Yojana Magazine June 2024 - 2 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

 Page 1


27 June 2024
uparkot Fort, Junagadh
uparkot Fort, located in the heart of Junagadh, 
is a treasure trove of ancient history believed to 
have been built in 319 Bc by the Mauryan emperor 
chandragupta. c arved out of the rocky terrain, this 
fort served as a stronghold for various dynasties, 
including the Mauryas, guptas, and chudasamas. 
its strategic location atop a steep hill provided 
natural defences against invasions, making it an 
Gujarat, a land steeped in history and culture, is adorned with magnificent 
forts that stand as timeless monuments to the region’s rich heritage. 
From the rugged hills of Junagadh to the serene shores of Diu, each fort 
narrates a saga of valour, conquest, resilience, and architectural brilliance. 
In this article, we embark on a journey to unravel the secrets of Gujarat’s 
most prominent forts, delving into their historical significance, cultural 
importance, architectural splendour, and ongoing preservation efforts.
dr chirag bhoraniya The author is an IIS officer and Deputy Director at the Central Bureau of Communication, Ministry of I&B, GoI in Ahmedabad. 
email: chirag.bhoraniya@gov.in
Forts of Gujarat  
Guardians of Legacy and Lore
impregnable fortress. it’s been besieged 16 times, 
and legend has it that the fort once withstood a 
12-year siege.
the fort stands as a testimony to Junagadh’s 
glorious past; within its embrace lie architectural 
gems like a magnificent former mosque, a set of 
millennia-old Buddhist caves, and two fine step-
wells. Both step-wells are cut from solid rock. t he 
circular, 41 metres deep Adi Kadi vav was cut in the 
Clock Tower of Bhadra Fort
Page 2


27 June 2024
uparkot Fort, Junagadh
uparkot Fort, located in the heart of Junagadh, 
is a treasure trove of ancient history believed to 
have been built in 319 Bc by the Mauryan emperor 
chandragupta. c arved out of the rocky terrain, this 
fort served as a stronghold for various dynasties, 
including the Mauryas, guptas, and chudasamas. 
its strategic location atop a steep hill provided 
natural defences against invasions, making it an 
Gujarat, a land steeped in history and culture, is adorned with magnificent 
forts that stand as timeless monuments to the region’s rich heritage. 
From the rugged hills of Junagadh to the serene shores of Diu, each fort 
narrates a saga of valour, conquest, resilience, and architectural brilliance. 
In this article, we embark on a journey to unravel the secrets of Gujarat’s 
most prominent forts, delving into their historical significance, cultural 
importance, architectural splendour, and ongoing preservation efforts.
dr chirag bhoraniya The author is an IIS officer and Deputy Director at the Central Bureau of Communication, Ministry of I&B, GoI in Ahmedabad. 
email: chirag.bhoraniya@gov.in
Forts of Gujarat  
Guardians of Legacy and Lore
impregnable fortress. it’s been besieged 16 times, 
and legend has it that the fort once withstood a 
12-year siege.
the fort stands as a testimony to Junagadh’s 
glorious past; within its embrace lie architectural 
gems like a magnificent former mosque, a set of 
millennia-old Buddhist caves, and two fine step-
wells. Both step-wells are cut from solid rock. t he 
circular, 41 metres deep Adi Kadi vav was cut in the 
Clock Tower of Bhadra Fort
28 June 2024
15
th
 century during the times of the chudasama 
rulers and named after two slave girls who used to 
fetch water from it. navghan Kuvo, 52 metres deep 
and designed to help withstand sieges, is almost 
1000 years old, and its magnificent staircase 
spirals around the well shaft. their presence 
reminds us of the engineering brilliance of past 
civilisations and the importance of sustainable 
water management practices.
