Monuments
Sun Temple Modhera
As one traverses the length and breadth of Gujarat, one constantly stumbles across architectural legacies of the ‘Solanki’ rule. You keep coming across living spaces and monuments of another time, offering an eclectic glimpse of the artistic and ingenious beauty that makes this exotically state vibrant.
A soothing drive amidst green farmlands almost 25 km away from Mehsana on the way to the temples of goddess Bahucharaji reposes the village of Modhera.
Set along the backdrop of River Pushpavati, surrounded by a terra-formed garden of flowering trees and songs of birds, rests the famed Sun temple of Modhera.
The remains of the Sun Temples at Modhera dedicated to sun god are relics of times gone by when reverence of the natural elements fire, air, earth, water and sky were at their peak sharing space with myriad manifestations of Vedic gods. The ancient philosophy venerating natural elements and its association with humans was considered the prime force and energy of the life cycle. A walk around the serene temple campus makes you aware of the positively strong aura of energy which the place radiates and through it brings one closer to the environs.
Adding the beauty in this already famous popular Modhera Sun Temple. In October, 2022 Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendrabhai Modi Inaugurated Solar powered 3-D Projection Mapping Show and Heritage Lighting at the Temple. Which is one of a kind experience. It has added another feather in the cap of this already well known temple.
Brief History:
As per Archeological Survey of India Modhera Sun Temple was built in 1026-27 CE during the reign of Bhima I of the Chaulukya dynasty. As you enter the historical complex, you first come across the magnificent kund known as the Suryakund, built in rectangular shape containing 108 shrines to various gods and demi-gods. Check out the three main shrines positioned on the three sides of the kund, dedicated to Ganesh and Vishnu and an image of Lord Shiva dancing the ‘tandav’.
Walk up the steps to the ‘Sabha Mandap’ or the assembly and convene with sculpted renderings of twelve ‘Adityas’ (another name for the sun god). The twelve representations carved on the pillars represent the sun according to the twelve months.
Mahabat Khan Maqbara
his stunning mausoleum of Nawab Mahabat Khan II of Junagadh (1851–82) seems to bubble up into the sky in the old city. One of Gujarat’s most glorious examples of Euro-Indo-Islamic architecture, with French windows and Gothic columns, its lavish appeal is topped off by its silver inner doors. The minarets on the sides have spiral steps going up to the top of the tower.
Brief History: The construction on the yellow-walled complex started in 1878 by Mahabat Khanji and was completed in 1892 by his successor, Bahadur Khanji.
rchitecture: The Mahabat Maqbara is a stunning example of Euro-Indo-Islamic architecture, featuring French windows and Gothic columns. The lavish appeal is topped off by its silver inner doors.
History: The construction of the complex started in 1878 by Mahabat Khanji and was completed in 1892 by his successor, Bahadur Khanji.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is between November and February.
Accessibility: By Road: Private and state bus services are available from different junctions in the state. By Train: The town has a railway station that is connected to major cities in Gujarat. By Air: The closest airports to Junagadh are Keshod (40 km), Porbandar (105 km), and Rajkot (103 km).
Interesting Facts:
- The Mahabat Maqbara and Bahauddin Maqbara are mausoleums in Junagadh, Gujarat, India, dedicated to Mahabat Khan II, the Nawab of Junagadh State, and his minister Bahauddin Hussain Bhar respectively.
- The construction of the Mahabat Maqbara was started in 1878 by Nawab Mahabat Khan II (1851–82) and ended in 1892 during the reign of Nawab Bahadur Khan III (1882–92).
- The adjacent mausoleum in north was constructed by Mahabat Khan II’s Vizier (minister) Sheikh Bahauddin Hussain Bhar with his own funds during 1891–1896.
