Patan: Patan in Gujarat was the historical capital of Gujarat for over 600 years in ancient times. The Solanki dynasty, which ruled Patan from AD 942 to mid-1134, made it the capital of Western India. As a result, numerous temples, mosques, mausoleums, stepwells, and ponds have been found in Patan. Among these monuments, Rani ni Vav stands out as a prime example of contemporary architecture and art. Rani ni Vav, located in Patan, is an exceptional example of water management and artistic vision. It was named a “World Heritage Site” by UNESCO in 2014.

The Archaeological Survey of India marks “World Heritage Week” from November 19 to 25, 2024, and Rani ni Vav in Patan has become a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the globe. This heritage site, which was included in UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites, is also featured on the Indian 100-rupee currency note issued by the Government of India. Consequently, Rani ki Vav’s tourism and historical significance have grown globally, with tourists flocking to see this magnificent site year-round. In the fiscal year 2023–2024, over 3.52 lakh Indian tourists and 3,327 foreign tourists visited Rani ni Vav. As of October 2024, more than 1.58 lakh Indian tourists and 962 foreign tourists had visited the site. Tourists are mesmerized by the stunning art and intricate carvings at Rani ni Vav. In 2016, Rani ni Vav was selected as an “Iconic Clean Place” by the Prime Minister, as part of an initiative to promote cleanliness and sanitation in iconic heritage sites.

Rani ni Vav is located about two kilometers from Patan city, in Patan district, on the banks of the Saraswati River. Built between 1022 and 1063 AD during the ‘Golden Age’ by Queen Udayamati, the first wife of Bhimdev, a ruler of the Solanki Dynasty, it commemorates her late husband. The vav’s entrance faces east, and it measures 63 meters in length, 20 meters in width, and 27 meters in depth. Primarily made of brick, its upper portion is covered with stone. The vav consists of two main sections: the eastern part is a seven-story stepped corridor, while the western part connects to the well corridor.

Various types of stepwells are mentioned in ‘Samarangan Sutradhar,’ with Rani ni Vav resembling the Nanda type in its structure. A beautifully decorated archway once led to the queen’s courtyard. The walls of Rani ni Vav are adorned with intricately carved statues of gods, goddesses, apsaras, and more. Among these, the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu, such as Varaha, Narasimha, Vamana, Balarama, Rama, Kalki, and Lord Buddha, are featured. Additionally, 24 forms of Vishnu, depicted with their respective symbols, are carved here. Rani ni Vav also showcases Alankar Prastar, famous for the colorful patterns seen in the world-renowned Patan Patola silk sarees. Over 800 statues, both large and small, are displayed within the vav, with some of them appearing to have been crafted recently. Thus, Rani ki Vav is a unique, beautiful, and holy monument.

Before India’s independence, in 1936, Rani ki Vav was declared a national monument by the Archaeological Survey of India. Archaeological excavations conducted by the Survey in 1962-63 led to its restoration. Among the significant findings was an inscribed statue of Queen Udayamati, in Devanagari script, stating “Maharajni (Empress) Sri Udayamati.” This inscription, along with other evidence, suggests that the vav dates back to the 13th century. In 2014, UNESCO recognized it as a “World Heritage Site.”

The state government has also introduced the “Heritage Tourism Policy: R0R0-RP” to allow both domestic and international tourists to directly experience Gujarat’s ancient and historical heritage. This policy promotes the restoration of heritage buildings, royal palaces, minarets, and forts in Gujarat’s small villages and towns, offering facilities for tourists.

Under this policy, any renovation or construction of heritage hotels, museums, banquet halls, or restaurants that existed before January 1, 1950, must preserve the original structure. Additionally, the state government offers financial assistance ranging from Rs. 30 lakh to Rs. 10 crores for the renovation of heritage properties. Other incentives include a 100% electricity duty waiver for five years and rent assistance for national and international events held at these heritage sites. DeshGujarat

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