the military might be another facet of 
uparkot Fort’s story. standing sentinel on the 
ramparts of uparkot Fort, the n ilam and Mani 
cannons are more than just impressive artillery 
pieces. their names, nilam and Mani, translate 
to ‘sapphire’ and ‘Pearl,’ respectively, hinting 
at their preciousness and the importance they 
held in defending the fort. these cannons are 
colossal. their size alone commands respect. 
nilam cannon was brought from Diu,  where it 
was left by the o ttoman admiral suleiman Pasha 
following their defeat in the siege of Diu in 1538 
while assisting the gujarat sultanate against their 
struggle with the Portuguese.
preservation efforts: in 1893-94, Haridas 
viharidas, the Dewan of Junagadh state, restored 
the fort. in July 2020, the government of gujarat 
initiated the restoration of the fort and the 
structures inside it, focusing on the ancient  
step-wells, gateways, and fortifications. c ommunity 
engagement initiatives are also being implemented 
to foster a sense of ownership and encourage local 
participation in preservation efforts.
l egend: the chudasamas ruled over nearby 
vanasthali, and, during those times, a woodcutter 
discovered a stone wall and a gate. A sadhu who 
was meditating nearby said that it was Juna, or 
old, and the woodcutter reported his discovery 
to the chudasama ruler, who cleared the area and 
uncovered the fort. the later chudasama ruler 
navaghana restored the fort and shifted his capital 
from vanasthali to Junagadh. s o the place became 
known as ‘ Junagadh’ .
Adi-Kadi-Vav-Uparkot Fort
Buddhist Cave, Uparkot Fort Uparkot Fort
Page 3


27 June 2024
uparkot Fort, Junagadh
uparkot Fort, located in the heart of Junagadh, 
is a treasure trove of ancient history believed to 
have been built in 319 Bc by the Mauryan emperor 
chandragupta. c arved out of the rocky terrain, this 
fort served as a stronghold for various dynasties, 
including the Mauryas, guptas, and chudasamas. 
its strategic location atop a steep hill provided 
natural defences against invasions, making it an 
Gujarat, a land steeped in history and culture, is adorned with magnificent 
forts that stand as timeless monuments to the region’s rich heritage. 
From the rugged hills of Junagadh to the serene shores of Diu, each fort 
narrates a saga of valour, conquest, resilience, and architectural brilliance. 
In this article, we embark on a journey to unravel the secrets of Gujarat’s 
most prominent forts, delving into their historical significance, cultural 
importance, architectural splendour, and ongoing preservation efforts.
dr chirag bhoraniya The author is an IIS officer and Deputy Director at the Central Bureau of Communication, Ministry of I&B, GoI in Ahmedabad. 
email: chirag.bhoraniya@gov.in
Forts of Gujarat  
Guardians of Legacy and Lore
impregnable fortress. it’s been besieged 16 times, 
and legend has it that the fort once withstood a 
12-year siege.
the fort stands as a testimony to Junagadh’s 
glorious past; within its embrace lie architectural 
gems like a magnificent former mosque, a set of 
millennia-old Buddhist caves, and two fine step-
wells. Both step-wells are cut from solid rock. t he 
circular, 41 metres deep Adi Kadi vav was cut in the 
Clock Tower of Bhadra Fort
28 June 2024
15
th
 century during the times of the chudasama 
rulers and named after two slave girls who used to 
fetch water from it. navghan Kuvo, 52 metres deep 
and designed to help withstand sieges, is almost 
1000 years old, and its magnificent staircase 
spirals around the well shaft. their presence 
reminds us of the engineering brilliance of past 
civilisations and the importance of sustainable 
water management practices.
the military might be another facet of 
uparkot Fort’s story. standing sentinel on the 
ramparts of uparkot Fort, the n ilam and Mani 
cannons are more than just impressive artillery 
pieces. their names, nilam and Mani, translate 
to ‘sapphire’ and ‘Pearl,’ respectively, hinting 
at their preciousness and the importance they 
held in defending the fort. these cannons are 
colossal. their size alone commands respect. 
