The history of junagadh is chequered by the
rules of the Mauryans, Kshatrapas, Guptas, Vilabhis, Chudasamas, Gujarat Sultans
and Babi Nawabs. Junagadh, at different times in history, was under the influence
of four major religions. Hindu, Bhuddhist, Jain and Muslim. Both political powers
and religious influences enriched the culture and created edifices leaving their
mark on the architecture of Junagadh.
Junagadh was the capital of the Junagadh State under the Muslim rulers of Babi
Nawabs. In Gujarati, `Junagadh' literally means an ancient fort. The junagadh
town is located at the foothills the sacred hill of Girnar and occupies a special
place in the history of Gujarat.
There are two fortifications: the fort walls surrounding the town and Uparkot
in the west. Uparkot, an ancient citadel located on the higher level of the
town, was a stronghold of Mauryans and Gupta Empire and is said tp have survived
16 sieges in the last 1000 years due to its strategic location and difficult
access. The entrance of Uparkot has a fine specimen of Hindu Toran, leading
to flat land dotted with archological sites. The major sites are Buddhist caves,
Baba Pyara caves (2nd century), Adi-Kadi Vav, Navghan Kuvo and Jami Masjid.
The Buddhist caves are fine examples of rock cut architecture with ornamented
pillars, carved entrances, water cisterns, chaitya hall, monastic cells for
meditation and chaitya windows. The Khapara-Kodia caves located in the town
are also worth visiting.
Adi-kadi Vav and Navghan Kuvo were built by the Chudasama Rajputs and are unique
water structures among the numerous step wells of Gujarat. Both these served
as sourcesf during teh sieges lasting for years and were essential parts oft
he basic need of the hill fort. The Adi-Kadi Vav(15th century) has a long flight
of 120 steps leading to water, while the Navghan Kuvo (1260AD) is hewn from
soft rock and is 52 meter deep, reached by a circular staircase winding around
the shaft.
Jami Mosque was originally a palace of Ranakdevi, converted into a mosque by
Muhammad begada to commemorate his victory over Junagadh in 1470 AD. Another
interesting artefact from past is `Nilam' canon, brought to Diu from Egypt to
fight against the Prortuguese and it was manufactured by the order of Suleyman,
the Magnificent, King of Turkey.
The Babi rulers of Junagadh, Nawab Mahobat Khat II (1851-82 AD)undertook the
beatification of Junagadh and patronized the construction of several building
and urban design projects like Aina Mahal, Circle Chowk with clock tower and
Dewan Chowk. Other important buildings of the Nawabi period are Bahauddin College,
Manoranjan Guest House, Mahobat Madresa (Narsi Vidya Mandir). The most interesting
structures are the maqbaras (musoleums) of the Royal Family. The group of maqbaras
represent the creative and eclectic phase of Nawabi architecture of Junagadh
(1878-1911 AD). All the architectural elements are phase of Nawabi architecture
of Junagadh (1878-1911 AD). All the architectural elements are highly decorative
and remind one, of the last phase of architecture of Lucknow.
The 14 rock edicts (257-56 BC) of the great Emperor Ashoka, inscribed on a huge
stone in Pali script, inscrption by King Rudradaman (150 AD) and Skandagupta
(456 AD) are the proof of importance of Junagadh from ancient times. The city
was home to one of the great poets of India, Narsinh Mehta (15th century). He
was an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna, a scholar, philosopher and a social reformer.
The `Narsinha Mehta no Choro' near Najewadi Gate was a platform for his religious
discouses and Bhajans. Other places to be visited are the Sakkarbag Zoo, Welingodn
Dam, Damodar Kund, Bhavnath Temple, city Rajmahal and Darbar Hall Museum. Girnar
is a sacred hill with five peaks visited by millions of Hindus and Jains. The
Mahashivratri fair held here is attended by naga sadhus and pilgrims from all
over India.
Excursions in Junagadh
Gir National Park (the only home of Asiatic Lions)60 km, Prabhas patan-Somnath
(one of eh twelve most sacred Shiva Shrines)79km, Chorwad (a delightful resort
on the beach) 72 km.
Junagadh Travel Information
By Air:
Nearest Airport is Keshod (40km), Porbandar(113 km)
By Train:
Railway Station of Ahmedabad-Junagadh and Rajkot-Junagadh line
By Road:
Rajkot(102km),Porbandar(113 km), Ahmedabad (327 km)
Local transport:
Non-Metered Autorickshaws and Local buses.
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