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Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park

Travel Guide Asia India Gujarat Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park

Introduction

Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Gujarat, India. It consists of a concentration of largely unexcavated archaeological, historic and living cultural heritage properties. The site is the only complete and unchanged Islamic pre-Mughal city.

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History

Champaner traces its history to the Rajputs of the Chavda dynasty, the rulers of which founded it in the 8th century. In the 15th century, it was ruled by the Chauhans when Muhammad Begda attacked and captured it from the Rana in 1484 AD and renamed it Muhammadabad. This battle was marked by Jauhar and Saka of the Rajputs where the women folk jumped into a holy pyre to escape dishonor at the hands of the Muslim invaders while the men marched for the last battle. The town went through a period of extensive construction and growth and became the capital of Gujarat. The fate of Champaner reversed after an attack by the Mughal emperor Humayun in 1535 AD. The capital was moved to Ahmedabad and Champaner went into a long period of gradual decline. When it was rediscovered by the British, it was a ruined city with most of the population gone and only rundown buildings giving an indication into its glorious past.

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Sights and Activities

Visit the Kalikamata Temple at the top of Pavagadh Hill. Considered an important shrine, it's a popular site for pilgrims throughout the year.
Look at the various monuments in Champaner.

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