Kirti Mandir
Sadeli is said to have come to Gujarat through the Parsis from Iran. The craft bears close similarities to the Persian form of marquetry called ‘Khatam’. Sadeli is a highly skilled technique where the craftsmen, in this case carpenters, fabricate intricate geometric or floral patterns on teak or other locally available wood. The elaborate designs add a charming aesthetic to doors, windows, cupboards, and bedposts. In fact, the famous Bombay Box–a tourist favourite–is actually a Sadeli handicraft from Gujarat. More recently, the craft of Sadeli is used to make sofa sets, book racks and lamp holders.
Kirti Mandir is a cenotaph located in Vadodara, Gujarat, India. It was built by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III of the Gaekwad dynasty of the Marathas in 1936 to perpetuate the glorious memory of his beloved ancestors.
Location Kirti Mandir is situated in the city of Vadodara, near the Vishwamitra Bridge.
Architecture The outstanding stone building is constructed in the shape of a letter “E” with terraces, balconies, domes, and a central shikhara that rises to approximately 35 meters. The interiors of the Kirti Mandir are marble treated and brilliantly decorated with intricately carved murals.
Features The temple houses five wall paintings by artist Nandalal Bose showing various phases of the battle of Mahabharata, and some episodes from Indian mythology. The sun, the moon, and the earth in bronze with the undivided map of India adorn the shikhara of Kirti Mandir.
Purpose Kirti Mandir is believed to be built in the memory of deceased members of the royal Gaekwad family and is dedicated to Lord Mahadev. Today, it is a major tourist attraction in the city.
Timings Please note that the timings may vary, but it is generally open from 16:30 to 20:00 on weekdays and 16:30 to 20:00 on weekends.
Badshah No Haziro
Ahmed Shah, the Emperor of Ahmedabad took up the task of commissioning his mausoleum before his death, outside the Jama Masjid’s east gate, but the structure was finally built in 1451 by Muhammed Shah. His cenotaph is the central one under the main dome but the mausoleum also houses the tombs of his son Muhammed Shah II and grandson Ahmed Shah II.
The four corners of the central hall are occupied by smaller domed chambers with stone screens set in arches, making it a stunning structure. At 11pm, a drumming session (naubat) at the mausoleum’s eastern gateway used to signal the closing of the city gates and still happens nightly. Through an arch a little further east is Ahmed Shah’s queen’s tomb known as Rani-na-Hazira. It stands on a raised platform engulfed by market stalls, and the jali (carved lattice) screens are an artistic feature to note.
Brief History: Though commissioned by Ahmad Shah, it was his son who took the onus of constructing this mausoleum in the year 1451, with the infusion of jali work, tombs and arches.
Champaner & Pavagadh Archaeological Park
The Champaner & Pavagadh Archaeological Park is a cultural and historical site located in the Panchmahal district of Gujarat, India. The park is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of India, showcasing the architectural styles of the 15th century.
The park is situated around the historical city of Champaner, built by Sultan Mahmud Begada of Gujarat. The Pavagadh hill, composed of reddish-yellow coloured stone formation, is one of the oldest rock formations in India, rising to a height of nearly 800 meters from the mean sea level.
Monuments and Structures
The park features a concentration of archaeological, historical, and living cultural heritage properties, including:
- Chalcolithic sites
- Hill fortress of an early Hindu capital
- Remains of the 16th-century capital of the state of Gujarat
- Mosques, temples, granaries, tombs, wells, walls, and terraces
UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Champaner & Pavagadh Archaeological Park was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, recognizing its cultural and historical significance. The site meets four of the six criteria for selection, including:
- Criterion (iii): The site represents cultures that have disappeared
- Criterion (v): The site is an outstanding example of a very short-lived capital
- Criterion (vi): The site is a place of worship and continuous pilgrimage for Hindu believers
Visiting Information
- Location: Pavagadh, Panchmahal district, Gujarat, India
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Monday to Sunday)
Hutheesing Jain Temple
This remarkably elegant temple created out of white marble has been sacred to many Jain families, generation after generation. It was built in 1848 A.D. at an estimated cost of 10 lakh rupees by a rich merchant Sheth Hutheesing as a dedication to the 15th Jain Tirthankara, Shri Dharmanatha. Traditional artisans working in stone belonged to the Sonpura & Salat communities.
