion of this structure. In the world of architecture, her beautiful idea has received immense appreciation.

Q1. To which dynasty did King Bhimdev – I belong?

Ans. King Bhimdev – I belonged to the Solanki dynasty of Anhilwad Patan.

Q2. Who constructed the Vaav?

Ans. Queen Udayamati, the widow of King Bhimdev – I constructed the Vaav.

Q3. Why did Queen Udayamati build the Vaav?

Ans. Queen Udayamati built the Vaav to solve the problem of water scarcity faced by the people of Patan.

Q4. When was the Vaav constructed?

Ans. The Vaav was constructed between 1022 and 1063 AD.

(3). Queen’s step-well or Rani ki Vaav is a seven-storeyed structure. This East-facing step-well is 64 metres long, 20 metres wide and 27 metres deep. Each sculpture, passage, pillar and pavilion in this magnificent structure has enchanting carvings. On its side walls there are around 800 sculptures.

Q1. What is carved on the side walls of the Vaav?

Ans. About 800 sculptures are carved on the side walls of the Vaav.

Q2. How many storeys does the Vaav have?

Ans. The Vaav has seven storeys.

Q3. How big is the Vaav?

Ans. The Vaav is 64 metres long, 20 metres wide and 27 metres deep.

Q4. Which parts of the Vaav have enchanting carvings?

Ans. Each sculpture, passage, pillar and pavilion in the Vaav has enchanting carvings.

(4) There are nearly 400 big sculptures of different gods and goddesses in the Vaav at present. These numbers would have been many more in the past in its original structure. Each storey has a narrow corridor for the visitors to appreciate the beauty of sculptures and carvings engraved on the walls. Even the pillars of the Vaav are not an exception to it. They display splendid artistic marvel on stone.

Q1. How many sculptures are there in the Vaav at present?

Ans. At present, there are 400 big sculptures of gods and goddesses in the Vaav.

Q2. Why does each storey have a narrow corridor?

Ans. Each storey has a narrow corridor for the visitors to appreciate the beauty of sculptures and carvings on the walls.

Q3. What do even the pillars display?

Ans. Even the pillars display splendid artistic marvel on stone.