Champaner
is an ancient fort located at the foothills of Pavagadh.
The town derives its name from the Champa tree or from Champaraj founder
of the town, a contemporary of King Vanraj Chavda of Anhilwada. The famous
Muslim king of Gujarat, Muhammad Begada captured the fort in late 15th
century after a long siege against the Khichi Chauhan Rajputs.
Muhammad
Begada decided to establish the new capital of Gujarat at this place in
1484 AD and changed the name of the town to Muhammadabad. It took 23 years
to built the town and had a meteoric rise and attained glory as a great
town of western India. Many edifices were constructed during these years :
bazaars,town squares, Royal Gardens and water structures, including
mosques. It also became a major trading center producing fine silk, woven
and dyed textile and sword manufacturing.
Its decline started
after attacks by the Mughal Emperor Humayun in 1535 AD. After the death of
Sultan Bahadurshah (1536 AD), the Royal Capital was again moved back to
Ahmedabad. Later, the fort came under control of Mughals, Marathas and
British; but Champaner could never regain its glory. In 1803 AD, when the
British took the town, it was overgrown with jungles and had only 500
inhabitants.
The entire landscape for miles around is scattered with remains of fort
walls, ruined tombs, gardens, arches, pillars and wells. Champaner reminds
the visitor of other such great deserted towns of India Mandu, Hampi,
Orchha and Fatehpur Sikri.
At Champaner, one can see three
fortifications the base (Champaner), the top (Pavagadh) and the area
connecting both of them (Marchi).
The lower fortification is the
Citadel Royal enclosure- of Muhammad Begada, a perfect rectangle enclosed
by massive walls with huge bastions and entrance gates with carved Citadel
a huge lake Vada Talav and the ruins of Sultan's Palace are worth
visiting. Other interesting Places are : Air Manzil an excavated site
showing a residential area, gardens, houses, water channels, custom house
and three Gates Halol gate, Delhi gate and Godhra gate. The major mosques
in this area are Shehar ki Masjid, Jami Masjid, Kewada Masjid and Nagina
Masjid.
Jami Masjid is one of the finest examples of Sultanate architecture of
Gujarat. It is an imposing structure on a high plinth with two tall
minarets of 30 meter height, 172 pillars and seven mihrabs. The central
dome, the placement of balconies and carved entrance gates with fine stone
jalis and rich decoration make the visit a delightful aesthetic
experience.
The ruins of Khapra Zaveri Palace are located on the
way from the base to Machi. From its terrace, one can have a fabulous view
of the origin of Vishwamitri river. Atak gate is one of the nine gates
that leads to the hill top. It has two catapult stands for hurling stones
at the enemies. Other group of monuments from Machi to hilltop are : Makai
Kothar- a granary with the fort, Kalika Temple and a shrine of Muslim
Saint Sadanshah are located. Kalika Mata Temple (10th-11th century) is
situated on the highest peak of Pavagadh hill and is one of the most
sacred center of Hindu pilgrimage for devotees of Goddess Kali. Every year
about million people visit the temple is a Lakulish Temple (10th century)
at Chhashia Talav. It has some beautiful sculptures depicting various
forms of Shiva-Dakshinamurti, Ardhanarishvara and Kalyanasundaramurti.
Excursions: Chhota Udepur (Royal Palaces) 80 km, Jambu
Ghoda (wild life sanctuary) 25 km,Vadodara (Laxmi Vilas Palace,
museum,Sayajibag, public buildings) 46 km, Dabhoi (ancient fort, gateways)
75 km, Balasinor (Dinosaur fossils) 85 km
How to reach:
Air: nearest airport is Vadodara (46 km)
Rail:
Champaner Road is a railway station on Vadodara-Godhara railway line
Road:
Vadodara (46 km), Ahmedabad (159 km)
Local transport:
Non-Metered Autorickshaws and Jeeps Accommodation : Local guest houses and
local Dharamshalas
Food: Local eating joints and food stalls
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