About the place

About the place

Champaner

The deserted city of Champaner is 52 km north east of Vadodara and is a world heritage site. Originally a kingdom of Rajput Chauhan dynasty, Champaner was conquered by Muslim ruler Mahmud Begada in 1484. He added magnificent palaces, mosques and tombs within the massive walls guarded by huge gateways. The city saw gradual decline after 1535.

There are some remains of mosques and forts standing in the city. The Jami Masjid and Nagina Masjid are two huge mosques dating back to the 16th century. The ruins of the Pavagadh fort can be seen just four kilometers off Champaner. Inside the fort you can see a cluster of Hindu, Muslim and Jain shrines.

On the way to the fort you can also come across a seven storey palace of the Chauhan kings. The kings were slain here when they refused to embrace Islam.s