nilam cannon was brought from Diu,  where it 
was left by the o ttoman admiral suleiman Pasha 
following their defeat in the siege of Diu in 1538 
while assisting the gujarat sultanate against their 
struggle with the Portuguese.
preservation efforts: in 1893-94, Haridas 
viharidas, the Dewan of Junagadh state, restored 
the fort. in July 2020, the government of gujarat 
initiated the restoration of the fort and the 
structures inside it, focusing on the ancient  
step-wells, gateways, and fortifications. c ommunity 
engagement initiatives are also being implemented 
to foster a sense of ownership and encourage local 
participation in preservation efforts.
l egend: the chudasamas ruled over nearby 
vanasthali, and, during those times, a woodcutter 
discovered a stone wall and a gate. A sadhu who 
was meditating nearby said that it was Juna, or 
old, and the woodcutter reported his discovery 
to the chudasama ruler, who cleared the area and 
uncovered the fort. the later chudasama ruler 
navaghana restored the fort and shifted his capital 
from vanasthali to Junagadh. s o the place became 
known as ‘ Junagadh’ .
Adi-Kadi-Vav-Uparkot Fort
Buddhist Cave, Uparkot Fort Uparkot Fort
29 June 2024
pavagadh Champaner Fort
Pavagadh champaner Fort, situated atop 
a volcanic hill near the town of champaner, is 
a unesco World Heritage site that stands as a 
testament to the cultural diversity and architectural 
brilliance of medieval gujarat. this magnificent 
fortress, built over centuries, bears witness to the 
confluence of diverse influences and the ingenuity 
of its builders, making it a cherished landmark in 
gujarat.
Historically, the Pavagadh champaner 
Fort holds immense significance as a strategic 
stronghold and a centre of power for various 
dynasties that ruled the region. its origin 
dates back to the 8
th
 century, when it served 
as a fortified outpost for the chavda dynasty. 
subsequently, it came under the control of the 
solanki r ajputs (chalukyas of gujarat), followed 
by the Khichi chauhans and the gujarat sultanate. 
the fort reached its zenith during the reign of 
sultan Mahmud Begada in the 15
th
 century, who 
extensively fortified the hill and constructed 
palaces, mosques, and other structures that 
turned champaner into a splendid new capital. 
But its glory was brief: when it was captured by 
Mughal emperor Humayun in 1535, the gujarat 
capital reverted to Ahmedabad, and champaner 
fell into ruin.
culturally, the Pavagadh champaner Fort is 
a testament to the region’s syncretic heritage, 
blending Hindu, Jain, and islamic influences in its 
architecture and design. Hindu and Jain temples 
coexist peacefully with mosques and tombs, 
reflecting the harmonious blend of religions that 
has thrived in the region for centuries. one can find 
the majestic Kalika Mata temple, a revered Hindu 
pilgrimage site, nestled within the fort walls. t he 
imposing Jami Masjid, built by Mahmud Begada of 
the gujarat sultanate, showcases intricate islamic 
geometric patterns and calligraphy. this cultural 
confluence is further enriched by the presence of 
Jain temples with their characteristic spires and 
detailed carvings.
Architecturally, the Pavagadh champaner 
Fort is a marvel of engineering and craftsmanship.  
the stepped citadel, strategically positioned  
atop the hill, offers breathtaking panoramic 
views of the surrounding plains. t he fortifications 
start on the Mauliya plateau, which is situated 
on the hill and ends on the plains. step-wells, 
like the intricately designed step-well within 
the fort, served not just as a source of water but 
also as cool sanctuaries during the scorching 
summers. the architectural styles range from 
the r ajput influences of the chalukyas to the 
islamic grandeur of the sultans and the Mughal 
flourishes, creating a visually stunning and 
historically significant ensemble.
in July 2004, unesco inscribed the Pavagadh 
champaner Archaeological Park on the World 
Heritage List with the justification of its ‘joint 
significance as a living Hindu pilgrimage centre, its 
cluster of Jain temples, its remarkable preserved 
medieval urban fabric, its exquisite sandstone-
carved mosques and tombs, and its intangible 
heritage values.’
