The history of
Patan reached its epitome during the reign of the Solankis, the golden era of Gujarat. At that time, the city used to be a great place of learning as well as a prosperous center for trading.
According to the Jain text, 'Kumarpala Rasa',
Patan in Gujarat was a prosperous fortified town. It had:
- 18 miles of circumference
- 84 town squares
- 52 bazaars
- mints of gold and silver
- well laid gardens with fountains and trees
- grammar school of Sanskrit and Prakrit
- numerous Hindu and Jain temples
But most unfortunately the town was plundered, the temples were destroyed and the entire locality was mercilessly ruined. Today, you will hardly be able to detect any of the traces of such a magnificent town. The most important monuments in
Patan are:
- Rani ki Vav
- Sahastralinga Talav
- Khan Sarovar.
Rani ki Vav in
Patan of Gujarat is a wonderful example of subterranean architecture of Gujarat. It was constructed by Udaymati, the queen of Bhimdev (1022-63 AD). It exhibits magnificently carved side walls, pillars, beams, series of steps and platforms which lead to the elaborately carved water well. All the surfaces are ornamented with artistic sculptures.
Sahastralinga Talav in
Patan at Gujarat is an artificial tank constructed under the patronage of Siddhraj Jaisingh (1093-1143 AD).
There are a large number of Hindu and Jain temples in
Patan, the most important to visit are:
- the Mahavir Swami Derasar in Dhandherwad
- Kalika Mata
- Sindhwai Mata
- Harihareshwar Mahadev
- Brahma Kund
If you have an inclination towards Jainism and Indology, you should visit the Hemachandracharya Gyan Mandir in
Patan. It banks thousands of rare manuscripts in Sanskrit and Prakrit
You can reach
Patan by:
- Air : nearest airport is Ahmedabad (125 km)
- Rail : railway station on Ahmedabad-Patan line
- Road : Ahmedabad (125 km), Siddhapur (28 km)
- Local transport : non-metered auto rickshaws
Last Updated on : 30 September 2011
