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Halvad
was a former capital of Dhrangadha State and was ruled by Jhala
Rajputs. It is and ancient fortified town at the southern edge of
the little Rann of Kutch. The yellow earth of this semi arid area
and buildings of local yellow sandstone makes the whole townscape
glow vibrant golden yellow during the sunrise.
Halvad is famous for gourmet Brahmins and heroic warriors, who fought
against past invaders to protect their hometown. Today, one can
see several cenotaphs and hero-stones built of sandstone, at the
edge of town. The paliyas (memorial stones)remaind the visitors
of bloody batles fought at the gates of Halvad. They evoke the memories
of women wo committed sati to protect their honour and men who died
fighting against enemies. Newly weds come here to perform the ritual
of untying of nuptial knots and pay homage to their ancestors. Even
today, once a year, an unusual competition of Laddu eating is organised
by Brahmins at Halvad.
The chhatris (15th century) resemble the architectural style of
the smaller temple structures of Gujarat, with carved columns, high
plinths and corbelled roof in a pyramidal shape. The vast arid landscape,
dotted with chhatris, makes a pituresque setting.At the edge of
the town, on the bank of the Samatasar lake, stands the finest example
of wooden architecture of Royal Palaces of Gujarat. Other similar
examples of palaces on the lake-shore, in India are palaces of :
Udaipur, Alwar, Datia and Mandu. The Halvad Palace campus has all
the elements of Rajput palaces zenana, hall for public audience,
temple of family goddess, pleasure garden and administrative offices.
The entry to the Halvad Palace is from the town-side. The beautifully
carved entrance gate leads one to a huge courtyard. The formal square
plan of two storeyed palace structure, adorned with exquisitely
carved wooden columns, brackets, friezes and jalis with geometric
patterns defines the courtyard. Four raised pathways, from the centre
of each side, meet in the middle of the courtyard at the base of
the seven storeyed, octagonal tower, with jharokhas overlooking
all eight directions. From the top of this tower, on a clear day,
one can see the surrounding villages, therefore it is popularly
known as Jhalawad Darshan or EK-Dandia Mahal.
The long facade, with carved stone jharokhas, brings in cool breeze
as it overllooks as lake. The jharokhas were the favourite sit-outs
of the royal ladies, while on the full moon nights the terrace is
used for private Royal gatherings. Even today, one can see beautiful
carved sitouts of sandstone on the terrace. In short, the architecture
of the palace is a perfect synthesis of two natural materials,stone
and wood.
Halvad has four old step-wells and six Shiv Temples encircling the
town. The Bhavani Temple and Bhuteshwar Mahadev at the cremation
ground are at least 500 years old and are protected monuments. On
the west bank of the Samatasar Lake, a famous pilgrim place of the
Davood Bohra community-a dargah of Maula Qazi, is located. Halvad
is a place to visit the wild ass sanctuary at the little Rann of
Kutch. The Asiatic Wild Ass is a member of the horse family, with
striking white underparts and a deep mane. It is a strong and powerful
runner. Other animals spotted here are Nilgai, Chinkara and the
birds seen are the Indian Sadgrouse, Hubara Bustard, Lark, Desert
Warbler, Desert Wheatear, Indian Courser and Vultures.
Halvad
was a former capital of Dhrangadha State and was ruled by Jhala
Rajputs. It is and ancient fortified town at the southern edge of
the little Rann of Kutch. The yellow earth of this semi arid area
and buildings of local yellow sandstone makes the whole townscape
glow vibrant golden yellow during the sunrise.
