Modhera Vav
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Modhera Vav is a stepwell in Modhera village in Mehsana district, Gujarat, India. The stepwell belongs to the 11th century while the mandapa origins from the 10th century. It is the state protected monument.
| Modhera Vav | |
|---|---|
Stepwell from the entrance side | |
![]() Interactive map of the Modhera Vav area | |
| General information | |
| Architectural style | Indian architecture |
| Location | Modhera, Chanasma Taluka, Mehsana district, Gujarat, India |
| Coordinates | 23.582622°N 72.136998°E |
| Completed | 11th century stepwell, 10th century mandapa |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Local |
History
The stepwell is located about a kilometre to the east of Surya kunda of Sun Temple, Modhera.[1] Formerly, it was considered that it belonged to the mid-10th century but now it is observed that the stepwell may belong to the 11th century with the mandapa above the second kuta (pavilion-tower) may belong to the 10th century which may have been a separate shrine moved from elsewhere to this stepwell.[1]
It is the state protected monument (S-GJ-281).[2]
Architecture
The stepwell is small, moderately ornamented and is constructed using sandstone blocks and stone slabs. It has one entrance, three storeys and three kutas (pavilion-towers). The narrow stepped corridor is 2.50 metres (8 ft 2 in) broad. It features small, square pavilions supported by unornamented pilasters. These square ruchaka type pilasters have a simple design, except for a decorative volute-pattern on the brackets. The well-shaft includes three pairs of struts decorated with motifs of diamond (ratna) on the top and a kirtimukha below it. These struts would have supported structures for drawing water from the well.[1]
The small mandapa above the ground level and located on the second kuta of stepwell displays characteristics of its early origin. It has a small simple single-celled garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) with the doorframe depicting lotus leaves pattern.[1]
