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Champaner - The Destination
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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.
The entire landscape for miles around is scattered
with remains of fort walls, ruined tombs, gardens,
arches, pillars and wells. At Champaner,
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you 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 a carved citadel,
a huge lake Vada Talav and the ruins of Sultan's Palace
are worth visiting.
Jami Masjid is one of the finest examples of Sultanate
architecture of Champaner. 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 Marchi. 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. Other monuments of interest include
Makai Kothar- a granary with the fort, Kalika Temple
and a shrine of Muslim Saint Sadanshah. 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. Another temple worth looking out for is a
Lakulish Temple (10th century) at Chhashia Talav.
It has some beautiful sculptures depicting various
forms of Shiva-Dakshinamurti, Ardhanarishvara and
Kalyanasundaramurti.
Champaner - Facts
at a Glance
| State
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Gujarat |
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Temperature : |
25°C
- 40°C (Summers)
12°C - 27°C (Winters) |
| Altitude
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800 meters
(Champaner) |
| Best Season : |
October – March
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History of Champaner
Champaner was earlier the capital of the Chauhan Rajputs,
who had their fort on 822 meter high Pawagadh peak,
a holy place of pilgrimage. 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.
In order to conquer this fort, which would not be
possible by direct assault, Sultan Muhammad Beghada
built a city, Muhammadabad near the fortified hill
of Pawagadh, awaited the chance for a suitable siege.
The main monument in the citadel of Muhammad Shah’s
citadel in Champaner, beside the high walls and custom
house, is the Jumma Masjid (1513 A.D.), with an intricately
carved entrance, a vast and imposing courtyard surrounded
by sheltered galleries, that speak volumes of the
quality of the artisans who worked at Champaner.
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