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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 are ascribed to the great king of Gujarat, Siddhraj Jaisinh,
who made this frontier fortress.
The
architectural style and the exquisite stone carving and iconography on the
fort walls and gates suggest 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. It came under the
control of Muslim rulers, in 1300 AD after the fall of Patan.
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.
Dabhoi Fort: The fort of Dabhoi is one of the rare
surviving examples of Hindu military architecture, based on the 'shastric'
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.
The
Gates: 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 Railway Station: 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: (22km 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 Sanskrit 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 the aquatic life on the
river.
Karnali: (24 kms from Dabhoi) Karnali is a twin town of Chandod,
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 kms from Dabhoi) Rajpipla is situated on the banks
of Karjan river and at the foothills of Satpura mountains. It was 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.
Other Excursions: Jambu Ghoda Sanctuary, Vadodara,
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 kms.
How To Get There
Air: Nearest airport is Vadodara
(29 kms).
Rail: Railway station on Dabhoi-Chhota Udepur railway line.
Road: Good road connections with nearby cities.
Local transport: non-metered auto rickshaws.
Local guesthouses are available.
Ahmedabad
: 142 kms.
Vadodara: 29 kms.