Tuesday, 06 October 2009 03:47

Durbar Hall Museum

About:

Located in the historic city of Junagarh in Gujarat, the Durbar Hall Museum is one of the most famous tourist attractions of Gujarat. The beautiful Durbar Hall was used as durbar (court) of the erstwhile Nawabs of Junagadh. The Durbar Hall has many interesting sections like Picture Gallery, Palanquin, Textile and Arms Gallery.

 

The Durbar Hall Museum displays exciting collections of weapons and armor, belonging to the period of the Junagarh Nawabs along with other interesting curios and artifacts. The Museum also displays silver chains, chandeliers, settees, thrones, palanquins, howdahs, cushions, gowns and a large carpet that was woven in the Junagarh jail.

The collections of the museum takes one back to the period of the Nawabs of Junagadh. The museum houses Royal furniture, silver-plated throne, silver chair and silk carpets. Different types of zummers, mirrors, silver objects, oil paintings, miniature paintings, photographs, palanquins, arms, albums, huge chandeliers, royal armory, portraits and golden ornaments are also preserved in the museum.

Darbar Hall Museum is an art museum situated at Junagadh, in Gujarat. The museum is housed in the hall where the erstwhile Nawabs of Junagadh used to hold court. Established in 1966, Darbar Hall Museum gives an insight into the period of Nawabi rule in Junagadh.

The museum exhibits silver plated thrones, fine carpets, huge chandeliers and a red silk carpet with diamonds resembling stars of a crimson sky. Carpets lavishly embroidered with gold thread, huge chandeliers, royal armory, portraits and paintings are also on display. Darbar Hall Museum is the part of City Palace.

Of all the Tourist attractions in Junagadh, the Museums display a lot of the relics within the territory of walls and buildings and people with interest in historical happenings, can savor a taste of the same with utmost gusto. It provides visitors ample opportunities to go through the antics, historical manuscripts, and archeological remains all under one roof.Out of the two Museums in Junagadh, the Durbar Hall Museum is the more popular one and houses the a varied range of items and memorabilia which give us the image of the Nawabs' era and an insight into the ways of life and different instruments used during that period.



Weapons, arms, war items, gold and silver items, jewelry, paintings on big as well as small canvases, palanquins, howdahs adorn the Durbar Hall Museum. Rich ornamental carpets, intricately designed silver thrones, beautiful chandeliers speak of the tastes of the then Nawabs of Junagadh. One of the most precious possessions of the Durbar Hall Museum, Junagadh is the silver plated howdah decorated most ostensibly with silver mermaids at four corners and a tiger made out of silver posing to protect the rich velvet seats.

Location info:

Address:Durbar Hall Museum,Junagadh,Gujarat,India
District: Junagadh
Nearest City: Junagadh
Language: Gujarati, Hindi.
Best time to visit: October to March

Climate/Weather:

Junagarh is mild with temperature summers.beatween 34-43°C in winters and 28-34°C in the

History:

The Durbar Hall Museum,was set up in the year1966.Junagadh actually has been a courthouse in the times of the Nawabs - where all court cases used to be put up to be fought for or against. Part of the old city palace, the court was later converted into a museum, preserving the tokens and mementos which speaks of the grandeur and glory of the past ages of Nawabs and Sultans.

Interesting things to do:

Interesting things to Visit:

Ashokan Edicts:
Located at the base of the Girinagara or Urjayata Hill, the boulder bearing the edicts of Ashoka placed within a small building at the side of the road established itself at 210 31 N and 700 28 E. The first fourteen edicts here are that of Ashoka and are etched in the eastern side of the boulder. Then later Mahakshatrapa Rudradaman I in 150 A.D and Skandagupta in 450 A.D incorporated their inscriptions describing the dire straits brought about by the destruction of the embankments of Sudarshan Lake by the rivers Suvarna Sikta and Palasini. Of all the monuments and Forts in Junagadh, the edicts of Ashoka carry the philosophy in its weightiest terms.

 

Etched in a huge boulder, the edicts were founded by James Todd, but it was much later by 1837 that Rev. Dr. John Wilson who made them properly known to the world by copying the edicts and in 1843 they were enlisted in the Bombay branch journal by the Royal Asiatic Society.