Pavagadh Champaner Fort
Page 4


27 June 2024
uparkot Fort, Junagadh
uparkot Fort, located in the heart of Junagadh, 
is a treasure trove of ancient history believed to 
have been built in 319 Bc by the Mauryan emperor 
chandragupta. c arved out of the rocky terrain, this 
fort served as a stronghold for various dynasties, 
including the Mauryas, guptas, and chudasamas. 
its strategic location atop a steep hill provided 
natural defences against invasions, making it an 
Gujarat, a land steeped in history and culture, is adorned with magnificent 
forts that stand as timeless monuments to the region’s rich heritage. 
From the rugged hills of Junagadh to the serene shores of Diu, each fort 
narrates a saga of valour, conquest, resilience, and architectural brilliance. 
In this article, we embark on a journey to unravel the secrets of Gujarat’s 
most prominent forts, delving into their historical significance, cultural 
importance, architectural splendour, and ongoing preservation efforts.
dr chirag bhoraniya The author is an IIS officer and Deputy Director at the Central Bureau of Communication, Ministry of I&B, GoI in Ahmedabad. 
email: chirag.bhoraniya@gov.in
Forts of Gujarat  
Guardians of Legacy and Lore
impregnable fortress. it’s been besieged 16 times, 
and legend has it that the fort once withstood a 
12-year siege.
the fort stands as a testimony to Junagadh’s 
glorious past; within its embrace lie architectural 
gems like a magnificent former mosque, a set of 
millennia-old Buddhist caves, and two fine step-
wells. Both step-wells are cut from solid rock. t he 
circular, 41 metres deep Adi Kadi vav was cut in the 
Clock Tower of Bhadra Fort
28 June 2024
15
th
 century during the times of the chudasama 
rulers and named after two slave girls who used to 
fetch water from it. navghan Kuvo, 52 metres deep 
and designed to help withstand sieges, is almost 
1000 years old, and its magnificent staircase 
spirals around the well shaft. their presence 
reminds us of the engineering brilliance of past 
civilisations and the importance of sustainable 
water management practices.
the military might be another facet of 
uparkot Fort’s story. standing sentinel on the 
ramparts of uparkot Fort, the n ilam and Mani 
cannons are more than just impressive artillery 
pieces. their names, nilam and Mani, translate 
to ‘sapphire’ and ‘Pearl,’ respectively, hinting 
at their preciousness and the importance they 
held in defending the fort. these cannons are 
colossal. their size alone commands respect. 
nilam cannon was brought from Diu,  where it 
was left by the o ttoman admiral suleiman Pasha 
following their defeat in the siege of Diu in 1538 
while assisting the gujarat sultanate against their 
struggle with the Portuguese.
preservation efforts: in 1893-94, Haridas 
viharidas, the Dewan of Junagadh state, restored 
the fort. in July 2020, the government of gujarat 
initiated the restoration of the fort and the 
structures inside it, focusing on the ancient  
step-wells, gateways, and fortifications. c ommunity 
engagement initiatives are also being implemented 
to foster a sense of ownership and encourage local 
participation in preservation efforts.
l egend: the chudasamas ruled over nearby 
vanasthali, and, during those times, a woodcutter 
discovered a stone wall and a gate. A sadhu who 
was meditating nearby said that it was Juna, or 
old, and the woodcutter reported his discovery 
to the chudasama ruler, who cleared the area and 
uncovered the fort. the later chudasama ruler 
navaghana restored the fort and shifted his capital 
from vanasthali to Junagadh. s o the place became 
known as ‘ Junagadh’ .
Adi-Kadi-Vav-Uparkot Fort
Buddhist Cave, Uparkot Fort Uparkot Fort
29 June 2024
pavagadh Champaner Fort
Pavagadh champaner Fort, situated atop 
a volcanic hill near the town of champaner, is 
a unesco World Heritage site that stands as a 
testament to the cultural diversity and architectural 
brilliance of medieval gujarat. this magnificent 
fortress, built over centuries, bears witness to the 
confluence of diverse influences and the ingenuity 
of its builders, making it a cherished landmark in 
gujarat.
