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 The
famous Muslim king of Gujarat,
Muhammad Begada captured the
fort in late 15th century after
a long siege against the Khichi
Chauhan Rajputs. Champaner is an
ancient fort located at the
foothills of Pavagadh. The town
derives its name from the Champa
tree or from Champaraj founder
of the town, a contemporary of
King Vanraj Chavda of Anhilwada.
Muhammad Begada decided to
establish the new capital of
Gujarat at this place in 1484 AD
and changed the name of the town
to Muhammadabad. It took 23
years to built 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 and water structures,
including mosques. It also
became a major trading center
producing fine silk, woven and
dyed textile and sword
manufacturing.
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.
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 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.
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, Kalika
Temple and a shrine of Muslim
Saint Sadanshah are located.
Kalika Mata Temple (10th-11th
century) is situated on the
highest peak of Pavagadh hill
and is one of the most sacred
center of Hindu pilgrimage for
devotees of Goddess Kali. Every
year about million people visit
the temple is a Lakulish Temple
(10th century) at Chhashia Talav.
It has some beautiful sculptures
depicting various forms of
Shiva-Dakshinamurti,
Ardhanarishvara and
Kalyanasundaramurti.
Excursions in Champaner: Chhota
Udepur (Royal Palaces) 80 km,
Jambu Ghoda (wild life
sanctuary) 25 km,Vadodara (Laxmi
Vilas Palace, museum,Sayajibag,
public buildings) 46 km, Dabhoi
(ancient fort, gateways) 75 km,
Balasinor (Dinosaur fossils) 85
km
How to
reach
Air: nearest airport is
Vadodara (46 km)
Rail: Champaner Road is a
railway station on
Vadodara-Godhara railway line
Road: Vadodara (46 km),
Ahmedabad (159 km)
Local transport:
Non-Metered Autorickshaws and
Jeeps
Accommodation
Local guest houses and
local Dharamshalas
Food
Local eating joints and food
stalls.
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