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Dabhoi is an ancient town originally known as Darbhavati. It was
established in the early 6th century AD. The fortification and its
foundation is ascribed to the great King of Gujarat, Siddhraj Jaisinh(1093-1143
AD), who made this frontier fortress.The architectural style and
the exquisite stone carving and iconography on the fort walls and
gates suggests that it was conceived and constructed in the same
period as Rudra Mahalaya and Zinzuwada Fort. It is mentioned as
an important city in the Jain inscriptions of Girnar (VS 1288).
It came under the control of Muslim rulers, in 1300 AD after the
fall of Patan. The fort of Dabhoi is one of the rare surviving examples
of Hindu Military archtecture, based on the shastri traditions described
in various Vastu scriptures. There are four gates in the town, one
in each cardinal direction, having indirect entry, located in the
middle of each side of the fort wall. It was altered during the
time of Visaldev and the Muslim rule. Hira Bhagol, the most exquisitely
carved gate named after the architect, Hiradhar, is in the east,
Vadodara Gate in the west, Champaner Gate in the north and Nandod
Gate in the south. Dabhoi has many Jain and Hindu temples, devoted
to different gods and goddesses.
Dabhoi is the birth place of the great Gujarati poet, Raskavi Dayaram,
composer of many garbis (devotional songs) and a devotee of Ranchhodraiji
of Dakor. Many Jain scholars also stayed here in the past and enriched
the Jain Granth Bhandar, which has a collection of ancient Jain
manuscripts. For a Railway heritage enthusiast, a visit to Dabhoi
Railway station one of the oldest narrow gauge railway junctions
in the world, is a must.
Ten Talav: (10 km from Dabhoi)
This well constructed octagonal tank with stone steps and embankments
is a symbol of a love-legend of Hiradhar Shilpi, architect of Dabhoi
Fort and a beautiful girl Ten. The legend says that Hiradhar was
madly in love with Ten and while constructing the Dabhoi Fort he
was secretly constructing Ten Talav for his lover. He was accused
of misappropriation and was sentenced to death and buried alive
in the fort wall of Dabhoi.
Chandod: (22 km from Dabhoi)
This picturesque town on the bank of the Narmada, at the confluence
of three rivers- Narmada, Orsang and Gupta Saraswati, is an ancient
seat of Sankrit learning for Brahmins. The ghats leading to the
pure waters of Narmada and the temples, make it a sacred place for
Hindus performing the rituals after death. Mandvi Mahal, a haveli
of the Mahida Rajputs, dating back to the late 19th century, is
now a heritage hotel. It is located close to river Narmada, in a
serene setting. The haveli offers a picturesque vista of bathing
ghats, temples with fine carvings and life on the river.
Karnali: (24 km from Dabhoi)
Karnali is a twin town of Chndod, on the opposite bank of Orsang.
Karnali has several Shiva Temples and beautiful ghats. The footprints
of Lord Dattatreya lend great sanctity to this town. A big fair
is held here on every Chaitra Sud 15.
Sankheda: (20 km from Dabhoi)
Sankheda is an internationally known craft centre for furniture
and wooden articles. They are made in the Gujarati style, on a lathe,
using the generation old secret technique of lacquer work.
Rajpipla: (60 km from Dabhoi)
Rajpipla is situated on the banks of Karjan river and at the foothills
of Satpura mountains. It was a capital of the former princely State
of Rajpipla. Vijayraj Palace (1923 AD), is a famous heritage hotel
on an elevated plain, overlooking the picturesque surroundings.
Excursions:
Jambu Ghoda Sanctuary (panthers, four horned antelopes, bird watcher's
paradise) 49 km, Pavagadh-Champaner (Kalika Mata Temple, rope way,
fortification, Jami Mosque and other beautiful monuments) 75 km,
Sardar Sarovar Dam (one of the largest dams of India) 65 km, Vadodara
(Laxmi Vilas Palace, museum, Sayajibag) 29 km.
How to reach Air:
Nearest Airport is Vadodara(29 km) Rail:
Railway station on Dabhoi-Chhota Udepur Railway Line Road:
Ahmedabad (142 km), Vadodara (29 km) Local transport:
Non-Metered Autorickshaws
