UNESCO World Heritage Site: Hindu and Islamic Remains Co-Exists at The Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park in Gujarat

Sometimes, undiscovered and unearthed treasures are a blessing to humankind. When they remain undiscovered, they hold a special place in the grounds, yet to be uncovered. But when these jewels surface, they unearth and await a million stories to be told. One such story lies in the historical town of Champaner in Gujarat. Located in the Panchmahal District of Gujarat, Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park stores an impressive collection of archaeological, historical and cultural finds from the prehistoric to medieval periods.  Let’s uncover the mystery!

Gujarat, as you know, is a state known for its rich diversity of cultural and heritage properties, attractions and sites. Ahmedabad, a city in the state, was declared the first UNESCO World Heritage City in India, which is a testament to this statement. However, way before that, an archaeological park in the Panchmahal District was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

History 

The Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park in the Champaner town, supposedly named after King Vanraj Chavda's (the founder of Champaner) friend and general, Champa (also known as Champaraj), has a collection of mostly unexplored archaeological, historic, and current cultural heritage sites nestled inside a striking terrain. Containing remnants of Gujarat's 16th-century capital, prehistoric (chalcolithic) ruins, and a hill stronghold of an early Hindu metropolis, it has an expanse of fortifications, palaces, religious buildings, residential neighbourhoods, agricultural constructions, and water facilities from the eighth to the fourteenth century. 

From Rajputs to Mughals - A Place Ruled by Various Dynasties

Interestingly, the region went under a divergent transformation, under rulers from different dynasties. Vanraj Chavda, a prominent king of the Chavda Dynasty, established Champaner in the 8th century, and Pavagadh rapidly became a trading hub. The Khichi Chauhan Rajputs took control of the region in the 13th century, establishing their first settlement on Pavagadh Hill and building fortification walls around the plateau below, along with temples and the development of water-retention systems, for which the town is famous. Later in 1484, the territory went under the Gujarat Sultanate, where Muhmud Begada made Pavagadh the state’s capital. Jama Masjid, the fort of Champaner, the Uohra mosque and other Islamic architectural sites were built by Mahmud Begada during his reign. The Mughal Empire eventually conquered the region, and Champaner was abandoned in the mid-16th century. After many years, in 1727, it was briefly captured by Krishnaji Kadam, son of Kantaji Kadam Bande and ultimately went into the hands of British rule in 1853. 

Hindu Temples to Muslim Mosques - An Amalgamation of Different Religions

Due to the varied influence, the site has a mix of remains from every dynasty, including Chalcolithic sites, a hill fortress, and the remains of the 16th-century capital of Gujarat. From historical palaces, mosques, tombs, temples, residential areas, agricultural structures, and water installations like stepwells and tanks, spanning from the 8th to 14th centuries, the site has almost everything you would require for a civilisation to exist. The Kalika Mata Temple, a prominent Hindu shrine, and the Jama Masjid, a well-preserved mosque, are prime examples of the Hindu-Islamic linkage here. 

Opening Hours – 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, all days of the week

Entry Fee: Free for children below 15 years

India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Maldives and Afghanistan and BIMSTEC Countries (Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Myanmar) –  Rs. 40 per head

Other Foreign Visitor: Rs. 600 per head

Tickets with Other Facilities: Rs. 850 for all