નવઘણ કૂવો

Navghan Kuvo

Useful Information

Location:	Mullawada, Junagadh, Gujarat 362001. Within the grounds of Uparkot Fort, Junagadh, Gujarat. 37 km from Keshod, 99 km from Rajkot. (21.523824, 70.471450)
Open:	All year daily 8-18. [2023]
Fee:	Adults INR 300, Children (0-15) free. [2023]
Classification:	Stepwell
Light:	n/a
Dimension:	L=87 m, VR=35 m, St=195.
Guided tours:	self guided
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:	no
Bibliography:
Address:	Navghan Kuvo, Mullawada, Junagadh, Gujarat 36200, Tel: +91-1800-203-1111.
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

2nd-4th century	well probably constructed during the Kshatrapa period.
6th-7th century	well probably built.
11th-12th century	well completed in its current form.

Description

નવઘણ કૂવો (Navghan Kuvo) was named after the Chudasama king Ra Navaghana. He started the construction of the well during his reign between 1025 and 1044. But it was completed by his son Khengara. Similar to nearby Adi Kadi Vav there are numerous completely different theories about its age. According to some scholars, the well might have been built in Kshatrapa period (2nd-4th century) or in Maitraka period (6th-7th century).

The descent starts with a rather small staircase which leads through an arched doorway to the forecourt, which has an irregular shape. At the far end a wider staircase down to the well starts. There is also a wide passage through the rock, which is supported by a pilar. The wall shows arrays of square niches which are used by birds. Its unclear if this was intended.

The design of this well is quite different from all the others, it is not square but irregular, numerous passages are cut into the rock. Some scholars believe that the well itself is much older, probably the the oldest example of a stepwell. According to this theory, the entrance section is much younger and was built to make the well easier accessible.

The stepwell is part of the Uparkot Fort in Junagadh city. The fort has a wall which encloses an almost 800 m long and 400 m wide area, there is a fortification going around the almost rectangular area with towers and gates. The only entrance is Uparkot Gate, which is located in southern part of the west wall, on Jagmal Chowk Rd. Inside is a park with artificial lakes and two stepwells, the Uperkot Caves, and the modern Jama Mosque, which is located in the middle of the huge park. The stepwell is located about 100 m to the southeast of the Jama Mosque.