www.tjprc.org editor@tjprc.org STEPWELL OF VANZARI, MODASA AS AN ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE OF NATHA SECT DR. KUMARPAL PARMAR Associate professor- history, surendranagar university, wadhwan ABSTRACT In ancient times, tourism as we know it today did not exist, so people used to travel on foot. To quench the thirst of these travelers, a noble act called "Punya" was performed, where local nobles, Shethiyas (merchants), ministers, kings, queens, and others constructed water reservoirs to provide drinking water. These water structures included ponds, tanks, and stepwells (Pandya 2019). Among them, stepwells were a special type of hydro-architecture designed to store water. While the world is familiar with famous stepwells like Rani Ki Vav, Adalaj Stepwell, Rudabai Stepwell in Ahmedabad, and Helical Stepwell in Champaner, there is a lesser-known stepwell called Vanzari Stepwell in Modasa, located in the Aravalli district. This research aims to study the historical significance of Vanzari Stepwell and raise awareness about its cultural and architectural importance on a global scale. Keywords: Vanzari Stepwell, Stepwell, Modasa, Arvalli, Natha Sect, L-Shaped Stepwell, Architectural Heritage Received: Jul 11, 2023; Accepted: Jul 26, 2023; Published: Aug 10, 2023; Paper Id: IJHRDEC20231 INTRODUCTION 1. Preface Throughout ancient times, numerous rulers have governed Gujarat, each leaving behind a legacy of impressive monuments. Among these structures, stepwells hold a significant place, constructed both for the well-being of society and as enduring memorials of their reigns. Notably, even traders and Vanjaras, who were prominent communities, contributed to the construction of stepwells. Dr. Kumarpal Parmar, a renowned historian, observed that in India, “Stepwell is an entry point to escape from the dreary external world and venture into a delightful world"(Nimishaben 2023: 9-12). Stepwells serve as a focal point in this tradition. Modasa is a town and municipality located in the Aravalli district of the Indian state of Gujarat. The town's name, Modasa, is derived from the Bhil chieftain Malaji Bhil, who ruled the region in 1466. In a significant development, Modasa was chosen as the headquarters of the newly formed Aravalli district, which was separated from Sabarkantha. The declaration of the new district took place on 26th January 2013, and it officially came into existence on 15th August 2013. The research conducted on Modasa involved fieldwork and observation, which are vital components of historical research, along with other important tools used at Vanzari Stepwell and in this region. 2. Meaning of Stepwell Stepwells are often commonly understood as wells with steps. However, in Hindu Vastushastra, the traditional Hindu architecture, there is a distinction between a regular well and a stepwell. The stepwell is referred to as "Vaapi" in Gujarati and "Vaapikaa" in Sanskrit texts. In the Gujarati language, it is called "Vaav," and if it is of a smaller size, it is known as "Vaavadi." (Parmar, 2022: 5-8) Original Article International Journal of History and Research (IJHR) ISSN (P): 2249-6963; ISSN (E): 2249-8079 Vol. 13, Issue 2, Dec 2023, 1–6 © TJPRC Pvt. Ltd.