IELTS Reading Table Completion Example 9

Stepwells

A. In Patan, the state’s ancient capital, the stepwell of Rani Ki Vav (Queen’s Stepwell) is perhaps the finest current example. It was built by Queen Udayamati during the late 11th century, but became silted up following a flood during the 13th century. But the Archaeological Survey of India began restoring it in the 1960s, and today it’s in pristine condition. At 65 metres long, 20 metres wide and 27 metres deep, Rani Ki Vav features 500 distinct sculptures carved into niches throughout the monument, depicting gods such as Vishnu and Parvati in various incarnations. Incredibly, in January 2001, this ancient structure survived a devastating

earthquake that measured 7.6 on the Richter scale. Another example is the Surya Kund in Modhera, northern Gujarat, next to the Sun Temple, built by King Bhima I in 1026 to honour the sun god Surya. It’s actually a tank (kund means reservoir or pond) rather than a well, but displays the hallmarks of stepwell architecture, including four sides of steps that descend to the bottom in a stunning geometrical formation. The terraces house 108 small, intricately carved shrines between the sets of steps.

B. In the old ruined town of Abhaneri, about 95 kilometres east of Jaipur, is Chand Baori, one of India’s oldest and deepest wells; aesthetically, it’s perhaps one of the most dramatic. Built in around 850 AD next to the temple of Harshat Mata, the baori comprises hundreds of zigzagging steps that run along three of its sides, steeply descending 11 storeys, resulting in a striking geometric pattern when seen from afar. On the fourth side, covered verandas supported by ornate pillars overlook the steps. Still in public use is Neemrana Ki Baori, located just off the Jaipur–Dehli highway. Constructed in around 1700, it’s nine storeys deep, with the last two levels underwater. At ground level, there are 86 colonnaded openings from where the visitor descends 170 steps to the deepest water source.

1. Earthquake
2. Four / 4 sides
3. Tank
4. Verandas
5. Underwater 

The second answer can be found in the first para – eleventh line, “Surya Kund in Modhera, built by King Bhima to honour the sun god Surya. It’s actually a tank rather than a well, but displays the hallmarks of stepwell architecture, including four sides of steps.” 

The third answer is in the first para – tenth line; “It’s actually a tank (kund means reservoir or pond) rather than a well”

The fourth answer is in the second para – fifth line; “On the fourth side, covered verandas supported by ornate pillars overlook the steps.”

The fifth answer is in the second para – eighth line; “Constructed in around 1700, it’s nine storeys deep, with the last two levels underwater.”