The Salat community constructed masterpieces of architecture ranging from forts, palaces to temples. The work of the Hutheesing Jain temple is attributed to Premchand Salat. One scholar has remarked, “Each part goes on increasing in dignity as we approach the sanctuary. Whether looked at from its courts or from the outside, it possesses variety without confusion and appropriateness of every part to the purpose for which it was intended.”
Located outside the Delhi Gate, the temple is spread over a sprawling courtyard, a mandapa surmounted by a large ridged dome, which is supported by 12 ornate pillars. The small garbhagruh (main shrine) on the east end reaches up into three stunningly carved spires and encircled by 52 small shrines dedicated to the various Tirthankars. There are large protruding porches with magnificently decorated columns and figural brackets on three outer sides. Also, a recently built 78 ft Mahavir stambha (tower) fashioned after the renowned tower at Chittor in Rajasthan, flanks the outer courtyard by the front entrance. Some of the motifs used in the design remind one of the Sultanate minarets of the Mughal period.
Siddi Sayed Mosque
The Sidi Sayed Mosque is famed for its exquisite jali windows, spider web fine, depicting the intricate intertwining branches of the ‘tree of life’ that is best seen from the road that runs along the back of the mosque. The central arch of the mosque is also bereft of the intricate latticework, making the eyes go straight to the main stunning work at the back wall. The mosque still functions as a place of prayer.
Brief History: Popularly known as Sidi Sayed ni Jali the mosque was built in the period 1572–73 AD by Sidi Sayed. It was the same year that the Mughals conquered Gujarat.
The Siddi Sayed Mosque, also known as Sidi Sayyid ni Jali, is a historic mosque located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. The mosque is situated on Bhadra Road, opposite Electricity House, Gheekanta, Lal Darwaja, Old City, Ahmedabad.
History
The mosque was built in 1572-73 AD by Sidi Sayed, an Abyssinian saint of African descent who served in Ahmed Shah’s army. It was built during the period of the Gujarat Sultanate, which ended in 1573 AD.
Architecture
The mosque is entirely arcuated and is known for its ten intricately carved stone latticework windows (jalis) on the side and rear arches. The rear wall is filled with square stone pierced panels in geometrical designs. The two bays flanking the central aisle have reticulated stone slabs carved in designs of intertwined trees and foliage and a palm motif.
Features
- The mosque has a central aisle with two bays flanking it, resembling a 3-walled theatre.
- The wazu or ablution pond is quite small.
- The mosque is a fine example of the influence of African architecture.
Visiting Information
- Try to visit during winter, October-February, as the summers can be draining.
- Remember to dress modestly and remove footwear inside the mosque.
- Ladies are not allowed inside the prayer hall of the Mosque.
Interesting Facts
- The mosque’s jaalis (latticework windows) are considered a tribute to the craftsmanship of Gujarat.
- The government publication describes the jaalis as an “insignia” of Ahmedabad.
- The mosque’s intricate designs are considered to be among the most beautiful in India, with no comparable examples elsewhere.
Bhadreshwar Jain Tirth Derasar
Unreliable reports claim the city was founded in 516 BC, and oral accounts state that the first temple was built “2500 years ago, about 45 years after the death of Lord Mahavir,” but there is no evidence to either support or debunk that claim. The main temple is strikingly beautiful, in all white marble with majestic pillars. Around the central one are 52 smaller shrines, one of which reputedly holds the original Parshavanath idol from 500 BC Non-Jains cannot spend the night in the temple complex, but other lodging is available in town.
