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Excursion
Forts
[ Fort of Diu | Pavagad Fort
| Dabhoi Fort | The Fort (Idar)
| Zinzuwada Fort ]
 Fort
of Diu
It was built over six years from 1535 A.D., following a defence
alliance between Bahadur Shah, Sultan of Gujarat, and the Portuguese,
when Humayun, the Mughal Emperor, attacked the former. The deep
canals flanking the fort, the giant watch tower (now converted into
a lighthouse), the gaol, the cannons, the vestiges of foregone battles
(like mounds of iron shells from enemy cannons), the stone galleries,
gigantic windows and the granite expanse takes one back to another
valourous era. The mist that shrouds the fort throughout the year
completes the picture of historic adventure, romance and intrigue.
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 Pavagad
Fort
The lower fortification is the citadel - royal enclosure - of Muhammad
Begada. A perfect rectangle enclosed by massive walls with huge
bastions and entrance gate with carved balconies projecting from
top. On the northwest of the citadel - a huge lake - Vada Talav
and the ruins of Sultan's Palace are worth visiting.
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Dabhoi Fort
The fort of Dabhoi is one of the rare surviving examples of Hindu
military architecture, based on the shastric traditions described
in various Vastu scriptures. There are four gates in the town, one
in each cardinal direction, having indirect entry, located in the
middle of each side of the fort wall. It was altered during the
time of Visaldev and the Muslim rule. Hira Bhagol, the most exquisitely
carved gate named after the architect, Hiradhar, is in the east,
Vadodara Gate in the west, Champaner Gate in the north and Nandol
Gate in the south. Dabhoi has many Jain and Hindu temples, devoted
to different gods and goddesses.
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The Fort (Idar)
A flight of about 700 steps leads to the fortress plateau. The famous
Dolat Niwas Castle, at the fort, was built by Maharaja Dolatsinhji
(1922-1928 AD) and offers a commanding view of the picturesque Idar
town. The palace is now an abandoned structure, but one can imagine
its past grandeur. It is a seven-storeyed structure with a maze
of staircases, terraces, balconies and courtyards. The cool breeze
and commanding view make it the perfect resting-place after a long
journey to the top.
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Zinzuwada Fort
The fortification of Zinzuwada dates back to the 11th century AD.
Zinzuwada was a frontier fort of the Solanki rulers and the inscriptions
on the fort walls by Uda Mantri, a minister of Siddhraj Jaisinh,
is proof of its antiquity. The fort is built with huge stone slabs
and fortification is broad enough for two equestrians to pass at
a time. Zinzuwada is one of the finest examples of Hindu fortifications
in India, without Islamic influence. In Gujarat, another similar
fort is situated at Dabhoi.
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General Information on Forts in Gujarat - India
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