Information on Dabhoi Fort, Vadodara, Gujarat

Dabhoi Fort is an 11th century magnificent fort in Gujarat. It has a special stone art work in its entire fort fortification works. This fort is a unique example of the Hindu architectural works. It is a major tourist attraction, located near Dabhoi City, Vadodra District of Gujarat State in India.

Dabhoi Fort Architecture

Dabhoi Fort is a unique example of the Hindu Military Architectural pattern. It has used the Vastu Sashtra, which means the structural dynamics of a place and build according to its nature such as it gets the every good effects of nature on its structure. The master architect of this fort is known to be the Deva Shilpi. The entire structure is built with sand stones. This for is built at an elevation of 99 meters above the mean sea level. There are many freemasonry stone works found in its structure. It has very beautifully built walls with square shaped bastions all around. Its fort walls are very rear to find with stone carving of Vedic sculptures and Hindu designs. These walls have projected art works everywhere. There are 4 main gates built here, these have indirect entry inside its fort. Their gates are found in a beautiful carving works. These carved gate ways were built by the famous architect of the time known as the Haridar. But few of the gates were altered by the subsequent Muslim occupants and destroyed much of the Hindu god depictions on stones. There is a great minerate found here in a Dharga. Inside there are many palace complexes and other small structures found with well carved pillars. These complexes are found with many narrow verandahs, projected windows and big doorways. It is totally looking like a royal palace inside this fort. The important structures are of the Temples. There are 6 temples built here. This includes the 3 Jian temples too. These were once the important temples of worship. This is found in a typical Hindu art pattern on these temples and looks very holly in nature.

Dabhoi Fort History

Dabhoi Fort was built by Siddhraj Jaisinh, who was the Maharaja of Gujarat from 1093 to 1143 AD. This took over two centuries to erect the entire structure; it was completed by Vaishal Dev Vaghela, a famous ruler of Vaghale Dynasty. He established this fortification for the development of the Dabhoi region. In 1300 AD the Pathan's took over this fort. The same year this fort was attacked and destroyed its many Hindu temples here by the Ala uddin khilji of khilji Dynasty. The battle of Dabhoi was fought here in between Bajirao Peshwa and Trimbakrao Dabhade in 1731 AD. This fort is also known for accommodating the Jain monks. There are many Jain scripts and literature works found here. Once it was a great pilgrim centre too. Since, it was the time of Jainism influencing this part of the regions. The renounced poet named Dayaram was born here. This fort was the main interest area were the eminent scholar of its time named Hemchandracharya, wrote the yoga shastra. The Dharga and temples are visited by its local people's daily. Presently this fort is well maintained by the archeological survey of India and the tourism development board to promote historic and cultural tourism here.

Dabhoi Fort Tourism Importance

Dabhoi Fort is the best place for iconography studies. It is a very rare fort to see with Hindu Vedic and traditional stone crafts works everywhere on its structure. This will be an unforgettable structure if you visit once here. It is a heritage site and a protected monument under the government of India Forts Act.