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| Dada Harir Stepwell @ Wikipedia |
Introduction
The Bhao of Dada
Hari is a historical monument that is found in Ahmedabad city, Gujarat. It is
not a mere piece of water well, but a complete reflection of architecture, art
and social life of ancient India. Having been constructed in the 15th century,
this Bhau is still being visited by researchers and tourists due to its beauty,
artistic carvings and use. It is a landmark of a kind in the pages of history
as a magnificent example of water conservation and usage on desert lands.
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| Looking down into the well @wikipedia |
Location
The city of
Ahmedabad is the largest one in the state of Gujarat in India. It is situated
in Asarwa section of the city and a few kilometres away the centre of
Ahmedabad. Locally it is also referred to as' Dada Harir Bhau 'or' Bai Harir
Bhau '. The tourists can easily reach it since it is near the Ahmedabad railway
station, as well as the airport. It is this stepwell that is especially viewed
as one of the historical architectural tour sites of the city.
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| Plan of stepwell @ wikipedia |
The History
Dada Harir Bhau has a long history which goes
back to the rule of Sultan Mahmud Begada during the late 15 th century. This
stepwell is believed to have been constructed by a wealthy and influential
woman employed in the Sultan of Mahmud Begada. Mahmud Begada was the master of
the Sultan harem. Because of this reason, it is also sometimes referred to as
bai harir bhao. It was completed around 1499. This stepwell served as the
source of water conservation as well as practical intentions; it was also a
place where locals rested, as well as the center of religious life. The Bhao of
Dada Hari can be considered an Indo-Islamic masterpiece of architecture, just
like its entire historic architecture of Ahmedabad, in which even now the stone
work of the building is beautifully carved, and remains as a testimony to
history.
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| @ wikipedia |
Architectural features
The Bhao of Dada
Hari is among the best indo-islamic buildings in Gujarat. It is a stepwell
(bhao) which is five stories high but with the light diminishing on every level
to the bottom, and giving an air of mystery and coolness at the very bottom.
The main features are: The whole Bhau is constructed of Sandstone, and is
carved with elaborate work, and geometrical patterns and flowery work. There
are large corridors, pillars and open roofs in each floor that allow the
movement of light and air without any difficulty. It has a combination of Hindu
and Islamic architecture - lotus, which symbolizes the presence of gods and
goddesses on one side, and geometric and Arabic design on the other. The well
with the highest concentration was large and deep and there water was deposited
all year round. The sculpted decoration of the walls, arched doors and columns
render the Bhau inimitable even nowadays. It was utilized as a source of water
as well as a place of cooling during summer. Tourists and architects are still
intrigued by its interior design.
Conclusion
Not only is the
Bhao of Dada Hari an antique water source, but it is also an example of the
rich Indo-Islamic architecture that Gujarat has. Its deep wells, pillared
corridors and exquisite carvings are testimony to the art and engineering craft
of the olden days. Bhau is a living example of how water was saved and utilized
regarding the needs of the society 500 years ago. It is not only a resort
today, but also a rare sample of a preservation of the Indian historical
heritage. The Bhau of Dada Hari hence reminds us of religious coexistence and
knowledge of water management in the past and its creativity.
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