Mahabat Maqbara:
The city of Junagadh can boast of some beautiful ancient mausoleum erected by the Nawabs of Junagadh in the 18th century in the area around Chitkana Chowk. These mausoleum are charming in their own way, with nicely designed arches, vertical columns, and intricate stone carvings. However, the mausoleum built later; or rather the newer ones are more attractive and lure a greater number of tourists who floch to this place every year. The yellow mausoleum, Mahabat Maqbara, Junagadh, is a masterpiece of it own kind. The uniqueness of the affluence of silver at the portals teemed with intricate carvings and the winding staircase encircling the four minarets attract a lot of tourists to its site. The onion shaped dome also adds to the entire beauty of the spectacle.

Uperkot Fort:
From the little chronological information that we get regarding the historical origin of the Uperkot Fort, Junagadh, was built by Chandragupta Maurya in 319 B.C. Later, around 10th century, Rah Grahar reconstructed the entire palace out of the ruins and built the fort along with all the updated requirements of a proper one. However, according to whatever evidence is available, it can be said that the fort was erected in or around the third century or in the times of the Mahabharata.

Concrete historical pages since 875 A.D say that the Uperkot Fort had served as the capital to 20 rulers of the following dynasties: Maurya, Gupta, Mandlik, Mahipal, Khengar and Navghan, sustaining 16 assaults, the last one being in 1784 all with little success though. Further down, the fort has been put to use by the British as military quarters for the country till year 1947.

Junagadh Zoo Museum:
The Junagadh Zoo Museum, Junagadh is one of the most frequented Tourist attractions in Junagadh for obvious reasons. A museum incorporated within the premises of a zoological garden is undoubtedly exclusive in its own sense. It is situated at the foothills of Mount Girnar.Set up in 1863 A.D, and situated at 4km north of the southern part of Junagadh, the Sakkar Bagh Zoo, Junagadh, is oldest of its kind in the entire state of Gujarat, set up by the Nawab with a view to keep poaching under control of the Asiatic lion. It is a well maintained animal park , home to several species of motley colored birds, including flamingos, tigers, lions, leopards and other royal beasts. In the very premises of the zoo, there exists the Junagadh Zoo Museum, Junagadh with various objects which emit cultural evidences from the past

Wellington Dam:
Built by the Britishers near the foot of Datar hill. The three sides and a garden in front it affords an enchanting view.

Wellington Dam:
Built by the Britishers near the foot of Datar hill. The three sides and a garden in front it affords an enchanting view.

Scince Museum:
Scince Museum is gujarat’s first and the only private science museum. More than 60 working science projects based on science facts. Which can be operated by visitors. Worth visiting attached one small aquarium and evening open air garden restaurant garden café serves south Indian and Punjabi dishes since 1981.

Narsinh Maheta Lake:
Narsinh Maheta Lake is a beautiful lake constructed by joint effort of the people of Junagadh near Talav Gate.

Bhavnath Mahadev:
Located at the foot hills of the Girnar Hills, the Bhavnath Mahadev Temple is one of the foremost Holy Places in Junagadh. Nothing much is known about its precise origin but there is no scope of doubt about its historicity. It has stood their since ancient times. Visited by religious minded devotees all along the year, it is however best known for being the venue of the famous Bhavnath Fair.Held in the month of Magha as per the Hindu calendar (roughly coincides with January/February) this fair is the meeting point of a large number of people and is celebrated with a great deal of mirth and good cheer. It continues for five days. Events include performances put up by folk singers and dancers. One of the most striking features of this fair hosted at the Bhavnath Mahadev Temple is the active participation of the Naga Bavas.

The worship starts at mid night on the 14th day of the dark half in the Magha month and as soon as the puja commences these sages are seen advancing towards the Bhavnath Mahadev Temple seated on elephants holding flags in their hands. The air reverberates with the sounds of the conch shells, the tungis and the turis. A strong belief is prevalent that on this day Lord Shiva himself visits the Bhavnath Mahadev Temple. The organizers serve free meals to the visitors on this auspicious occasion.

Temple of Gorakhnath:
The Temple of Gorakhnath, Junagadh, Gujarat, India is an ancient temple. However, no comprehensive records are found till date to establish the date of its construction.

Junagadh Temple of Gorakhnath is positioned at the Girnar Hill in the district of Junagadh, Gujarat. Girnar Hill lies about 5 kms to the east of Junagadh. The presiding deity at this temple is Lord Gorakhnath. In the vicinity of this beautiful temple, you would get the chance to see several other Hindu temples along with a number of Jain temples.

