Mata Bhavani's Stepwell
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Mata Bhavani's Stepwell or Mata Bhavani ni Vav is a stepwell in Asarwa area of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.
| Mata Bhavani's Stepwell | |
|---|---|
Mata Bhavani's Stepwell, 1866 | |
| Status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | Asarwa, Ahmedabad |
| Municipality | Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation |
| State | Gujarat |
  Location in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India  Mata Bhavani's Stepwell (Gujarat) | |
| Coordinates | 23.0443357°N 72.6068337°E |
| Architecture | |
| Type | stepwell |
History and architecture
Mata Bhavani's stepwell was built in the 11th century during Chaulukya dynasty rule in Gujarat. It is one of the earliest existing examples of stepwells in India. A long flight of steps leads to the water below a sequence of multi-story open pavilions positioned along the east–west axis. The elaborate ornamentation of the columns, brackets and beams are a prime example of how stepwells were used as a form of art.[1] A much later constructed small shrine of Hindu Goddess Bhavani is located in the lower gallery from which the stepwell derived its name.[2] It was built before the establishment of the modern city of Ahmedabad.[3]
The stepwell is 46 metres long and 5.1 metres wide at its entrance. It has three stories and three pavilions. The diameter of the well is 4.8 metres.[4]