Rani ki Vav, also known as the Queen's Stepwell, is an intricately designed stepwell located in the town of Patan in Gujarat, India. Built in the 11th century AD, it was constructed by Queen Udayamati in memory of her late husband, King Bhimdev I of the Solanki dynasty.
The stepwell, which is over 64 meters long and 20 meters wide, is designed in the Maru-Gurjara architectural style and is adorned with over 500 principal sculptures and over a thousand smaller ones. The sculptures depict various Hindu deities, mythological scenes, and other aspects of Indian culture.
The stepwell is divided into seven levels, each of which has a different theme and features numerous sculptures and carvings. At the bottom level, there is a platform that contains an octagonal well. The well is surrounded by four pavilions, which are adorned with intricately carved pillars and arches. The steps leading down to the well are decorated with sculptures of nymphs, apsaras, and other mythical creatures.
Rani ki Vav was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2014, as an exceptional example of the development of the Indian subterranean water architecture over a period of several centuries. It is not only an impressive engineering feat, but also a testament to the skill and creativity of the artisans and sculptors of the Solanki dynasty.