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Dabhoi Fort

Dabhoi Fort

heritage site · Gujarat

State
Gujarat
Type
Heritage Site

Dabhoi's fortifications are best known for their four carved gates — Hira Bhagol, Nandodi Bhagol, Vadodari Bhagol and Mahudi Bhagol — each a multi-storied stone "triumphal arch" covered in high-relief carvings of Hindu deities, dancers and elephants in the Maru-Gurjara (Solanki) style. The Archaeological Survey of India has restored the gates, still the finest surviving example of this architectural style anywhere in Gujarat.

Dabhoi Fort is known for

Hira Bhagol carved gateMaru-Gurjara (Solanki) architectureASI-restored 13th-century stonework

A short history

The site was fortified by the Solanki king Siddharaj Jaisinh (reigned 1093-1143), with its celebrated gates added under the Vaghela king Visaladeva around 1255 CE — the Hira Bhagol gate is credited to master architect Hiradhar. [Source: historyofvadodara.in, a dedicated regional heritage history project, cross-checked against ASI restoration records]

Why Dabhoi Fort matters

Holds the finest surviving Maru-Gurjara (Solanki-style) fortification gates in Gujarat.

When to go

October to March

How to reach

In Dabhoi town, roughly 30km southeast of Vadodara, Gujarat.

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