Historically, the Pavagadh champaner 
Fort holds immense significance as a strategic 
stronghold and a centre of power for various 
dynasties that ruled the region. its origin 
dates back to the 8
th
 century, when it served 
as a fortified outpost for the chavda dynasty. 
subsequently, it came under the control of the 
solanki r ajputs (chalukyas of gujarat), followed 
by the Khichi chauhans and the gujarat sultanate. 
the fort reached its zenith during the reign of 
sultan Mahmud Begada in the 15
th
 century, who 
extensively fortified the hill and constructed 
palaces, mosques, and other structures that 
turned champaner into a splendid new capital. 
But its glory was brief: when it was captured by 
Mughal emperor Humayun in 1535, the gujarat 
capital reverted to Ahmedabad, and champaner 
fell into ruin.
culturally, the Pavagadh champaner Fort is 
a testament to the region’s syncretic heritage, 
blending Hindu, Jain, and islamic influences in its 
architecture and design. Hindu and Jain temples 
coexist peacefully with mosques and tombs, 
reflecting the harmonious blend of religions that 
has thrived in the region for centuries. one can find 
the majestic Kalika Mata temple, a revered Hindu 
pilgrimage site, nestled within the fort walls. t he 
imposing Jami Masjid, built by Mahmud Begada of 
the gujarat sultanate, showcases intricate islamic 
geometric patterns and calligraphy. this cultural 
confluence is further enriched by the presence of 
Jain temples with their characteristic spires and 
detailed carvings.
Architecturally, the Pavagadh champaner 
Fort is a marvel of engineering and craftsmanship.  
the stepped citadel, strategically positioned  
atop the hill, offers breathtaking panoramic 
views of the surrounding plains. t he fortifications 
start on the Mauliya plateau, which is situated 
on the hill and ends on the plains. step-wells, 
like the intricately designed step-well within 
the fort, served not just as a source of water but 
also as cool sanctuaries during the scorching 
summers. the architectural styles range from 
the r ajput influences of the chalukyas to the 
islamic grandeur of the sultans and the Mughal 
flourishes, creating a visually stunning and 
historically significant ensemble.
in July 2004, unesco inscribed the Pavagadh 
champaner Archaeological Park on the World 
Heritage List with the justification of its ‘joint 
significance as a living Hindu pilgrimage centre, its 
cluster of Jain temples, its remarkable preserved 
medieval urban fabric, its exquisite sandstone-
carved mosques and tombs, and its intangible 
heritage values.’
Pavagadh Champaner Fort
30 June 2024
d iu Fort
Diu Fort, situated on the serene island of Diu off 
the coast of gujarat, is a testament to the region’s 
rich historical, cultural, and architectural heritage. 
t oday, it is a landmark of Diu and one of the s even 
Wonders of Portuguese origin in the World. 
From a historical viewpoint, the fort was a 
product of a strategic alliance between Bahadur 
shah, the sultan of gujarat, and the Portuguese 
against the Mughals, built in the year 1535 by 
D nuno da cunha and rebuilt in the year 1546 
by D Joao de castro. it served as a strategic 
military outpost for over four centuries. t he fort’s 
formidable walls, bastions, and cannons bear silent 
witness to battles fought against rival european 
powers and local rulers. t he Portuguese influence 
is evident in the fort’s layout itself, designed 
according to r enaissance military principles.
culturally, Diu Fort reflects a fascinating 
confluence of influences. After i ndia’s independence 
in 1947, the fort gracefully transitioned from a 
symbol of colonial rule to a national monument. 
today, it houses a museum showcasing artefacts 
that tell the story of Diu’s inhabitants, from the 
Portuguese to the local Damania community. 
