Mahabat Maqbara Palace, also known as the Mausoleum of Bahaduddinbhai Hasainbhai, is a twin complex of buildings that are located in the city of Junagadh, Gujarat, India. The complex comprises a palace and a mosque that were built in the late 19th century by the Nawabs of Junagadh, the Muslim rulers of the region. The complex is known for its striking combination of Gothic and Islamic styles, with elaborate carvings, domes, minarets, windows, columns, and doorways. The complex is a testimony to the cultural diversity and artistic skills of the people of Junagadh. Visit during One Day Junagadh sightseeing Trip By Private Cab
Location of Mahabat Maqbara Palace
Mahabat Maqbara Palace is located on MG Road, near the Junagadh Railway Station, in the heart of Junagadh city. Junagadh is the headquarters of Junagadh district in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat. Junagadh is situated at the foot of the Girnar hills, about 355 kilometers (221 miles) from Ahmedabad, the capital city of Gujarat.
Timing / Entry Fees Mahabat Maqbara Palace
The complex is open to the public every day from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The entry fee for Indian visitors is Rs. 10 per person, and for foreign visitors is Rs. 50 per person. There is no camera fee for still or video cameras. The visitors can also hire a guide for Rs. 100 to learn more about the history and architecture of the complex.
How to Reach Mahabat Maqbara Palace
The nearest airport to Junagadh is Rajkot Airport, which is about 103 kilometers (64 miles) away. There are regular flights from Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, and other major cities to Rajkot. From Rajkot, one can take a taxi or a bus to Junagadh, which takes about 2 to 3 hours.
The nearest railway station to Junagadh is Junagadh Junction, which is well connected to Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Veraval, Somnath, and other cities by trains. From the railway station, one can take an auto-rickshaw or a taxi to Mahabat Maqbara Palace, which takes about 10 minutes.
Junagadh is also accessible by road from Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Veraval, Somnath, and other cities by buses or cars. The distance from Ahmedabad to Junagadh is about 355 kilometers (221 miles), from Rajkot to Junagadh is about 100 kilometers (62 miles), and from Veraval to Junagadh is about 80 kilometers (50 miles).
Things to Do / Must See Mahabat Maqbara Palace
Mahabat Maqbara Palace is a magnificent attraction that mesmerizes visitors with its beauty and history. Some of the things to do and see at the complex are:
- Explore the Palace: The palace was built by Nawab Mahabat Khan II (1851–82) and completed by his successor Nawab Bahadur Khan III (1882–92). It houses the grave of Nawab Bahaduddinbhai Hasainbhai, one of the chief nobles in the court of Nawab Mahabat Khan II. The palace has a yellow-walled exterior with intricate carvings on its inner and outer façades. The palace has onion-shaped domes, French-style windows, sculptures, marble tracery work, marble columns, marble jalis and silver doorways.
- Explore the Mosque: The mosque was built by Sheikh Bahauddin Hussain Bhar, the vizier (minister) of Nawab Mahabat Khan II, with his own funds during 1891–1896. It is known as the Bahauddin Maqbara or Vizier’s Maqbara. The mosque has a large courtyard and a prayer hall with 140 pillars and nine domes. The mosque also has a minaret that offers a view of the city and the hills.
- Enjoy the Architecture: The complex is known for its stunning blend of Gothic and Islamic styles, with considerable European influence. The complex showcases the amalgamation of Indo-Islamic styles (mainly Gujarat Sultanate and Mughal) with Gothic elements (such as domes, windows, columns, and doorways). The complex reflects the cultural diversity and artistic skills of the people of Junagadh.
Nearby Tourist Places of Mahabat Maqbara Palace
Junagadh has many other tourist places to explore besides Mahabat Maqbara Palace. Some of the nearby tourist places are:
- Uparkot Fort: This is a historical fort that was built in 319 BCE by Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Mauryan Empire. The fort is situated on a plateau in the eastern part of Junagadh city, at the foot of the Girnar hills. The fort covers an area of about 70 acres and is surrounded by a moat and high walls. The fort has many attractions, such as Adi Kadi Vav, Navghan Kuvo, Ashoka’s Rock Edicts, Rudradaman’s Sanskrit Inscription, Buddhist Caves, Babupyana Caves, and Jumma Masjid.
- Girnar Hill: This is a sacred hill that is revered by Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists. The hill rises to a height of 1,031 meters (3,383 feet) and has five peaks. The hill has many temples and shrines, such as the Amba Mata Temple, the Neminath Temple, the Mallinath Temple, the Gorakhnath Temple, and the Dattatreya Temple. The hill also has a natural spring called Gomukhi Ganga.
- Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden: This is a zoo that was established in 1863 by the Nawabs of Junagadh. The zoo is spread over an area of 200 hectares (494 acres) and has more than 800 animals of 80 species. The zoo is famous for its Asiatic lions, which are also found in the nearby Gir National Park.
- Darbar Hall Museum: This is a museum that was established in 1977 and is located in the former durbar hall (royal court) of the Nawabs of Junagadh. The museum displays the royal memorabilia, weapons, paintings, manuscripts, and other artifacts that belong to the Nawabs and their families. The museum also has a collection of silver chains, thrones, palanquins, and howdahs (elephant seats).
Significance of Mahabat Maqbara Palace
Mahabat Maqbara Palace is a significant place for history, culture, and tourism in Gujarat. The complex showcases the legacy of the Nawabs of Junagadh, who ruled over this region in the late 19th century. The complex also preserves a unique combination of Gothic and Islamic styles, that reflects the influence of various dynasties and religions that ruled or influenced this region over the centuries. The complex also offers a glimpse into the life and times of the Nawabs and their nobles.
FAQ’s
Q: What are the timings and entry fees of Mahabat Maqbara Palace?
A: The complex is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm every day. The entry fee for Indian visitors is Rs. 10 per person, and for foreign visitors is Rs. 50 per person.
Q: How can I reach Mahabat Maqbara Palace from Junagadh city?
A: You can reach Mahabat Maqbara Palace from Junagadh city by auto-rickshaw or taxi, which takes about 10 minutes.
Q: What are the other attractions near Mahabat Maqbara Palace?
A: There are many other attractions near Mahabat Maqbara Palace, such as Uparkot Fort, Girnar Hill, Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden, and Darbar Hall Museum.
Q: When was Mahabat Maqbara Palace built?
A: Mahabat Maqbara Palace was built by Nawab Mahabat Khan II (1851–82) and completed by his successor Nawab Bahadur Khan III (1882–92).
Q: Why is Mahabat Maqbara Palace known for its Gothic and Islamic styles?
A: Mahabat Maqbara Palace is known for its Gothic and Islamic styles because it combines Indo-Islamic styles (mainly Gujarat Sultanate and Mughal) with Gothic elements (such as domes, windows, columns, and doorways).
Conclusion
Mahabat Maqbara Palace is a stunning attraction that mesmerizes visitors with its beauty and history. The complex consists of a palace and a mosque that were built in the late 19th century by the Nawabs of Junagadh, the Muslim rulers of the region. The complex is known for its striking combination of Gothic and Islamic styles, with elaborate carvings, domes, minarets, windows, columns, and doorways. The complex is a testimony to the cultural diversity and artistic skills of the people of Junagadh. If you are planning to visit Junagadh, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Mahabat Maqbara Palace and experience its history and architecture. Book your ticket now and enjoy a memorable trip to Mahabat Maqbara Palace.
