The Gujarat sultanate, brought in another
provincial style to Gujarat- the Indo-Saracenic
style, which drew heavily from both Islamic
and Hindu art and architecture. Good examples
of this architecture blend can be seen in Ahmedabad,
Dholka, Cambay and Surat. But one of the greatest
complexes of Indo-Saracenic architecture, rivaling
Fatehpur Sikri near Agra and Bidar in south
India, as one of the greatest Islamic complexes
in India. Champaner was earlier the capital
of the Chauhan Rajputs, who had their fort on
822 meter high Pawagadh peak, a holy place of
pilgrimage.
Sun
temple in night
Champaner
fort
On the hill can be seen the old fort with it’s superb
rocky defenses, the Makai kota where the rulers kept their
grain, the ruins of Patai Rawal palace, Naulakha kotha
mansion, the 11th century Laukalish temple, wells and
numerous religious monuments. Knowing that conquering
the fort by direct assault was impossible, Sultan Muhammad
Beghada built a city, Muhammadabad near the fortified
hill of Pawagadh, and waited his chance for a suitable
seige. The main monument in the citadel of Muhammad Shah’s
citadel in Champaner, beside the high walls a nd custom
house, is the 1513 AD Jumma masjid, with an exquisite
carved entrance, a vast and imposing courtyard surrounded
by cloistered galleries, and intricate attention to details
reflecting the quality of the artisans who worked at Champaner.
The front elevation shows 5 pointed arches and slim minarets
flanking the central arch, perfectly proportioned. The
Shahr masjid with 4 rows of ornate pillars, domes and
delicate carved mihrabs, Nagina masjid with a fine arcade
and Kevda masjid should not be missed.
GETTING THERE
160 kms from Ahmedabad
PLACES TO STAY
LUXURY
DELUXE
MODERATE
Hotel Champaner(Gujarat
tourism)
BUDGET/GUEST HOUSE
Dharamshalas at Machi, Pawagadh
PLACES TO EAT
Hotel Champaner,
numerous bhojnalayas at Machi, Pawagadh
