Adalaj Step Well

The structure is a beautiful amalgamation of two styles of architecture - the Solanki and the Islamic style. The stepwell is five storeys deep and is made entirely of Sandstone. The structure was built along the North-South axis with the entrance from the south. It stands firmly with a traditional trabeated system with an octagonal top built on huge intricately carved pillars. The depth was maintained to access groundwater, and each floor was designed to be spacious and extremely well ventilated and adequately lit. On the first floor, one can also find the marble slab with an inscription in Sanskrit signifying the establishment of the structure.

The topmost part of the Adalaj stepwell is a structure with only engraved beams and pillars and no roof. This allows enough light to enter. There are three staircases that lead to the bottom water level of the stepwell. These staircases extend from the East, West and South directions and they lead to the landing on the northern part of the stepwell. The landing has four small rooms - one in each corner. These rooms have bay windows with sophisticated carvings. The bottom of the well consists of a square step-like structure that descends in the shape of a funnel and reaches a brilliantly chiselled circular well. Each square floor is adorned by beautifully carved pillars, beams and arched openings that spiral from the top to the bottom.

The designs on this architectural monument is a wonderful amalgamation of the Indo-Islamic styles. The traditional floral designs of Islamic origin are seen to be fused brilliantly with the carvings of the Hindu and Jain Gods and Goddesses. These patterns are seen on all the floors. Other than this, there are carvings of a King overlooking his subjects, dancers and musicians performing for spectators, women performing their daily chores and women adorning themselves with traditional ornaments. Some interesting features in the carvings include the depiction of Ami Khumbor which symbolises the pot of water of life, the tree of life - also known as the Kalp Vriksha and the Navagraha or the nine planets.