Mata Bhavani Vav (Stepwell)

Mata Bhavani Vav is the oldest stepwell in Ahmedabad. It is located in the Asarwa area of the city.

The Solanki Rajputs of Chalukyan dynasty that ruled Gujarat, invested in building many water-harvesting structures like stepwells, tanks and lakes. These water-retaining structures were elaborately ornamented with carvings.

Mata Bhavani Vav was built in the 11th century during the Solanki period.

This stepwell has pavilions and a long flight of steps leading three-storey down to the water level. Three open pavilions are positioned along the east–west axis.

The elaborate ornamentation of the columns, brackets and beams are early examples of how Chalukyan stepwells were not only utilitarian but works of art and architecture as well. The stepwell gets its name from a more recent shrine to Mata Bhavani, which attracts worshippers.