Champaner - Gujarat's Abandoned Capital

Some of the finest examples of pre-Mughal Islamic architecture in India can be found in Champaner, the 15th century capital of the Gujarat Sultanate

By Live History India

Live History India

Saat Kaman, Champaner by Team LHILive History India

The city of Champaner in Gujarat, an hour’s drive from Vadodara, was once a flourishing capital of the Sultans of Gujarat in the 15th century CE. Today, it is a city in ruins and frozen in time. This is interesting because the Sultans of Gujarat ruled for less than 200 years. They were overrun by the army of Mughal Emperor Humayun in 1535 CE, and yet their city was left untouched - making Champaner, one of the finest examples of pre-Mughal Islamic architecture in this part of India. But Champaner and the area around it hold many other secrets too!

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A view of the iconic Saat Kaman at Champaner

Pavillion, Champaner by Team LHILive History India

The original city at Champaner, on the foot of the Pavagadh hills, was built by Vanraj Chavda in 746 CE. In 1484 CE, Champaner-Pavagadh was captured by Sultan Mahmud Begada, a ruler of the Sultanate of Gujarat. Mahmud Begada (1458 CE – 1511 CE) expanded the sultanate’s boundaries to its greatest extent. His armies conquered the islands that make up today's Mumbai, from local rulers and also sacked the Parsi settlement of Sanjan in modern-day Gujarat.

Details of the stonework showing Hindu influence, Champaner by Team LHILive History India

After capturing Champaner, Sultan Mahmud Begada,  decided to shift his capital city here from Ahmedabad.  The fortification built by the Rajputs in their old capital was ideal for protecting the Sultan’s new capital. Begada added many palaces, mosques and tombs within the fortifications here. The structures at Champaner built by Mahmud Begada, represent a perfect blend of Hindu-Muslim architecture. The existing Hindu and Jain temples added new dimensions to the architecture here and the result was a spectacular coming together.

Jama Masjid, Champaner by Team LHILive History India

A must-see among the buildings at Champaner are the remains of seven mosques, of which the Jama Masjid built in 1523 CE is the most elaborate. The mosque has a perfectly proportioned dome and a richly ornamented exterior with 172 pillars and minarets soaring 30 meters, making it one of the finest Islamic monuments in western India.

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A view of the Jama Masjid at Champaner

Ruins, Champaner by Team LHILive History India

The palace structures that were built are now in ruins. But the engineering prowess of the builders is still evident. For instance, the Champaner complex had an elaborate water management system that was based on concepts like rainwater harvesting, something we still talk about. Manmade lakes, reservoirs, wells, channels and underground cisterns ensured a steady supply of water despite the arid land.  The hauz or water tank at the Jama Masjid is ornate, with eight sides and triangular steps leading down.

Jama Masjid entrance, Champaner by Team LHILive History India

Champaner
remained the capital of Gujarat till 1535, when it was looted and conquered by
Humayun’s army. After this, the city was abandoned, and the people of Champaner
fled, never to return.

Interiors of the Jama Masjid entrance, Champaner by Team LHILive History India

While Champaner formed part of the dominions of different dynasties and empires over the centuries, the structures built by Mahmud Begada remained untouched. Even though the site earned international recognition when it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, few venture to this city that hides so many wonders.

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The Customs House, Champaner

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Much of Champaner lies in ruins and it is  a treasure trove, still  waiting to be discovered!

Credits: Story

Virtual Tour courtesy - Archaeological Survey of India

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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