Samipya 2007 Vol 24 Ank 01 02

Author(s): R P Mehta, R T Savalia
Publisher: Bholabhai Jeshingbhai Adhyayan Sanshodhan Vidyabhavan

Page 31

The temple complex is made up of three elements : The main temple complex, including the sanctum with ambulatory, lateral transepts and porch. A detached assembly hall with a torana in front (Dancing Hall/ Sabhamandapa). A large rectangular Tank decorated with numerous miniature shrines.”
It was the Tank that was of particular interest to me although the Sun Temple is clearly the most important aspect of this complex. My guide Dr. R. T. Savalia has published a detailed account of the history and architecture of this important heritage site. Raniji Ki Baori, Bundi
Bundi is said to contain over sixty Step wells, this may be the case but I only located nine, Raniji Ki Baori being one of the finest examples of its kind. It is fully restored and in exceptional condition. It was built in 1600 AD by Rani Natawati, wife of Rao Raja Anirudh Singh who was reported to have also been responsible for building 21 additional wells in the area. Raniji is constructed around a single stone shaft and stairwell that is 46 metres deep, 40 metres long and 30 metres wide. Throughout, is has fine stone carvings of Ganesh, Saraswati and the ten incarnations of Matsya, Varaha and Narsingh etc. There is a repeating theme of elephant carvings, especially around the high arches, with the elephant trunks raised in the act of drinking as this is a powerful symbol of good luck in India. Neemrana Ki Baori
This extremely large Step Well was built about 1700 AD by Thakur Janak Singh. Its 170 stone steps descend for nine stories with two additional levels under water. The top level (what would otherwise be the ground floor”' level) has a running colonnade of 87 niches. Both side of the steps are extensive verandahs providing cool space for travelers' rest. The pillars are said to have a strong similarity to the architectural design of the pillars of the old temple at the Qutub Minar complex outside Delhi which was constructed by Prithviraj Chauhan Rajputs and one descendant of Prithviraj converted to Islam and settled in Neemrana.''S This baori is in good repair and is in use as a source of drinking water and irrigation. Abhaneri (Dausa District)
Although this extraordinary site is located in a small village it was once a major centre of art and architecture a thousand years ago. “The sculptures of Abhaneri are the best examples of Gurjar Pratihari art. This flourishing town was ruined by the notorious Muhammad Ghaznavi in one of his invasions.''
Despite the destruction of the town this 10th Century Tank is in exceptionally good condition. It forms the shape of an inverted “V” with steps descending on three side and 14 visible levels divided by repeated sets of 7 steps per level. This forms a regular criss-cross stepped pattern of considerable beauty and has been constructed to be
H : 4.28, vis 1-2, 1a - 22., 2009