CENTER FOR ART AND ARCHAEOLOGY

Hadironwala Bagh, Nakodar, Punjab

Harsh Ka Tila, Thanesar, Haryana

Haryana (Architectural Drawings)

Haveli and Kacheri, Hodal, Haryana

A part of primary school now, the complex comprises a tomb, Masjid and an entrance gateway within a walled enclosure. Masjid forms a part of the wall facing the courtyard, while the tomb is located in the center of the courtyard. The entrance gateway leads into the courtyard and provided access to the tomb and Masjid. It is a single storied, square structure constructed of red and buff stone where the exteriors are is left unplastered. Interior space is covered with a dome resting on an octagonal base topped with an inverted lotus; the walls are plastered and adorned with niches of various sizes at different levels. The exterior of this structure are fairly simple with entrance and exit recessed archways and a band of crenellations at parapet level. The Masjid is a single storied, rectangular pillared hall constructed of stone and delineated into three bays. A flat ceiling with three domes covers the interior space; the domes are ribbed and topped with inverted lotus. Main façade is formed by a series of arches topped with a row of brackets supporting a continuous chajja and a decorative parapet above. The Tomb is a square structure located on a raised platform. A continuous chajjas runs around the structure supported over brackets. Interior space is covered with a ribbed dome, resting on an octagonal drum. The parapet and the octagonal drum are embellished with detailing in plaster.

The Helical stepwell is situated at the foot of a hill near the town of Pavagadh. It is altogether a small monument, measuring in all not more than 19 metres. It consists mainly of the shaft of the well, and a short entrance staircase which leads into a spiral stairway. This spiral stairway is attached to the wall of the well and descends downwards like the ‘coils of a snake’. The idea of circumambulation is expressed in the spiral stairway. This stepwell reflects the very early stage of stepwell architecture.

Reference: Jain-Neubauer, Jutta. The Stepwells of Gujarat: In Art-historical Perspective, 2003.