KP On The Go!

Introduction The Solanki Dynasty of Gujarat has left behind a sample set of amazing architecture. The Rani Ki Vav of Patan has already made it to the World Heritage Site list. The Sun Temple of Modhera, artistically and in scale, is not far behind too. The monument has three sub-structures: the Kund (stepped-pond), the Sabhamandap (assembly-hall) and the Gudhamandap (sanctum). The structures are aligned in perfect symmetry in the east-west direction. The view of the complex ... ... Kunda in the foreground, Sabhamandap follows ... the Gudhamandap can be seen through the Sabhamandap The construction of this temple, located by the banks of the river Pushpavati, is attributed to King Bhimdev (1) Solanki from the early 11th century. The temple was damaged during the raids of Mahmud Ghazni. As of today, the temple is just a monument devoid of actual worship. A smaller, modern temple exists next to the Sabhamandap where the worship is now practiced. -x-x-x- The Kund The ...

Introduction I'm yet to fathom the association of step-wells with queens - Bundi and Adalaj have one each - but one thing is for sure: these places are stunning! In one way, there do exist common lore dedicated to the beauty of the royal ladies and so the structures that they sought built would logically be beautiful and intricate too. Anyway, let's not digress on account of my fanboy-ism. The 'Rani Ki Vav' is an immense structure attributed to the queen Udayamati in memory of King Bhimdev of the Solanki dynasty. Patan was the capital of the erstwhile kingdom. A casual inspection of the Solanki era structures shows their flair for artistic detailing and intricacy. In these aspects this step-well is second to none. This is what I'm talking about And yes, this is a World Heritage Site since 2014. -x-x-x- A Good Place To Be A quick shout-out to Gujarat Tourism for maintaining this site in the way they have. The basic facilities are well taken care o...

Introduction Step-wells are an architecture phenomenon unique to the hot, semi-arid regions of west-central India. Originally conceived as a convenient way to fetch water - you could just walk in, as compared to a draw-well - they slowly evolved over time as centres for gatherings owing to the coolness of the moist earth. This led to an artistic evolution with the ornate step-wells being the pride of the land and their builders. Many of the step-wells have been associated with royalty or rich tradesmen. Raniji ki baori of Bundi This post covers the beautiful step-well of Adalaj, not far from Ahmedabad . -x-x-x- Story Time The step-well was commissioned by queen Ruda of Vikramsinh Vaghela. The local lore of this step-well goes something like this:   The well was to be constructed to provide good water locally    With nine intricately crafted levels     About 80% of the main structure was completed ... ... And Sultan Mahmud...

Introduction  Ahmedabad is the city at the heart of the Gujarat hinterland. he city has been a regional powerhouse and capital since the times of the Gujarat Sultanate, up to the 1970s when the planned twin city and present capital of Gandhinagar was formed.     The Mahatma's domain There is a lot of history imbibed in Ahmedabad and the corresponding architecture is beautiful too. The Indo-Saracenic style of architecture has a substantial mark, but well complemented by traditional Hindu and Jain architecture. A major historical aspect is the contribution of this city towards the Indian independence movement - the Sabarmati Ashram of Mahatma Gandhi can be considered the centre of the Indian Satyagraha. -x-x-x- Getting In And Around Ahmedabad is well connected by air, rail and road to all parts of India. Getting in is super-easy. The city has a strong network of buses, rickshaws and cabs for internal transport. We preferred not to undergo the hassle of bus r...