Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park Gujarat

Tag : Cultural UNESCO World Heritage Site

Built In : Early 16th Century

Year of Inscription : 2004

Reasons for Inscription : Criteria number (3), (4), (5) and (6). Champaner-Pavagarh Archaeological Park comprises an ancient monuments and temples from the prehistoric era. It is an ideal mix of Hindu-Muslim architecture. Moreover, it is the pilgrim center for the Hindus.

The Pavagarh hill at an elevation of about 800 meters above sea level is one of the ancient rock formations in the country. Extending over an area of 3300 acres apart from a buffer area of 700 acres, Champaner-Pavagarh Archaeological Park is one of the epitomes of rich Indian culture.

Category : Archaeological site, South (East) Asian.

An insight into Champaner-Pavagarh Archaeological Park

Situated in Gujarat, the Champaner-Pavagarh Archaeological Park includes an ancient citadel, a palace, plenty of military structures and buildings, and water installations. These sites together formed the capital region of the empire of Mahmud Begda. The restoration of the capital region was started in 1484 AD, on the foothills of Pavagarh. The restoration took 23 years to complete. Later, Mahmud Begda moved his capital from Ahmadabad to Pavagarh. He was the grandson of the founder of Ahmadabad city- the Great Ahmed Shah.

In Champaner-Pavagarh Archaeological Park, there are lots of Jain and Hindu temples, mosques and other historical edifices. The 'antarala' and 'gudhamandapa' of the temple dating back to the 10th century are the oldest leftovers of this archeological park.

Many other Jain and Hindu temples of 13th – 15th century are found in Champaner-Pavagarh Archaeological Park. These temples are constructed in Nagara style of architecture.

Some of the ancient monuments of this archeological park comprise a chain of fortifications, which are spread from the grasslands to the hilltop of Pavagarh. These citadels have lovely bastions with verandahs in the middle. The Jama Masjid located inside the park area is a fine example of of Hindu-Muslim architecture. In Champaner-Pavagarh Archaeological Park, there are four other Mosques, which are still in decent state.

How to Get There

Aeroplane

BY AIR

The nearest airport is in Vadodara (42 kms).

Train

BY RAIL

Vadodara railway Station (48 kms) is the nearest railhead.

Car

BY ROAD

Vadodara is well connected with major Indian cities through NH-8. From Vadodara, one can take buses for Champaner and Pavagadh Archaeological Park.

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