Aadi Kadi Vav, also known as Adalaj Stepwell, is a historic stepwell located in Adalaj village of Gujarat, India. It was built in the 15th century by Queen Rudabai, the wife of the Vaghela chief, Veer Singh.

The Adalaj Stepwell is a five-storey structure, with intricately carved pillars and walls. It is believed that the stepwell was built to provide water and shelter to travelers and pilgrims who used to pass through Adalaj village.

The construction of the stepwell began in 1498 and was completed in 1510. However, it was abandoned after the death of Veer Singh, who was killed in a battle with the Sultan of Gujarat, Mahmud Begada.

During the reign of the Mughal emperor Akbar, the stepwell was restored and renovated by his governor, a nobleman named Ali-Adil Shah. The restoration work was completed in 1573 and the stepwell was renamed as "Aadi Kadi Vav" which means "the stepwell of the beginning and the end".

The Aadi Kadi Vav is one of the finest examples of Indo-Islamic architecture, with a blend of Hindu and Islamic styles. The stepwell has intricate carvings of gods and goddesses, geometric patterns, and floral motifs, which are carved in sandstone. The stepwell also has a large central chamber with pillars, where people used to gather during the hot summer months.

The stepwell has a unique feature, where the sun's rays fall on a particular spot on the wall, which illuminates the entire staircase. This is known as the "magic hour" and it is believed that the stepwell was designed in such a way that it would have a mystical effect on people who entered it during this time.

Today, the Aadi Kadi Vav is a popular tourist destination and a symbol of Gujarat's rich cultural heritage. The stepwell has been preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India, which has taken several measures to protect and maintain this historic structure for future generations to enjoy.

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