Bai Harir Stepwell

Bai Harir Sultani Stepwell

Bai Harir Sultani Stepwell (Dada Harir Ni Vav) is situated in the area of Asarva,

A beautiful iconic step-well was built in december 1499. It was during the reign of Mahmud Shah that Bai Harir Sultani, Hazrat Bai Harir Sultani was a very religious, influential woman. She was the superintendent of the royal harem at Abul Fatah Nasredin Mahmud Shah (King Mehmood Begada). She had established this incredible heritage not from the royal treasury but from the capital deposited from her salary, locally known as Dhai Harir, The name later corrupted into Dada Hari ni vav. Creating this invaluable heritage cost 34,0000 at the time,Which currently has an estimated value of over Rs 3000 crore,

Built in sandstone in indo - islamic architectural style, the Bai Harir Sultani Stepwell is five stories deep. It is octagonal (8-sided polygon) in plan at the top, built on intricately carved large number of pillars. Each floor is spacious enough to provide for people to congregate. It was dug deep to access ground water at that level, accounting for seasonal fluctuations in water level due to rainfall over the year. The air and light vents in the roofs at various floors and at the landing level are in the form of large openings. From the first story level, three staircases lead to the bottom water level of the well, which is considered a unique feature.

At the level of the ground, it is 190 feet long by forty wide. At the east end, from a domed canopy, a descent of eight steps leads to a covered gallery. A second flight of nine steps leads to another gallery, and a third of eight steps to the lowest gallery two or three foot above the level of the water. At each landing a corridor runs along the sides and leads to other galleries that cross the well at intervals.

Built along an east–west axis, entrance is from the East, the two spiral staircases are in West, near the well. The structural system is typically Indian style with traditional trabeat with horizontal beams and lintels. At the bottom of the well is a square stepped floor in the shape of a funnel extending to the lowest plane. This is chiseled into a circular well. Above the square floor, columns, beams, wall and arched openings spiral around; a feature that continues to the top. The top part of the well, however, is a vertical space open to the sky. The four corners of the square are strengthened with stone beams, set at 45 degrees angle. The motifs of flowers and graphics of Islamic architecture blend very well carved at various levels of the well. The dominant carvings on the upper floors are of elephants (3 inches (76 mm) in size, each of different design). The Islamic architectural style could be attributed to bai harir sultani who built it.

But the vav is an absolute delight! The many storeys are filled with intricately carved walls and columns and the sunlight filtering through makes the place even more beautiful! You can almost go down to the lowest level (not possible in many vavs now a days) and look around.