Within the fort’s walls lies the intricately carved 
st. Paul’s church, a testament to the Portuguese 
legacy, now coexisting peacefully with the nearby 
mosques frequented by the local population. t his 
harmonious blend of cultures is what makes Diu 
Fort truly unique.
Architecturally, Diu Fort is a masterpiece 
crafted from warm red sandstone. the fort’s 
imposing entrance gate, the Porta da Barra, sets the 
tone for the experience with its intricate carvings 
and imposing presence. inside, a network of 
Entry Gate of Diu Fort
Sea View of Diu Fort Internal view of Diu Fort
Page 5


27 June 2024
uparkot Fort, Junagadh
uparkot Fort, located in the heart of Junagadh, 
is a treasure trove of ancient history believed to 
have been built in 319 Bc by the Mauryan emperor 
chandragupta. c arved out of the rocky terrain, this 
fort served as a stronghold for various dynasties, 
including the Mauryas, guptas, and chudasamas. 
its strategic location atop a steep hill provided 
natural defences against invasions, making it an 
Gujarat, a land steeped in history and culture, is adorned with magnificent 
forts that stand as timeless monuments to the region’s rich heritage. 
From the rugged hills of Junagadh to the serene shores of Diu, each fort 
narrates a saga of valour, conquest, resilience, and architectural brilliance. 
In this article, we embark on a journey to unravel the secrets of Gujarat’s 
most prominent forts, delving into their historical significance, cultural 
importance, architectural splendour, and ongoing preservation efforts.
dr chirag bhoraniya The author is an IIS officer and Deputy Director at the Central Bureau of Communication, Ministry of I&B, GoI in Ahmedabad. 
email: chirag.bhoraniya@gov.in
Forts of Gujarat  
Guardians of Legacy and Lore
impregnable fortress. it’s been besieged 16 times, 
and legend has it that the fort once withstood a 
12-year siege.
the fort stands as a testimony to Junagadh’s 
glorious past; within its embrace lie architectural 
gems like a magnificent former mosque, a set of 
millennia-old Buddhist caves, and two fine step-
wells. Both step-wells are cut from solid rock. t he 
circular, 41 metres deep Adi Kadi vav was cut in the 
Clock Tower of Bhadra Fort
28 June 2024
15
th
 century during the times of the chudasama 
rulers and named after two slave girls who used to 
fetch water from it. navghan Kuvo, 52 metres deep 
and designed to help withstand sieges, is almost 
1000 years old, and its magnificent staircase 
spirals around the well shaft. their presence 
reminds us of the engineering brilliance of past 
civilisations and the importance of sustainable 
water management practices.
the military might be another facet of 
uparkot Fort’s story. standing sentinel on the 
ramparts of uparkot Fort, the n ilam and Mani 
cannons are more than just impressive artillery 
pieces. their names, nilam and Mani, translate 
to ‘sapphire’ and ‘Pearl,’ respectively, hinting 
at their preciousness and the importance they 
held in defending the fort. these cannons are 
colossal. their size alone commands respect. 
nilam cannon was brought from Diu,  where it 
was left by the o ttoman admiral suleiman Pasha 
following their defeat in the siege of Diu in 1538 
while assisting the gujarat sultanate against their 
struggle with the Portuguese.
preservation efforts: in 1893-94, Haridas 
viharidas, the Dewan of Junagadh state, restored 
the fort. in July 2020, the government of gujarat 
initiated the restoration of the fort and the 
structures inside it, focusing on the ancient  
step-wells, gateways, and fortifications. c ommunity 
engagement initiatives are also being implemented 
to foster a sense of ownership and encourage local 
participation in preservation efforts.
l egend: the chudasamas ruled over nearby 
vanasthali, and, during those times, a woodcutter 
discovered a stone wall and a gate. A sadhu who 
was meditating nearby said that it was Juna, or 
old, and the woodcutter reported his discovery 
to the chudasama ruler, who cleared the area and 
uncovered the fort. the later chudasama ruler 
navaghana restored the fort and shifted his capital 
from vanasthali to Junagadh. s o the place became 
known as ‘ Junagadh’ .
