The Heritage and Archaeology Sites of Gujarat
Ahmedabad, a UNESCO word heritage city, was founded by Sultan Ahmed Shah in the beginning of the 15th century. Ahmedabad is known for some of its unique Indo-Islamic buildings of the Medieval Period showing a unique synthesis of Hindu, Jain and Islamic artistic elements. The old city is a labyrinth of about 700 neighbourhoods known as pols; a dense cluster of multi-storeyed homes built with the sense of community, security and minimizing harsh sunlight. Each Pol is built with the idea of privacy inside the main gate and interaction with other pols and bazaars on the outside. Some of the best-known Monuments of Ahmedabad are Jami Mosque, Adalaj Stepwell, Sarkhej Roza, Rani Sipri Mosque, Huteesingh Jain Temple and Siddi Syed Mosque.
Champaner-Pavagadh archaeological park is a UNESCO world heritage site the was once a flourishing city. The Pavagadh hill belonged to Khichi Chauhan dynasty who lost their kingdom to Mehmud Begada in 1484. The 114 monuments dating from 8th to 16th century include mosques, temples, tombs, wells, terraces, granaries and walls. Most notable out of them are Jami mosque, the Citadel, Helical Stepped well, Kevda mosque, Nagina mosque, Custom House, Fort walls and Saat Kamaan.
Lothal and Dholavira:
Both Lothal and Dholavira are Indus valley civilization sites. Situated in Kutch, Dholavira, one of the largest Harappan sites, predates Lothal. Excavated since 1989, the site shows the efficient systems developed for conservation, harvesting and storage of water by the Harappans. Stamp seals, red ware pottery with motifs, perforated jars, copper celts and bangles, shell bangles, steatite beads, etc are few of the notable artifacts found in Dholavira. The most prominent artefact is the sign board with 10 symbols of Indus valley script that has not yet been deciphered. Lothal is another Indus valley site most notable for its docks. Before the arrival of Harappans (c.3000 BCE), Lothal had a pre-Harappan culture flourishing in pottery, semi-precious stones and bead work trade. Lothal is known for its effective town planning, flood control, underground and surface drains and water wells. A dockyard complete with sluice gate and warehouse served the purpose of naval trade. Lothal had a flourishing trade of exporting agate, carnelian and jasper beads, steatite micro-cylindrical beads and micaceous red pottery with west Asia. A variety of excavated artefacts like stamps and seals, animal figurines, terra cotta gamesmen, ritual pottery are preserved at the museum.
Close to Dasada are three sites with splendid monuments and architecture. The 11th century Sun temple of Modhera is unique in many aspects. Made in maru gurjara style of architecture, the sun temple consists of three components; the sanctum sanctorum, assembly hall and sacred reservoir. The entire temple is adorned with mythological human figurines, gods, dancers, etc. A UNESCO world heritage site, the stepwell of patan is a 11th century Solanki architecture monument with exquisite architecture and carvings unparalleled to any other wells. Adorned by deities, dancers and celestial beings, this unique monument served the city of patan as a place to fetch water and socialize as well as an inverted temple. The town of Sidhpur is known for the magnificent and beautiful 200 years old havelis or medieval homes of Bohra traders. The houses in Sidhpur have a strong European character with domed roofs, ornate balconies, columns and decorated doors and windows; a reminiscent of the flourishing trade history of the Bohra community with East Africa and Europe. Dasada lies on the periphery of Wild Ass Sanctuary. It is the only place in the world to see herds of Indian Wild ass surviving in the harsh, saline climate of desert.
Gondal State was one of the princely states of Kathiawar. The Naulakha Palace was erected around 1748 AD in the Darbargadh or the citadel, and since then has been extended by successive rulers. The façade is decorated with stone carving embellished with splendid sculpture, carved columns and ornate ja