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one can barely find the
traces of such a magnificent town. The most significant
monuments in Patan are Rani ki Vav, Sahastralinga Talav and
Khan Sarovar. Patan is a famous manufacturing centre of the
beautiful Patola silk saris.
History of Patan
Patan was founded by the Vanraj Chavda in 746 AD. It enjoyed
a privileged status of capital of Gujarat, for about 600
years from 746 AD to 1411 AD. In the 8th century, Patan
under the name of Anahilvada, was the capital of the Hindu
kings of Gujarat. The major Rajput clans of Chavadas,
Solankis and Vaghelas ruled Gujarat from Patan. The glory of
Patan reached its highest point during the Solanki period.
During this period, the city was a great place of learning
and a prosperous trading center. The rulers were great
patrons of fine arts and architecture and thus constructed
various religious and historical places in the city. This
town was sacked by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1024 AD. Patan is
also described in the Jain text "Kumarpala Rasa" as a
prosperous fortified town, about 18 miles in circumference
with 84 town squares, 52 bazaars, mints of gold and silver,
well laid out gardens with fountains and trees, grammar
school of Sanskrit and Prakrit, Hindu and Jain temples.
After last Vaghela ruler, Karan Ghelo lost to Ulugh Khan in
1289 AD, the Muslims raided the town, destroyed various
temples and ruined the entire city. This city was also taken
over by Alau-ud-din Khalji's brother Alaf Khan in 1306.
Today, one can barely find the traces of such a magnificent
town. Since the rule of King Kumarpal, Patan was the only
center of unique weaving craft of ‘Patola’, but even today,
this traditional weaving craft is practiced by some of the
families.
Tourist Attractions in Patan
Patan is a dusty, little visited town, but its narrow
streets are lined by the elaborate, faded wooden houses and
more than 100 Jain temples, which are worth exploring. The
largest of the Jain temple is Panchasara Parasvanath. The
major tourist attractions in Patan are Rani ki Vav,
Sahastralinga Talav and Khan Sarovar. Rani ki Vav is an
excellent example of subterranean architecture of Gujarat.
This Vav was constructed by Udaymati, the queen of Bhimdev
and represents the finest of the Indian sculptures and
architecture. Sahastralinga Talav, an artifical tank was
built by the Siddhraj Jai Singh in Gujarat. The architecture
of this tank integrated the great sense of water management
and sanctity of water in Hindu religion.
More...
Shopping in Patan
Patan is also known for the unique weaving craft of ‘Patola’
silk sarees. These sarees are produced in a great vast
process by the Ikat technique. Threads are tie-dyed to
create the pattern before the weaving process begins.
How to reach Patan
By Air:
The nearest airport is located at Ahmedabad which is about
125 km.
By Rail:
The railway station is located on the Ahmedabad - Patan
line.
By Road:
Patan is connected to the various cities of Gujarat like
Ahmedabad which is about 125 km, Siddhapur which is about 28
km and about 25 kms. from Mehsana. |