Neminath Temple:
This rectangular temple is devoted to Neminath, the famous 22nd Tirthankar of Jainism. The Junagadh Temple of Neminath houses a deity of Lord Neminath. This presiding deity dwells in lotus along with a conch. Carved in black stone, Lord Neminath presents an awe inspiring sight.The construction of this temple began in 1128 AD and was finished in 1159 AD. Two brothers, Vastupal and Tejpal, were the brain behind the construction of Neminath Temple. It was this duo who is also held in high esteem for Mount Abu's Dilwara temples, a marvelous piece of architecture.

Amba Mata Temple:
The Temple of Amba Mata, Junagadh, Gujarat, India is an ancient shrine. This temple dates back to the 12th century.Junagadh Temple of Amba Mata is positioned on top of the Girnar Hill that's 600 meter in height. The presiding deity at this Hindu temple is Goddess Amba, an incarnation of the mother Goddess. Every year, thousand of pilgrims come to this temple to offer their prayers and seek divine blessings. This temple is especially a place frequented by the newly married couples who arrive at this place to be blessed by the Goddess. It is believed that the blessings of Goddess Amba would ensure eternal conjugal bliss for the couple.

Mallinath Temple:
Actually the Junagadh Temple of Mallinath is a triple temple. The exteriors of this temple are exquisitely carved and present a stunning sight to behold. At this temple, you would be able to get a captivating insight into Jain religious rituals. Akin to a Hindu temple, pilgrims at this place also offer leaves, fruit, flowers, vermilion, sandalwood paste and grains to the deity, amidst ringing of the bells and chanting of mantras. Once the pooja gets over, these devotees adorn their foreheads with liberal daubs of vermilion as well as sandalwood paste. A generous amount of money is also offered for the upkeep of the shrine.The credit of the construction of Temple of Mallinath, Junagadh, Gujarat, India goes to two brothers named Vastupal and Tejpal. Junagadh Temple of Mallinath was erected in 1177 by this duo.

Girnar Hill:
Rising up on the outskirts of Junagadh is Mt Girnar, whose 3660 foot high summit is crowned by some of the finest and religiously most important temples. The climb is a steep one and best undertaken in the very early hours of the morning. The main entrance to the hill is in front of the Uparkot. On the hill top there are Jain and Hindu temples standing in a quadrangular courtyard. The main temple, which is surrounded by pillared cloisters containing 70 cells is dedicated to the 22nd Jain Thirthankara (God) Neminath. Further up from Neminath Temple, the Amba Temple is where newly married Hindu prays for a happy marriage.

Bazaars in Junagadh:
The bustling town of Junagadh in Gujarat carries with it a long history of tradition and heritage. This princely town has been the capital of the Mauryan and the Gupta dynasty and later on was the reigning seat of the Chudasama Rajputs from the 9th to the 15th century. It is located at the foothills of Mount Girnar and is an important Jain pilgrim points.The temples situated at Mount Girnar are some of the most frequented spots in Junagadh. The journey uphill is strenuous when you consider the 2000 steps that you have to climb but rewarding in ways more than one. The 16 shrines in the mountain top reflects the architectural splendor of Junagadh. Apart from the tourist attractions you can also visit the Bazaars in Junagadh which is a good way to spend a leisurely afternoon.

Mobile range info:

How to reach?

Nearest Railway Station:Junagadh railway station,connected to Ahmedabad
Nearest Airport:Keshod 37 km & Rajkot 99 km,connected to Mumbai airport
Road Transport:State connect Junagarh with Bhavnagar, Ahmedabad 321 km, Gir, Rajkot 101 km , Bhuj, Dwarka, Somnath, Palitana, Surat, Vadodara, Porbandar 113 km . Taxis, Auto-rickshaws, Tongas & City Bus services are available for local transport.

Nearest Visiting places:

Chorwad Beach:
Chorwad Beach is 66 kilometres from Junagadh and 23 kilometres from the fishing centre of Veraval, Chorwad is a delightful resort on the sunny coast of Gujarat. The only beach in India where you can live in the timeless splendour of a palace built amidst soft golden sand facing the beach. It was built by the former Nawabs of Junagadh. The nearest Airport is Keshod. An excellent road connects to Junagarh, Girnar, the Gir Forest sanctuary and the famous temple of Somnath.