In addition to the Jain complex, there are also two mosques which are reliably dated to the late 12th century, meaning they predate the well-known Islamic architecture of Ahmedabad by 250 years or so, making them in all likelihood the first mosques built in India. Their existence indicates that Iranian seagoing traders arrived on the coast of Gujarat at least 50 years before Islam swept into Delhi by land. As such, they are much more stark, austere, constructions, without the flowery embellishments of the later period, but they are also the first mosques to incorporate Indian architectural elements into Islamic constructions. According to at least one researcher’s extensive study, the style indicates that this blending was not done because they plundered Hindu temple ruins for parts or only employed Hindu craftsmen, but was a more deliberate incorporation of design elements according to the tastes of the builders.
Prag Mahal
The largest of the three palaces within the Darbargadh walled complex, 19th-century Prag Mahal is in a forlorn state, damaged by an earthquake, but is worth visiting for its grand Durbar Hall, with its glittering chandeliers, the Maharajah’s taxidermied collection and gold-skirted classical statues. Several scenes from Lagaan, the much-acclaimed Bollywood cricket blockbuster, were filmed here.
Named after Rao Pragmalji II, who commissioned the construction of Prag Mahal, the palace’s first bricks were laid in 1865. It was designed by Colonel Henry Saint Wilkins in the Italian Gothic style. His team constituted of a number of Italian artisans and their wages were paid in gold coins. It ultimately took 3.1 million rupees to get the work done and the palace stood in its fully glory in 1879. By then the regency has switched Khengarji III (Pragmalji II’s son) following Pragmalji II’s death in 1875. He employed the local Kutchi builder community under the guidance of Colonel Wilkins in the last phase of construction.
Uparkot Fort
This ancient fort is believed to have been built in 319 BC by the Mauryan emperor Chandragupta, though it has been extended many times. In places, the ramparts reach 20m high. It’s been besieged 16 times, and legend has it that the fort once withstood a 12-year siege. The views over the city and east to Girnar Hill are superb, and within its walls, there is a magnificent former mosque, a set of millennia-old Buddhist caves and two fine step-wells.
The fort has two fine step-wells both cut from solid rock. The circular, 41m-deep Adi Kadi Vav was cut in the 15th century and named after two slave girls who used to fetch water from it. Navghan Kuvo, 52m deep and designed to help withstand sieges, is almost 1000 years old and its magnificent staircase spirals around the well shaft. Look for the centuries-old dovecotes.
Brief History: Said to have been built in 319 BC, the fort was the architectural work of Chandragupta. But the fort changed many hands. Remnants of different rulers can be seen in some parts of the structure. For example, on the rampart above the gate is an inscription of Mandalika III, dated 1450. Another emblem is in the form of a 10 inch bore cannon of bell-metal – 17 feet long and 4 feet 8-inch round at the mouth. This gun was brought from Diu, where it was left by the Ottoman Turks when they were defeated in the Siege of Diu in the mid-16th century.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit is between November and February.
Disclaimer: The details presented above are intended solely for informational purposes and facilitation of the tourists. Timings and other details may be subject to change based on on-site conditions and local compulsions, which could be determined by local sources/ authorities/ administration of that particular destination.
Royal Chhatardis
About a 20-minute walk southwest of Hamirsar lake, through open areas that no longer seem like you’re in the city, are the royal cenotaphs (memorials to those not actually buried there and, in this case, not buried at all but cremated). Many of the monuments are in ruins due to earthquakes, but those of Lakhpatji, Raydhanji II and Desarji are still quite intact. The site is very quiet, out in the middle of a field, not surrounded by buildings, and is very peaceful in the morning or evening, though in the middle of the day it can be quite hot under the bright sun.
The Royal Chhatardis are a collection of cenotaphs located in Bhuj, Gujarat, India. They are the memorials of the warrior Rajput rulers of the Kutch region. The structures are a mix of Rajputana and Mughal architectural styles, with curved lines, domes, and arches.
History
The Royal Chhatardis were constructed in the 18th century by Jadeja ruler Rao Lakhpatji. They are located to the southwest of Hamirsar Lake, close to Ranjit Vilas Palace.
Structures
The Royal Chhatardis are located in the middle of a field, deserted without any buildings in and around. There are 16 cenotaphs in total, with some still intact, while others are crumbling. The structures that are located in Desarji, Raydhanji II, and Lakhpatji are still in place.
