Out of the many repositories of architecture in Gujarat, I first & foremost choose to write about the stepwells or vaav as locally called . These wells are no ordinary wells. One of the least known and visited architectural wonders built in and around 15th Century. They are five to seven storey layered excavations deep into the bowels of earth. Designed to provide water and shelter from scorching heat, they became a common place for meetings and cultural exchanges for the pilgrims.
These pictures are of Adalaj ni vaav, situated 18km. north of city of Ahmedabad. The well was built in 1499 A.D. by Queen Rudabai. There is an interesting legend behing Adalaj vaav.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adalaj
The best one is in Patan. I happen to visit it while shooting for a documentary with the famous patola weavers there.
The Rani ni vaav is by far the biggest and most intricate out of the ones I have visited.
Morna Livingston has compiled a book on these wells called "steps to water" which has some beautiful pictures of vaavs and Baolis all over Gujarat and Rajasthan.
3 comments:
Loved reading every bit in your blog..and about yourself..
I saw in your profile that you are film maker..
I have one question for you..
Apart from being extremely creative and having a wonderful view of this world.. and all the hard ships what else does it take to become one like you.
I remember the time when my mom pulled me out of art school to join the Engineering..and ever since then, I had this feeling that is left over in my heart to be a art director one day..I know its too much to ask for :D
I know its a impossible task now as I am seas away from home and have no formal training.. but it feels so thrilling to see women like you hitting the road...
can you please tell me the movies you have worked with...want to watch your perspectives..
I apologize for such huge comment..hope to hear from you soon.. :)
To be honest Padmini, your comment actually lifted my dull morning! So thank you for stopping by and writing in your thoughts. Its very encouraging since I am a new blogger.
I had similar road blocks like yours where I choose a creative stream rather then pursuing my Dad's well established business. Knowing myself, I think I succeed better in doing something when faced with adversity.
I don't know whether I can give an answer to your question but all I can say is I never lost hope in my pursuits and faith in myself.
Right now I am working with an ad agency which demands more of administrative abilities rather then creative. But it also gives me a chance to interact with loads of other creative people.
recent ad films I worked on are-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yb0retqorEM
Directed by Shiven Dungarpur
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4_f1mYQ19Q
Directed by Manav Menon
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