ASI nominates Rani-Ki-Vav, Harappan circuit for World Heritage Site

Vadodara, Nov 19 (UNI) The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has decided to nominate the famous ''Rani-Ki-Vav'' (queen's step-well) and the Harappan circuit, including Dholavira, Surkotada and Lothal sites in Gujarat, for inscription in the UNESCO's list of World Heritage sites.

The nomination dossiers for inclusion of these marvelous archaeological sites were all in place and would be submitted before the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESC) by the end of January next.

Talking to UNI today, Vadodara circle ASI superintending archaeologist, Dr Shivanand, said the Director General of ASI had approved the nominations of the unique stepwell in Patan and the excavated Harappan circuit located in Saurashtra region of the state.

Champaner-Pavagadh, the medieval buried capital city of Gujarat, was the only archaeological site in the state to get the status of World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2004.

At present, India has 28 World Heritage Sites, including five natural sites, three man-made and 20 cultural sites.

''Rani-Ki-Vav'', the most magnificient seven-storeyed stepwell in Gujarat, was constructed by queen Udaymati as a memorial for her husband king Bhimadeva-I of the most powerful Solanki dynasty in 1063 AD, and it took approximately 20 years to complete.

After independence, ASI exposed this hidden treasure of sculptural and archaeological wealth by declaring it as a protected monument. In 1960, ASI commenced desilting the stepwell measuring 64 meters long, 20 meters wide and 27 meters deep. Today, ''Rani-Ki-Vav'' is considered to be the queen among step wells in India.

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