Adalaj Stepwell

An ancient architectural site with intricate wall carvings,it makes you wonder in awe at the architectural grandeur of ancient times. 

Adalaj Stepwell, built in  Indo-Islamic architectural style, appears enigmatic and is quite popular among the visitors . This exquisite place is located in Adalaj village near Ahmedabad. It was built in 1498 in the memory of Rana Veer Singh of Vaghela Dynasty by his Queen Rudadevi.The story goes like this: In the 15th century, King Rana Veer Singh of Vaghela dynasty ruled over this territory, then known  as 'Dandai Desh'.In order to rescue his people from the doom of water shortage, Rana started the construction of Stepwell but unfortunately couldn't complete it. He was attacked by the invader Mohammed Begda and lost his life. The queen Rani Roopba decided to become Sati, but was rescued by the Begda. Famous for her beauty, Rani Roopba was offered a marriage proposal by Begda, which agreed to on the condition that Adalaj Wells be completed by Begda. Begda kept his words and gave us this architectural delight.

Once the construction was over, the Muslim King reminded her of the promise, but the queen prayed and jumped into Stepwell to end her life. This place tells an immortal legend of  Rani Roopba’s love for her husband. The Adalaj Stepwell built in sandstone in the Solanki architectural style is five stories deep. The first two floors are built in Hindu architecture and the remaining  is in Islamic architectural style. The most spectacular part is- the first storey leads to the three staircases, which lead to the bottom water level of the well. Walls are carved with women performing their daily chores like adorning themselves, churning of buttermilk and dancing, musician playing their instruments, and the king observing the activities of his kingdom. An interesting carving I noticed is  from a single block of stone and depicts the Ami Khumbor (symbolic pot of the water of life) and the Kalp Vriksha (a tree of life). These depictions attract villagers for worship during marriages and other ritual ceremonies. 

This architectural marvel will not only delight you with his intricate wall cravings,but will also rub off the historical charm of ancient times on you.

Sabarmati Ashram

"Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram...................." you may start murmuring the  lines of this famous bhajan  when you enter the premises of Sabarmati Ashram. Gandhi Ashram-also also known as  as Harijan Ashram- will transport you to the Gandhian days of  India’s struggle for freedom. It introduces the visitors to gandhian ideology and his way of life. transport you to the Gandhian days of  India’s struggle for freedom. It introduces the visitors to  ideology of Bapu’s life and his way of life.

Gandhiji stayed here for around 12 years with his wife Kasturba bai renowned social reformer . The struggle for freedom leading to Dandi March started from this place. Originally, Gandhiji had his ashram at Kochrab Bungalow, but he relocated it in an area of thirty-six acres for conducting activities like animal husbandry and farming on Sabarmati river bank. Accordingly, the name also changed from Satyagraha Ashram to Sabarmati Ashram.

There are many interesting places within the Ashram. If you are a history lover, the place will hold additional charm for you . Besides,  historical  significance of the place, you will also be able to feel the presence of  Gandhiji in the premises as if he is walking with his lathi before you. Every corner of the Ashram is evocative of Bapu’s memory.

Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya, inaugurated by Jawaharlal Nehru on 10 May 1963, offers glimpses into Gandhiji’s life  through historical  pictures and his belongings preserved meticulously to this day. A gallery named "My life is my message" peels the varied layers of Gandhiji's life, and holds a lot of attraction for the visitors.  The historical moments of the bygone era are displayed  with a sense of pride on the walls, and  enable you to relive the past days closely. The Ashram also has a library with approx 35,000 books on Gandhiji 's work, life, struggles of life, freedom movement and many other topics. The 36 acres Ashram has many other sites like Nandini, Vinoba Kutir, Upasana Mandir, Magan Niwas and the fascinating  'Hridaya Kunj'- Bapu’s cottage which is now a major tourist attraction.  

The ashram also showcases Gandhiji’s Charkha. Looking at it, you can feel the presence of Bapu spinning khadi on his Charkha. The green ambience and dusty smell of the place makes you forget  the  fast paced life of  cities.  The visit to the Ashram touches you deeply and the era of Independence struggle with Gandhiji at the helm of it comes alive.  The nostalgia is so intense that you can almost hear the words floating in the air -De di hume azadi bina khadag bina Dhaal , Sabarmati ke sant tune kar dia kamal, Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram.’

Visit to Ahmedabad is incomplete without a visit to Sabarmati Ashram.