Adi-Kadi-Vav-Uparkot Fort
Buddhist Cave, Uparkot Fort Uparkot Fort
29 June 2024
pavagadh Champaner Fort
Pavagadh champaner Fort, situated atop 
a volcanic hill near the town of champaner, is 
a unesco World Heritage site that stands as a 
testament to the cultural diversity and architectural 
brilliance of medieval gujarat. this magnificent 
fortress, built over centuries, bears witness to the 
confluence of diverse influences and the ingenuity 
of its builders, making it a cherished landmark in 
gujarat.
Historically, the Pavagadh champaner 
Fort holds immense significance as a strategic 
stronghold and a centre of power for various 
dynasties that ruled the region. its origin 
dates back to the 8
th
 century, when it served 
as a fortified outpost for the chavda dynasty. 
subsequently, it came under the control of the 
solanki r ajputs (chalukyas of gujarat), followed 
by the Khichi chauhans and the gujarat sultanate. 
the fort reached its zenith during the reign of 
sultan Mahmud Begada in the 15
th
 century, who 
extensively fortified the hill and constructed 
palaces, mosques, and other structures that 
turned champaner into a splendid new capital. 
But its glory was brief: when it was captured by 
Mughal emperor Humayun in 1535, the gujarat 
capital reverted to Ahmedabad, and champaner 
fell into ruin.
culturally, the Pavagadh champaner Fort is 
a testament to the region’s syncretic heritage, 
blending Hindu, Jain, and islamic influences in its 
architecture and design. Hindu and Jain temples 
coexist peacefully with mosques and tombs, 
reflecting the harmonious blend of religions that 
has thrived in the region for centuries. one can find 
the majestic Kalika Mata temple, a revered Hindu 
pilgrimage site, nestled within the fort walls. t he 
imposing Jami Masjid, built by Mahmud Begada of 
the gujarat sultanate, showcases intricate islamic 
geometric patterns and calligraphy. this cultural 
confluence is further enriched by the presence of 
Jain temples with their characteristic spires and 
detailed carvings.
Architecturally, the Pavagadh champaner 
Fort is a marvel of engineering and craftsmanship.  
the stepped citadel, strategically positioned  
atop the hill, offers breathtaking panoramic 
views of the surrounding plains. t he fortifications 
start on the Mauliya plateau, which is situated 
on the hill and ends on the plains. step-wells, 
like the intricately designed step-well within 
the fort, served not just as a source of water but 
also as cool sanctuaries during the scorching 
summers. the architectural styles range from 
the r ajput influences of the chalukyas to the 
islamic grandeur of the sultans and the Mughal 
flourishes, creating a visually stunning and 
historically significant ensemble.
in July 2004, unesco inscribed the Pavagadh 
champaner Archaeological Park on the World 
Heritage List with the justification of its ‘joint 
significance as a living Hindu pilgrimage centre, its 
cluster of Jain temples, its remarkable preserved 
medieval urban fabric, its exquisite sandstone-
carved mosques and tombs, and its intangible 
heritage values.’
Pavagadh Champaner Fort
30 June 2024
d iu Fort
Diu Fort, situated on the serene island of Diu off 
the coast of gujarat, is a testament to the region’s 
rich historical, cultural, and architectural heritage. 
t oday, it is a landmark of Diu and one of the s even 
Wonders of Portuguese origin in the World. 
