Information on Khapra Zaveri Palace (Anand, Gujarat) - History & Architecture

Khapra Zaveri Palace is s a huge and great palace built in the medieval Era of India. It snow partially ruined and still looks very magnificent. This is a protected monument and a tourist attraction place, located at the base of Pavagadh hills, Champaran City, Anand District of Gujarat State in India.

Khapra Zaveri Palace Architecture

Khapra Zaveri Palace was built especially for the Royal's. This is found in the Islamic architecture form. This palace structure is completely built with the sand stones. These are well carved in designs and placed in its structure. This great palace is built in scenic natural surroundings. It occupies the base land of Pavghad Hills as its backdrop. It is also bear by the out flow channels of the River Wishvamitiri. Both together add up a natural scenic beauty to this palace. The origin point of this river is seen from its vast terrace areas. The plot of this palace is in rectangular form. The entire plot areas are built with thick walls, all around this palace. The main entrance to this palace has a huge gate well ornate in designs on its pillars. This palace has total of nine gates. One can find big arches and dooms on this structure as a common sitting. It has a spacious courtyard, where the sultan sits and commanded his ministers. It has a luxury living area inside this main palace. There are up to two stories of buildings find here. It has many doors and windows with unique carving works. The highest towers are the two towers built for the Mosque. These towers are seen from a far distance too. This mosque is built in the same pattern of those found in the Persian Gulf. There are also few tombs found inside this palace area. A separate jail is constructed in this palace. It has got very lovely gardens all around this palace making it look cool in greenery.

Khapra Zaveri Palace History

Khapra Zaveri Palace and this place was the capital of Muzaffarid Dynasty. This palace was the main residential and official area for the Sultan of Gujarat. This palace is built somewhere in the 13th century AD. The famously known Mahmud Begada, took over this place from the Champaner in a local clash. He himself announced him as a sultan and ruled this province. He was a great admirer of art and culture. He transformed this village to an urban city in his reign. This palace was his favorite place and he spent most of his time here. He also put a new name to this place as the Muhammadabad, which has a touch of his name in it. In his time there were local aggression from the Mughals, the Rajputs and the Marathas. These aggressions were sought here for their Empire expansions. They do ruled here for a short span of time. The most destruction happened to this palace was by the British East India Company. In the 19th century they partially destroyed this palace complex and went away with a massive loot of treasure and wealth. This palace is still looking good and beautiful, even though few structures are in damaged state. This palace was the important structure to form the Sultanate rule in the Gujarat province. Presently it is an important tourist place in the Anand District. In 2004, it is funded by UNESCO for its reconstruction works.

Khapra Zaveri Palace Tourism Importance

Khapra Zaveri Palace is listed under the world's heritage sites in India. This palace is the great example of the Sultanate Architecture in India. It is a picturesque site and has many other attractions nearby this palace.