3 weeks Ago
Vadodara: The five-century-old ruins in the fields of Vasad village came alive on Friday evening as a historic ‘vaav' (step-well) captivated a large audience by narrating its own story. Bathed in soft illumination, the seven-storeyed step-well, discovered by artist Kakoli Sen—stood out as a stunning reminder of the region's forgotten heritage. Sen organized a unique audio-visual event at the site to draw attention to the architectural and cultural significance of such heritage structures.
"Through the audio presentation, the vaav narrated its own tale—how it has stood the test of time and what it has witnessed over the centuries," Sen told TOI. The event drew a crowd of nearly 200 people, including Anand MP Mitesh Patel, district collector Praveen Chaudhary, and superintendent of police GG Jasani. Former Vadodara BJP president Vijay Shah, who supported Sen in this initiative, was also present.
Many local villagers attended the gathering, expressing amazement upon discovering the presence of such a beautiful and historic structure in their own region. Constructed in the 16th century using mortar bricks and lime plaster, the helical step-well descends seven levels and contains 11 rooms below ground. Sen said, adding that her aim is to raise awareness and push for efforts to restore the monument to its former glory.
.