From a historical viewpoint, the fort was a 
product of a strategic alliance between Bahadur 
shah, the sultan of gujarat, and the Portuguese 
against the Mughals, built in the year 1535 by 
D nuno da cunha and rebuilt in the year 1546 
by D Joao de castro. it served as a strategic 
military outpost for over four centuries. t he fort’s 
formidable walls, bastions, and cannons bear silent 
witness to battles fought against rival european 
powers and local rulers. t he Portuguese influence 
is evident in the fort’s layout itself, designed 
according to r enaissance military principles.
culturally, Diu Fort reflects a fascinating 
confluence of influences. After i ndia’s independence 
in 1947, the fort gracefully transitioned from a 
symbol of colonial rule to a national monument. 
today, it houses a museum showcasing artefacts 
that tell the story of Diu’s inhabitants, from the 
Portuguese to the local Damania community. 
Within the fort’s walls lies the intricately carved 
st. Paul’s church, a testament to the Portuguese 
legacy, now coexisting peacefully with the nearby 
mosques frequented by the local population. t his 
harmonious blend of cultures is what makes Diu 
Fort truly unique.
Architecturally, Diu Fort is a masterpiece 
crafted from warm red sandstone. the fort’s 
imposing entrance gate, the Porta da Barra, sets the 
tone for the experience with its intricate carvings 
and imposing presence. inside, a network of 
Entry Gate of Diu Fort
Sea View of Diu Fort Internal view of Diu Fort
31 June 2024
courtyards, barracks, and administrative buildings 
unfolds, each showcasing the architectural 
prowess of the Portuguese. one can’t miss the 
lighthouse, a crucial navigational aid for centuries, 
and the three churches—st. Paul’s, st. thomas, 
and the chapel of o ur Lady of r osary—each with 
its own distinct architectural style, reflecting the 
evolution of Portuguese church design during 
their rule.
in 1960, there were only 350 Portuguese 
soldiers garrisoned in the fort. ‘operation vijay’ 
was launched by india on 19 December 1961, to 
end Portuguese colonial rule in goa, Daman, and 
Diu. After Diu had fallen, the Martyrs Memorial 
was erected close to the c ollectorate office in Diu 
to commemorate the indian soldiers who were 
killed in the capture of Diu.
Bhujiya Fort
t he historic Bhujiya Fort is located on the top 
of Bhujiya Hill on the outskirts of the town of Bhuj 
in the district of  Kutch. Bhujiya is named after 
Bhujang, a snake. it was believed that the snake 
god, who provided protection, was worshipped 
by the people. construction began in 1715 under 
r ao godji i, the ruler of the Kutch Kingdom. its 
strategic location atop the hill provided a clear 
advantage point, allowing defenders to spot 
approaching enemies and formulate strategies. 
o ver the next two decades, the fort’s construction 
flourished under r ao godji’s son, Deshalji i.
Architecturally, the Bhujiya Fort is a marvel of 
military engineering and architectural brilliance. 
Built primarily from red sandstone, the fort’s 
imposing walls snake around the contours of the 
hill and cover around 6.5 square kilometres of 
area, maximising its defensive potential. seven 
heavily decorated gateways, each with a unique 
name and purpose, provide controlled access 
to the fort’s various sections. inside, a network 
of courtyards, barracks, and ammunition stores 
unfolds, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of 
the soldiers stationed there. Bhujiya Fort stood 
strong during six major battles fought between 
1700 and 1800 AD, successfully repelling attacks 
from Muslim raiders from sindh and the Mughal 
rulers of  gujarat. this legacy of defence makes 
Bhujiya Fort a cornerstone of Kutch’s military 
history and a symbol of Kutchi identity, serving as 
a repository of local folklore, rituals, and traditions 
that have been passed down through generations. 
l egend: the first major battle at Bhujiya Fort 
was fought during the early part of the reign of 
Deshalji i, when sher Buland Khan, who was Mughal 
viceroy of gujarat at that time, invaded Kutch. t he 
army of Kutch was in a precarious condition, when 
a group of naga Bawas got the gate of Bhujiya 
Fort opened on pretext of visiting nag temple for 
worship and then joined in the fray against sher 
Buland Khan's army. since that day naga Bawa and 
their leader have had a place of importance in a 
procession held on nag Panchami.
Bhujang Naga Temple, Bhujiya Fort