Pavagadh Hill - 2

Going back to pre historic times, the Champaner-Pavagadh ruin site is believed to have shown signs of Stone Age man. Thereafter, early communities were recorded to have lived in the area during 6th century AD. During the 7th century the site belonged to the Maitrak dynasty which ruled from the Valabhi regions of Gujarat. After the decline of the Maitrak rule in the 9th century, the region came under the influence of the Gurajar Pratihar and the Parmara rulers. In the 13th century the Kichi Chauhans, who were the direct descendants of the famous warrior King Prithviraj Chauhan of Rajastan. lay siege to the area.

It was in the 15th Century that Islamic influences were sighted in and around the area. The Muslim period began with Muhammad Begada defeating the Patai Raval clan that was ruling the area, and strategically moving his capital from Ahmedabad to the Champaner site. This step was taken in 1484 AD to thwart the threat of the Sultans of Mandu. It was Muhammad Begda who built the town and the famous fort of Champaner, the Vohra mosque, the Mandavi, the Kirtistambh, also the temple of Shalkh. Later he also added the Jama or Jami Masjid, the Nagina Mosque and the Kevda Mosque. The ruins of the Begda palace can be found near the Vad Talav or the Banyan Pond located two kilometers away from Champaner. The site was finally taken over by the mighty Mughal Emperor Humayun when he plundered the fledgling Champaner town in AD 1535. Ignored under the Mughal reign as a secondary town, Champaner lost its appeal as a place of power and as a capital city by 16th century AD.

Champaner is also home to the great 16th century Indian music maestro, Baiju Bawra. He was considered as a contemporary rival to Tansen, a distinguished musician and one of the nine jewels in Emperor Akbar’s court.