The Incredible Subterranean Temple of Rani Ki Vav, India: The Queen's Stepwell | Ancient Architects

A structure this beautiful would presumably be a temple dedicated to an all-powerful god of the ancient world, or a palace for an ancient king and queen. It’s around 1,000 years old, was commissioned in 1063 AD, taking 20 years to complete, so you can imagine my surprise when I learned that the incredible temple of Rani Ki Vav in India, is actually a stepwell, known as the Queen's Stepwell.

It is situated on the banks of the Saraswati river, in the town of Paran in the Gutarat state of India, and is attributed to Udayamati, the daughter of Khengara of Saurashtra, queen of the 11th-century Chaulukya dynasty and spouse of Bhima I.

Before it’s discovery it had completely silted over, buried from hundreds of years of river deposits, and was only rediscovered in the 1940s. In 2014 it was listed as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites and, I can see why.

Watch this video to find out more about this incredible ancient structure, ornately carved out of the bedrock by a queen in memory of a king, to honour the sanctity of water for many years to come.

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[i_grok_u]

India really is overlooked when it comes to spectacular sites. So much history and the work that it must have taken= WOW!!!! and it seems like they are everywhere.

[MrJasonshores]

I think we should pay more attention to India and their past. They have such detailed stories and information and mainstream media just calls it myth.

[writerblocks]

Wow the symbology of an inverted temple holding water speaks to me on a very deep level

[craftpaint]

I'm speechless 😶 really this isn't just a public works project, it's a public works perfection. No water = no life, a great spiritual honor of design.

[christinearmington]

As fascinated as we all are by the pyramids, India has the most amazing carved edifices.

[pagerhoads]

I think India is probably the most fascinating land of beauty, mystery and lost knowledge. At least to Just as intriguing as Egypt if not more.

[ludwigvanbeethoven]

Finally you got to India, Mate. The Detail from indian temples is totally unmatched. I really suggest to team up with Praveen Mohan. He has unbelievable knowledge on ancient india.

[greglemieux]

This is Extremely INCREDIBLE. I personally believe this is far older than 1000 years. The precision artwork is OUTSTANDING.

[davidcook]

What a masterpiece. It does beggar belief that something like this was created in only 20 years, when in todays world we would struggle to get it finished at all. Thanks for sharing

[joewolter]

I’m glad to see these ancient sites on something besides Ancient Aliens. I love that show for its awareness of beautiful architecture and ancient high technology. This channel gives us a practical perspective on what ancient people were doing and I hope you keep these types of structures coming. Thank you so much.

[SitverystillL]

Keep going with the India temples love them

[doomeddie]

Matt buddy, you never fail me :) India!!

[neillpotts]

India really is overlooked when it comes to its history and historic monuments. I hope after this Covid mess to be able to travel to India and this site is certainly going onto my list of places to visit. The important thing I need to do is to find out more information on these sites before travelling to India to ensure I see and experience as much as I can.

[jfb]

the sheer amount of statues in this thing blows my mind. must be many thousands. really surprised at how much more intricate and beautiful this one is then the older well it surpassed (can't rememeber the name lol), its like not even close it must've been a wildly different planning and construction technique.

[nonaeubinis]

Finally, a temple to and for Water. Glorious!! And, yes, I would love to learn more. Thank you

[ziwrvtc]

I've never heard of this place... It's majestic. Looks like a place in a videogame

[michaelsmith]

Can you imagine the sound of thousands of people working, hammering on stone, falling pieces, the amount of wood scaffolding. Amazing artist

[Vipenstrike]

Now that's a place to put on the bucket list of places to visit!!

[edgarsnake]

Great work, by a queen, in memory of a king, and to honor the sanctity of water. You're a poet.

[seanhammer]

The amount of stone carving there is staggering. I wonder if anyone can do that today, the way they did it then?