Architecture
The Royal Chhatardis are umbrella-shaped dome structures with fine carvings in red sandstone. They are specimens of Rajputana and Mughal architectural styles.
Tourism
The Royal Chhatardis are a popular tourist attraction in Kutch, Gujarat. Visitors can stroll around the area and admire the architecture and history of the structures.
Buddhist Caves of Khapra Kodiya
The oldest, the Khapara Kodia caves belong to 3rd-4th century AD and are the plainest of all cave groups. These caves are along the edge of the ancient Sudarshan Lake (which no longer exists) and the northern side of Uparkot. The chambers are separated into an east-west longitudinal crest. The rectangle western wing and the ‘L’ shaped wing used by the Monks as a monsoon shelter, are the important parts of the caves.
The Buddhist Caves of Khapra Kodiya are part of the Junagadh Buddhist Cave Group, located in Junagadh, Gujarat, India. These caves are considered to be one of the important Buddhist cave groups in the region.
History
The caves are dated to the 3rd-4th century BCE during the reign of Emperor Ashoka. They are the oldest of the caves in the group and are considered the earliest monastic settlement in the area.
Architecture
The caves are carved out in an east-west longitudinal ridge and are small in area. However, they have a unique architecture of the water tanks design on the western side and an L-shaped residence.
Features
- The caves were used by Buddhist monks during the vassa period, which is the rainy season in India.
- The caves have a unique water collection system, which was used by the monks to collect and store rainwater.
- The caves are considered to be one of the earliest examples of Buddhist architecture in India.
Interesting Facts
- The caves were abandoned after many years of use due to cracks in the rock that allowed water to seep into the living quarters.
- Many accounts suggest that the monks left the caves and moved to Maharashtra, where they went on to carve many similar and more elaborate structures.
Location
The Buddhist Caves of Khapra Kodiya are located along the edge of the ancient Sudarshan Lake and little outside Uparkot fort, to the north.
Taranga Caves
Northeast of the main gate of the fort is a cave where the air is extraordinarily cool. The cave, locally known as Jogida ni Gufa, was found and used by Buddhist monks thousands of years ago. It has Buddhist sculptures carved in stone that resemble the Bodhi Vriksha or Kalpavruksha and other Buddhist motifs. You also come across some beautiful Buddhist sculptures on the mountain on the way to the cave. Taranga Hills, 20 km from Vadnagar, on the Aravali range, harbours profound connections with Buddhism.
Rogan painting is a traditional art form of Gujarat, India, that has been around for over 400 years. It is a method of cloth painting that uses a thick paste of castor oil and natural colors to create intricate designs and patterns on fabric.
Origin and History
Rogan painting originated in the Kutch district of Gujarat, India, and is believed to have been brought to the region by Muslim Khatris from Iran. The art form was initially practiced by the Muslim Khatris community and was mainly used to decorate clothing and other textiles for special occasions such as weddings.
Traditional Techniques
The traditional technique of Rogan painting involves applying a small amount of paint paste to the palm of the hand and then twisting it across the cloth to create intricate designs and patterns. The paint is made from a mixture of castor oil and natural colors, and the artisans use a metal rod to guide the paint onto the fabric.
Designs and Motifs
Rogan painting is known for its intricate designs and motifs, which are often inspired by traditional Persian designs. The most famous design in Rogan painting is the “Tree of Life,” which is a symbol of prosperity and good fortune.
Revival and Contemporary Scene
In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Rogan painting experienced a revival, thanks in part to the efforts of artisans such as Abdulgafur Khatri, who began training women in the art form. Today, Rogan painting is practiced by several families in the Nirona village of Kutch, Gujarat, and is considered a valuable part of the region’s cultural heritage.
Contemporary Products
Artisans in Gujarat have introduced contemporary products to appeal to tourists, including lehengas, wallets, bags, cushion covers, tablecloths, wall hangings, pillow covers, and Rogan art sarees. The tree of life continues to be a major motif, and the art form has become a popular tourist attraction.
