Champaner-Pavagarh Archeological Park Gujarat India

Our Planet’s Landmarks Series #6

In October 2018, Gujarat Tourism invited me for the inauguration of Vibrant Navratri (9-nighter festival). Besides attending that spectacular inauguration in Ahmedabad, we also visited a few iconic sites in Gujarat. Notable amongst those were Rani Ki Vav (Patan), Sun Temple (Modhera), Patan Patola Museum (Patan), Sidi Saiyyed Mosque (Ahmedabad), and United Way of Baroda Garba (Vadodara). While we also visited Laxmi Vilas Palace (Vadodara), the less said about it the better. They do not allow any photography on the premises (except for mobile phone photography of the exterior).

In addition to visiting the above places, I also visited Champaner-Pavagarh Archeological Park, which is about an hour away from Vadodara. Though it was not on the itinerary, I could not have given it a miss. I am partial to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, you see. And Champaner-Pavagarh Archeological Park is one. It was inscribed on this prestigious list in 2004!

Join me on this photo tour and check out some of the iconic architectural structures of this archeological park that have survived the ravages of time from as early as the 8^th century CE.

So, let’s now enter Champaner-Pavagarh Archeological Site. Here, the transition between Hindu and Muslim culture is brilliantly documented in its architecture.

Champaner-Pavagarh Archeological Park Gujarat India – Phase I

As you enter the archeological park, the first imposing structure you see is Shehar Ki Masjid. The Muslim ruler and his family used to pray here. It is a 5-domed structure with two minarets adorning its frontage.

Once here, you’ll notice the minarets adorning the frontage of Shehar Ki Masjid are exquisitely carved. In fact, these carvings are almost reminiscent of the stone carving normally seen across the Hindu temples from that era!

In earlier times, Champaner-Pavagarh was on a lucrative medieval trade route. Its rulers have variously used this structure as a guardroom as well as a tax collection point.

The stunningly-beautiful Kevda Masjid has minarets, globe-like domes, and narrow stairs. But, over time, the central dome of its double-storeyed prayer hall has disappeared.

While the central dome of the 2-storeyed prayer hall of Kevda Masjid may have disappeared, its ruins are enough to reveal its magnificence during its glory days!

Here’s a view of the prayer hall of Kevda Masjid. You’d notice even its fluted pillars add an inexplicable charm to this period structure.

Just like Kevda Masjid, even Nagina Masjid had two minarets in front, but both have got demolished over time. An elegant domed mausoleum is situated at the front of Nagina Mosque.  This cenotaph has openings on all four directions and its frontage, columns and niches are decorated with carved floral and geometrical designs. The dome of the cenotaph has also disappeared over the centuries.

Champaner-Pavagarh Archeological Park Gujarat India – Phase II

Let’s now enter the most striking structure of Champaner-Pavagarh Archeological Park – Jami Masjid or Jama Masjid. As the name suggests, it is the largest mosque of this location. In the image above, you see the grand entrance of the mosque.

As you climb the steps of the grand entrance of Jami Masjid in Champaner-Pavagarh Archeological Park, the archway perfectly frames the imposing structure of this grand mosque.

Past the grand entrance of Jami Masjid in Champaner-Pavagarh Archeological Park, you’ll notice a covered corridor along the perimeter of the inner quadrangle of the mosque. While most of this corridor is in ruins now, that’s not enough to hide its erstwhile magnificence.

As you walk through the covered corridor along the perimeter of the inner quadrangle of the mosque, you get striking glimpses of this imposing structure. 

Once you enter the prayer hall of Jami Masjid and look up, the dome and the pillars supporting it reveal the workmanship of the craftsmen who created it centuries ago.

As you climb the hill to make your way to Pavagarh, midway you’ll find 7 Kaman (7 Arches). Only 5 of them survive today. This location accords you a bird’s eye view of the UNESCO-inscribed Champaner-Pavagarh Archeological Park.

While this may be all for now, I am sure this photo tour would have helped you appreciate the importance of this heritage gem in the centuries-old history of the region. Do share/like if you enjoyed this tour. Thanks! 

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