Christie, the global visual and audio technology company, has announced that its RGB pure laser projectors are central to an impressive new light-and-sound display at Rani‑ki‑Vav, an 11th-century stepwell and UNESCO World Heritage Site in Patan, Gujarat.
Funded by the Government of Gujarat and inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 31 March, the large-scale projection mapping transforms the 500-foot-long underground monument into an engaging display of history and art, making it one of India's most advanced heritage shows to date.
Rani‑ki‑Vav is recognised as one of the world’s most remarkable underground monuments and a symbol of India’s rich architectural and artistic heritage. Now, its façade is lit up with 10 Christie RGB pure laser projectors, including the Griffyn 4K35‑RGB and M 4K25 RGB models, each capable of producing up to 36,500 lumens.
The projectors’ high-resolution 4K output and broad colour range were crucial in accurately showcasing the intricate carvings, textured stone surfaces, and subtle colour shifts, from warm sandstone tones to deep indigo night skies.
A multidisciplinary team
Supported by Design Factory India as a consultant, the project involved Aura Bright Light providing and installing the projectors, while Knownsense Studios handled content creation.
The monument was digitally scanned and mapped onto a large 22,000-pixel-wide content canvas, one of the largest ever made for an Indian heritage site.
A team of artists, animators, and heritage researchers from various disciplines worked together to create visuals and stories that highlight the history, philosophy, and cultural significance of Rani‑ki‑Vav.
Following strict directives from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), no permanent or visible structures were allowed on site. To comply, a specialised solution was devised: hydraulic lift-based projector mounts hidden underground.
Each lift extends six meters (19.6 feet) to its exact, pre-set position during shows and retracts afterwards, maintaining a clear site during the day while providing precise alignment for nighttime events.
“Rani‑ki‑Vav demanded a technological solution that could match the monument’s extraordinary craftsmanship,” says Siddharth Bathla, director and co-founder of Design Factory India.
“Christie’s RGB pure laser projectors were the clear choice, delivering the resolution, brightness, and color fidelity needed to honor every carving and contour, while the concealed hydraulic infrastructure ensured the monument’s sanctity was fully preserved.”
Shailesh Patel, managing director at Aura Bright Light, adds: “Executing a project of this scale within the constraints of a UNESCO World Heritage Site is a rare challenge.
"The innovative deployment of the Christie Griffyn 4K35‑RGB and M 4K25 RGB projectors on hydraulic lifts enabled us to achieve spectacular results with precise alignment, while adhering to every conservation guideline set by ASI.”
“We treated Rani‑ki‑Vav not as a backdrop, but as the protagonist of the story,” says Mandeep Sharma, head of production and animation at Knownsense Studios.
“Christie’s 4K RGB projectors allowed our ultra‑high‑resolution content and 3D animations to blend seamlessly with the stone architecture, creating an emotional, immersive experience that feels both contemporary yet deeply rooted in history.”
Celebrating India's heritage
The projections draw inspiration from Patan Patola textiles, historic water structures, and spiritual symbols. They combine motifs influenced by Patan Patola fabrics, ancient water architecture, and spiritual imagery.
Accompanying the visuals is a compelling soundtrack and narration. Traditional Indian instruments blend with cinematic orchestration, mirroring the sounds of chisels and flowing water, leading audiences through scenes of creation, devotion, and rediscovery.
Rishubh Nayar, ProAV sales director for India at Christie, says: “This project exemplifies how technology can elevate heritage storytelling with dignity and precision.
"Our RGB pure laser projectors are designed for demanding environments where color accuracy, fine detail, and long‑term reliability are non‑negotiable. Rani‑ki‑Vav powerfully demonstrates how light can connect past and present on a global stage.”
Combining 4K RGB pure laser projection, 4K resolution content, and culturally authentic storytelling, the Rani‑ki‑Vav light and sound show has enhanced digital heritage experiences.
Earlier this year, Christie launched the Korus Series, a new range of 1DLP laser projectors providing 4K UHD+ resolution in an affordable, adaptable, and compact design.
