Chandel Neha Kumar Singh

CR4002

Built in 1723, Amritvarshini Vav survives today as a structure built for public service. The journey to the Vav provides a calming experience despite being situated in a densely populated and noisy market area. The quality of the space is glorified by the rays of light that move from flights, landing, kund and into the well shaft showing Dhrangadra stone in different shades. This subterranean structure is made stable by the use of retaining walls and the two storeyed arches acting as a tangible portal amidst the intangible elements of nature - earth, water, wind and sky. The upper and lower arches being different from each other renders a hand-made quality to the structure, expressing the workmanship of a bygone era which no longer exists. The evidence of its ageing can be found in weathered brackets, niches and ornamental string courses. Despite its ability to withstand the forces of nature over centuries, one can’t ignore the arch facing Kuta that has voussoirs slipping down and crushing the keystone which needs immediate attention.