Training and Preservation
In an effort to preserve this traditional art form, artisans in Gujarat have begun training women in the art of Rogan painting. This has helped to increase the number of artisans practicing the art and has also helped to ensure its survival for future generations.
Conclusion
Rogan painting is a unique and traditional art form of Gujarat, India, that has been around for over 400 years. Its intricate designs and motifs are a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the artisans who practice this art form. With its revival and contemporary products, Rogan painting is an important part of Gujarat’s cultural heritage and a popular tourist attraction.
Kirti Toran, Vadnagar
The town is famous for its torans, a pair of 12th century columns supporting an arch, about 40 feet tall built in red and yellow sandstone, just north of the walled town. They stand majestically on the bank of Sharmistha Talav, on a road going down from Arjun Bari. They are among the few surviving examples of the entrance gates, once a regular feature of the architecture of Gujarat in the Solanki period. The carving style is similar to the Rudra Mahalaya at Sidhpur.
Perhaps erected after a war victory, the architecture is embellished with carvings of battle and hunting scenes. The one to the east is in better condition and has been used as a symbol of Gujarat in recent times. The torans might have served as an entrance to a large temple complex, but there are no remains found here.
Jhulta Minara Sidi Bashir Mosque
The Jhulta Minara Sidi Bashir Mosque is a historic mosque located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. The mosque was built in 1452 AD by Sidi Bashir, a slave of Sultan Ahmed Shah, or possibly by Malik Sarang, a noble in the court of Mahmud Begada, another Sultan of Gujarat.
The mosque is known for its unique feature, the Jhulta Minara, or Shaking Minarets, which are two minarets that are three storeys tall with carved balconies. The minarets are designed with intricate details and are around 21.34 meters high. The minarets are connected by a central gateway, and when one minaret is shaken, the other minaret vibrates after a few seconds.
History and Significance
The mosque was built during the Sultanate period of Gujarat, and its construction is believed to have been done to avoid collapse during earthquakes. The main mosque was destroyed in 1753 during the war between the Marathas and Jawān Mard Khān, Mughal governor of Gujarat. Only the two minarets and the central gateway remain, making it a unique and fascinating historical monument.
Interesting Facts
- The Jhulta Minara phenomenon was first observed in the 19th century by Monier M. Williams, an English Sanskrit scholar.
- The minarets are able to withstand fast-moving trains passing close by.
- The mosque has a mysterious aura, with many beliefs surrounding its construction and significance.
- The Jhulta Minara is one of the few remaining examples of Sultanate architecture in Ahmedabad.
Location and Accessibility
The Jhulta Minara Sidi Bashir Mosque is located near Sarangpur Darwaja in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. Visitors can access the mosque and its minarets, which are a popular tourist attraction and a must-visit for those interested in history and architecture.
Jama (Jumma) Masjid
Built by Ahmed Shah in 1423, the Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque) on Mahatma Gandhi (MG) Road ranks as one of India’s most beautiful mosques, enhanced by an enormous, peaceful courtyard. The mosque displays some architectural fusion with Hindu and Jain religions, notably in the lotus-like carving of some domes, similar to that of many Jain temples.
The prayer hall’s 260 columns support 15 principal domes at different elevations. There were once two ‘shaking’ minarets, but they lost half their height in the great earthquake of 1819, though their lower portions still flank the prayer hall’s central portico.
Brief History: Jama Masjid, the principal place of prayers for Muslims was built during Ahmed Shah’s reign in the 15th century. It was supposedly the largest mosque in the Indian subcontinent. The mosque was constructed as part of a larger design of the city. It lies south of the processional axis that runs from the Maidan-i Shah with three arches called Teen Darwaza in the old city. Ahmed Shah, his son, and his grandson have mausoleums west of the mosque. A short walk away lies Rani no Hajiro, the tombstones of queens and wives of the dynasty.