Buddhist Caves in Junagadh, close to the mosque inside the Uppekot Fort is fine example of Buddhist rock cut architecture of 2nd century A.D. These caves are on the eastward slope leading to the Adi-chadi Vav.
These caves are scooped out in three tiers from surface downwards, with all members of each gallery shown in semi-relief. There are three rock-hewn chambers, each open to the skies. The caves feature many monastic meditation cells.
Only two of the stories have regular floors. The main hall of the lowest storey is partly open to the skies and contains exquisitely carved pillars, whose base, shaft and the capital contains unique decorative designs.
The pillars, having spiral ridges on their shaft, octagonal plinth bases and floral ornamented capitals with animal figures etc, represent the main Satvahana art traditions on one hand, and in the exotic, Grecco-synthian trends on the other hand.
There are still some traces of beautiful carvings in the cave that is built across several floors.
Jama Masjid in Junagadh, the mosque inside the Uppekot Fort is today in ruins but still worth a visit. This mosque can be seen once one enters the fort very close to the medival cannons inside the fort.
Muhammad Begada, who conquered this fort in 1470 AD, celebrated his victory by converting the palace of Ranakdevi into a mosque.
There are more than 140 pillars in the mosque. It has a courtyard with three octagonal openings which may once have been covered by domes.
The Upper Citadel known as Uparkot in Junagadh at the centre of the city is the oldest part of the city. This impressive fort was originally built during the Mauryan dynasty by Chandragupta in 319 BC.
This fort has been attacked for more than 16 times and such siege lasted for around 12 years.
The walls of this fort in some places is as high as 20 meters. Inside the fort walls there was a 300 ft. deep that was once inhabited by crocodiles.
Just inside the entrance are temples to Ganesh, Hanuman and Shakti. Some of other interesting structures inside the fort are:
The fort is a must visit for those people who are interested in historical sites.
When Junagadh was under the control Nawab Mahbat Khan in the 19th Century he had a wazir by name Bahaduddinbhai Hasainbhai in his court. This beautiful mausoleum was built for this wazir and it shares the space with the Nawab in the same compound.
It is adjacent to another beautiful mausoleum Mahbat Maqbara. This exhibits fine piece of 19th century architecture that is a fusion of Indo-Islamic-Gothic styles that has beautiful marble jalis.
This magnificent maqbara in all 4 directions has stunning corkscrew minarets.
Sadly today it is in a state of neglect. If this is not addressed immediately it will be only in pictures we will see them.
Nawab Mahbat Khan controlled the city of Junagadh from 1851 to 1852. In the year 1892 over his grave a tomb is built architecture of which is exquisite. The tomb is known by the Mahbat Maqbara.
The architecture is a mix of Hindu, Islamic and European. Its striking appearance makes it one of the city's most important historical landmarks.
Notable European features are the floor-to-lintel French windows and Gothic columns alongside the doors and windows.
Sadly, today this historic monument is in a neglected state and surely deserves better attention for one of the unique architecture it showcases.
Junagadh is located at the foot of Jain piligrimage center Girnar Hills. The name when translated to local dialect menas "Old Fort". Another ancient name of the city is "Yonagadh" meaning of "City of the Yona" as this place in the ancient times was inhabited by Greeks under the Indo-Greek Kingdom.
This ancient city was in the control of several dynasties such as Maurya, Solanki, Chudasama. The places of interest we visited here are:
We visited this place during our journey from Rajkot to Somnath. We had a car breakdown and lost around 6 hours. The car was finally ready at 9 p.m and we proceeded to Somnath.
The places of interest nearby are:
