Junagadh - Postcard

Junahadh could be a Model City to develop as Tourism spot, but State and Central Government failed to encase it. Still not too late, but I don’t think so it will happen. Junagadh is hub of strong Political history, Social diversity, Historical landmarks, Spiritual heritage and so many interesting things. Nothing has been preserved. Politics played a major role for this nuisance. Unawareness of people regarding rich heritage is also a major factor.

Junagadh is lyrically woven cultural city, Diversity is basic identity of it. Naga bawas(Nude Sadhu), Maqbaras, Lions, Historical Gates(Darwaja). A land where Buddh’s monks stayed long times and made spiritual caves. Mount Girnar itself a treasure of wonder. Girnar has Hindu, Muslim, Jain and lots of community’s temples. People celebrates it Girnar is centre of communities and harmony. Girnar is also father of lots of Ayurvedic plants.

Junagadh was home of Parveen Babi and Benazir's grand father Shah Nawaz Bhutto was Deewan of Junagadh.

Mahabat Khan – 2^nd’s  maqbara

It’s very epic monument of not only Junagadh, but Gujrat. Whenever I visited Junagadh never missed to see it. I just seat in front of it and minimum 40-45 minutes just see it.  My satisfaction never completely full filled. That’s it grandeur.

Islamic, Hindu and European influences are highlights of this maqbara. Column of structure is Gothic and Windows are French. It is classical example of multi culture magic. It’s a maqbara but it’s overview is European! 

Inside image of Mahabat Khan – 2^nd’s  maqbara

Now see Mahabat Khan – 2^nd’s  maqbara's more then 100 year old image. It’s clicked in 1900 (Off course Not clicked by Tejas Vaidya! )

Bahauddin Maqbara

Junagadh State wazir Bahauddin Maqbara is very near to Mahabat khan maqbara. It has also Islamic, Hindu and European influences. Generally Minar – pillar has inside steps, but It has outside steps. Spiral steps outside minar is very new thing in Islamic architect. All the four minars gives a classical look to maqbara monument.

UNFORTUNATELY this both Royal wonders are unprotected and pathetic condition. It became adda of Gamblers and drunkards.

Now see Bahauddin maqbara's more then 100 year old image. It’s clicked in 1900 (again not clicked by Tejas Vaidya! )

Narsinh Vidya Mandir – Municipal school

Long selling, French windows and space. When you enter in this structure, you can feel that you are I Goa’s ancient churh. Governor of Bombay James Fergusson foundation this hall’s stone in 23^rd November 1884. Lord Reay Governor of Bombay opened it on 14^th December 1886. Now it is Narsinh Vidya Mandir – Secondory – Higher secondary Municipal school since 1960. This hall was used as Prayer hall so many years. Now it’s zarjarit and Closed.

Adikadi vav

To make stepwell on a land is a task. To cut a virgin rock and make it stepwell is magic. This magic is a highlight of Junagadh. This vav is 162 steps, 81 meter long and 4.75 meter wide. Adikadi vav has no distinctive architecture, icons or inscriptions inside, but it’s one d oldest vav.

Generally people avoid going inside stepwell. Stepwell is thing of not just seeing, it’s thing of feeling. I personally believed without step in to the well, you can’t feel it’s magic. When you go down stairs you can listen sound of your breath. As you go deep that sound became more crystal clear. It’s really indescribable experience to humming or singing a song. So go any vav and sing a song.

Adikadi vav has many interesting stories regarding it’s foundation.

Pigeon hall

Some spot became more beautiful and meaningful by this kind of things. When you go down stairs for Navghan kuvo(well), this pigeon hall and hamming of pigeons welcomes you. This is beauty of detailing. May be years ago this hall’s pigeon could be the messengers of Junagadh Nawab. 

Ashok's Rock Edict

Ashok's one of the major rock edicts in Junagadh, and It is in this pathetic condition since last 12 months.  Major blow to history and heritage of Gujarat, the roof covering the Ashoka Shilalekh(Rock edict) of emperor Ashok in Junagadh came crashing down during monsoon in July 2014. This collapse is criminal negligence and lack of proper maintenance. Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) its shame on you. It could have taken steps to stop leakage before monsoons. It would have cost just Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 and you didn’t care of it. After 12 months passed and you do nothing. It’s magic of ‘Incredible India’ and ‘Khushboo Gujrat ki!’

Structure around the rock edicts was built in 1900 by Nawab Rasool Khan. It was repaired and restored twice after suffering damages in 1939 and 1941 by the then rulers of Junagadh.

Replica of this shilalekh displayed at the entrance to the National Museum, Delhi

Navghan well

Generally well is round, but this well is in square shape. 

See some more images of Junagadh...

City Water resources System in Nawabtime in Junagadh. Still it's working for some area of Junagadh. Art also reflects in tis kind of Sarkari System

                                                                  Likhitang - Tejas Vaidya