CHAMPANER (MUHAMMADABAD)

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MEDIVIAL CITY OF CHAMPANER & ITS SCENIC BEAUTY

Champaner is an ancient fort located at the foothills of Pavagadh. Muhammad Begada established the new capital of Gujarat here in 1484 AD and named the town 'Muhammadabad'. It took 23 years to build 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, water structures and some Great Mosques. It also became a major trading center producing fine silk, woven and dyed textile and sword manufacturing.
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

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.
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SHAHER KI MASJID

Above is the 'Shaher Ki Masjid'. 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 and a shrine of Muslim Saint Sadanshah are located. There is a lake called Chhashia Talav.
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JAMI MASJID, (Front View)

The Structures represent a perfect blend of Indo-Islamic Architecture, mainly in the Great Mosque, the Jami Masjid. Many mosques in the later years were build on the same architectural model.
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JAMI MASJID (Main Enterance)

The Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park is an outstanding example of a very short living Capital, making the best use of its setting, topography and natural features.
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JAMI MASJID (The Ablution Area, 'Hauz')

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.
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CENOTAPH AT 'KEVDA MASJID'

I cannot end this page without saying that undoubtedly most of the Credit for the efforts put in to declare the Champaner Site as the 'UNESCO World Herigate Site' goes to the 'Heritage Trust' of Baroda city headed by a Well Known and Respected Architect Mr. Karan Grover.
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