During the winter of 2023, I had the opportunity of visiting the 11th-century Rani Ni Vav, in English The Queen's Stepwell, in Patan Gujarat, India. This remarkable architectural masterpiece is 28 meters deep and features 500 main sculptures and over 1,000 minor ones, each depicting different gods in Hindu mythology. Although Hinduism has 330 million forms of gods and goddesses, some argue that there are only 33. Nevertheless, even if you are an atheist or a priest, the Western Indian art style, with its incredible attention to detail in sculptures on temples, buildings, and other art forms, is truly impressive. As I gazed upon the ancient depictions of Hindu gods and goddesses, I was struck by the level of detail and complexity. Despite the wear and tear that had accumulated over the years of being buried underground, the intricate craftsmanship and artistry were still visible, filling me with a deep sense of wonder and appreciation. I was amazed to learn that such incredible detail could be achieved during that early period. The Vav consists of five pieces that form the stepwell, with the steps once used by Queen Udaymati of the Solanki dynasty.
