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Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra
regular criss-cross stepped pattern of considerable beauty. resulting in a striking geometric pattern when seen from after on the fourth side, coverd verandas supported by ornate pillars overlook the steps. Chand Baori is on of the largest tanks in Rajasthan.
Pannā Meenā - Amber
Modhera - Surya Kunda and Abaneri Canda Bãorī-Kuṇḍa are both very large. and make in interesting construct with the Tanks at the Pannā Meena in Amber. A further aspect of this design would better be described as 'Ghats' which are stepped approaches to lakes or exceptionally large reservoirs.
This site located close to the Amber Fortess 10 km. from Jaipur, Pannă Meena Tank built in around 1200 A.D., is on of several stepwells in this immediates area. Recently restored and painted a deep canary yellow, its structure is similar to Canda Bāori with three descending stepped levels forming an invert V, but a good deal smaller.36
Conclusion:
Water places and well monuments have played an important role in the development of the stepwells and Tanks of Gujarat and Rajasthan. Generally, it is found that the stepweels and Tanks are related with Hindu religion. The architectural activities developed in Gujarat and Rajasthan due to the scarcity of water.
1.
In the course of recent industrial development the stepwells & Tanks have lost. their inherent function of water supply and storage and are either deserted or in a broken down condition due to neglect and lack of interest. But they are the mute witness of our ancient tradition of stepwell building. With proper repair and a little care, they can be made into main tourist attraction of Gujarat and Rajasthan.
2.
References:
R. C. Parikh, 'Two Historical reservoirs of Gujarat', Institute of Engineers, Annual convention, Souvenir, Ahmedabad, 1968, pp. 61-62.
Savalia, Ramji T. Dharma, Kala ane Samskṛti-nā Pariprexya-mam
3.
www.kobatirth.org
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4.
5.
Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuri Gyanmandir
6.
50
Gujarat-nām Prācīna Sarovaro, Talāvo ane Kundo' - University Book Production Board, Gujarat State, Ahmedabad, 2000, pp. 20-21.
K. F. Sompura, 'Some Important Step-wells of Gujarat', The 39th Annual research session (July, 1969, Ahmedabad) sovienir, The central Board of Irrigation & Power, p. 291.
Parikh, P. C. 'The Sakti Kunda at Akhaj', Silver Jubilee Year Publication 1988-89, Dept. of Archaeology, Gujarat State, Ahmedabad, 1987, p.1.
Richard Cox, 'Stepwells' Subterranean Architecture, Stepwells in western India', Lantarnam Grange Arts centre, Torfaen NP44 1 PD, 2008, p. 14.
Ibid, p. 4 (Sushma K. Bahl, Senior Consultant and Curator, Ann Allen School of Medicine Curdiff University - Rajasthan wales Arts exchanges'.
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