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Junagadh
Excursions > Around
Junagadh
[ Uparkot | Buddhist Caves |
Adi-Kadi Vav | Navghan Kuvo |
Jami Mosque | Buildings of the Nawabi
Period | Ashokan Rock Edicts | The
Temple of Girnar ]
 Uparkot
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 to 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 archeological sites. The major sites are Buddhist caves,
Baba Pyara caves (2nd century), Adi-Kadi Vav, Navghan Kuvo and Jami
Masjid.
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 Buddhist
Caves
The Buddhist caves are fine examples of rock cut architecture with
ornamented pillars, carved entrances, water cisterns, chaitya hall,
monastic cells for medication and chaitya windows. The Khapara-Kodia
caves located in the town are also worth visiting.
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Adi-Kadi Vav
Adi-Kadi Vav and Navghan Kuvo were built by the Chudasama Rajputs.
They are unique water structures among the numerous step wells of
Gujarat. These both served as sources of drinking water during the
sieges lasting for years and were essential parts of the basic need
of the hill fort. The Adi-Kadi Vav (15th century) has a long flight
of 120 steps leading to water.
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Navghan Kuvo
The Navghan Kuvo (1026 AD) is hewn from soft rock and is 52 meter
deep, reached by a circular staircase winding around the shaft.
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 Jami
Mosque
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 artifact from past is 'Nilam' canon;
brought to Diu from Egypt to fight against the Portuguese and it
was manufactured by the order of Suleyman, the magnificent, King
of Turkey.
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 Buildings
of the Nawabi Period
The Babi ruler of Junagadh, Nawab Mahobat Khan II (1852-82 AD) undertook
the beautification of Junagadh and patronized the constructions
of several buildings 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 highly
decorative and remind one of the last phases of architecture of
Lucknow.
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 Ashokan
Rock Edicts
The 14 rock edicts (257-56 BC) of the great emperor Ashoka, inscribed
on a huge stone in Pali script and inscriptions by King Rudradaman
(150 AD) and Skandgupta (456 AD) are the proof of importance of
Junagadh from ancient times. Some inscriptions are in Sanskrit.
Other places to be visited are the Sakkarbag zoo, Wellingdon Dam,
Damodar Kund, Bhavnath Temple, city Rajmahal and Darbar Hall Museum.
The city was home to one of the great poets of India, Narsinh Mehta
(15th century). He was an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna. He was
a scholar, philosopher and a social reformer. The 'Narsinh Mehta
No Choro' near Majewado Gate was a platform for his religious discourses
and Bhajans.
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 The
Temple of Girnar
Girnar is one of the two hills most sacred to the Jain community
of India. Girnar is an under 4000 feet high hill. It rises to a
height of more than 600 meters, its five peaks crowned by 16 carved
and sculptured marble shrines that adorn this famous hilltop temple
city. The beautiful Jain temples of Neminath and Mallinath are a
strong attraction. There is Hindu temple as well. It is an abode
of Hindu ascetics. Naga Sadhus and Pilgrims from all over India,
attend the Mahashivratri fair dedicated to Hindu Lord Shiva.
Buses to Girnar Hill leave from outside the post office every hour
from 6 am (Rs2).
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Information on Tours & Travel excursion of Junagadh city of
Gujarat - India
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