 

Sasan Gir Forest & Sanctuary:
It is situated 65 Kms. from Junagadh via Keshod (where there is an airport). It is connected both by Rail as well as Road. Sasan Gir Sanctuary provides refuge to that rare species-the Asiatic Lion. The sanctuary covers an area of 500 sq. miles of dry, open scrubland where the lions roam freely. They can be seen on guided jeep tours through the jungles. The museum inside the sanctuary provides knowledge about environment and its relationship with human beings. Apart from the lions, the wild life includes antelope, hyena, fox, monkeys, lipard, the nilgai or black buck, chinkara, chousingha and other species of the deer family. The habitat varies from arid to semi-arid. Grasslands, scrub, savannah and dry deciduous forests are intersected by several hill and river systems.

Somnath temple :
Situated 79 Kms. from Junagadh and 30 Kms from Chorwad, the legendary shore temple of Somnath is one of the twelve most sacred Shiva shrines in India. According to the legend, Somnath is as old as creation, built by none other than Soma, the Moon God himself. Somnath was destroyed seven times, and seven times, it was rebuilt. Mehmud of Gazni having heard of its fabulous treasure, raided it in 1026 and carried away camel-loads of jewels and gold.

Madhavpur:
Junagadh Madhavpur beach, which made news recently for Tropex-2009 military exercise, has another claim to fame. It is home to a two-decade long conservation project of Green Sea and Olive Ridley turtles: both endangered marine species included in Schedule-1 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.According to the Forest department, over 10,000 baby turtles have been safely released in the Arabian Sea this year.Ever since the conservation work began nearly 20 years ago, around 2 lakh baby turtles have been released into the sea.

Ahmedpur- Mandvi:
Ahmedpur- Mandvi is a beautiful sea-resort which commands a panoramic view across the creek of Diu island. This beach stretches around 6-km and provides utmost relaxation to visitors and ideal place for water sports as mentioned above and enjoying traditional food in huts decorated with local style of architecture.

Nearest Petrol Pump:

HP Petrol Pump:Nearest jayshree cinema Junagadh,Gujarat,India

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

Hotel Indralok:Railway Station Road, Nr. Majevadi Gate,Junagadh, Gujarat,Ph:0285 2658511

 

Hotel Shikhar Palace:Shikhar Complex,Jayshree Road,Kalwa Chowk,Junagadh,Gujarat,Ph:0285 2626596

Things to carry:

Tips & Suggestions:

Help Line/Phone Number:

Police Station:100
Nearest Hospital:
Dr. BR Sureja:Junagadh,Gujarat,India
Government civil hospital:Junagadh,Gujarat,India
Society/Community Phone Number:
Links:
www.mapsofindia.com
www.gujaratholiday.com

Video

Dynamic View

Somnath Temple
Somnath of Prabhas Pattana, situated on the southern coast of Saurastra, in the province of Sorath, now known as Jungadh in the state of Gujarat, holds the prestigious temple of Sri Someshwar, which is supposed to have witnessed the dawn of time. The present temple is an imposing structure: its imposing exterior is adorned with marvellous sculpture; it has a grand sabha mandap in front; its shikhara measures 155 feet. The jyotirlinga installed on the Brahmasila is about four feet in height and is adorned with spectacular sandal paste decorations, a novelty here. There are hundreds of priests in the service of the Lord, attending to His needs, round the clock....more
Ahmedpur Mandvi Beach
Mandvi is one of the finest beaches on the Gujarat shoreline. The beach is white and firm, ideal for walks, and the water perfect for swimming. Seemingly unending, with sands ideal for astle building by kids, and shallow waters for a wading, this is a great spot for a family holiday. A variety of water sports like water scooters, skiing, surfing, para sailing, speed boat trips are on offer. Cottage Resort Magico Do Mar is one of the highlight of this beach offering air-conditioned rooms, pleasant lawns, palm groves. The resort bungalow facing garden towards sea offers wonderful sight which should not be missed.When you've had enough of lazing in the sun and are ready for some action and fun, you can participate in any of the numerous beach activities offered on the beautiful Indian beaches!For instance, you could indulge in any of the exciting water sports such as surfing or parasailing, or go swimming in the clear blue sea, or even try your hand at building a sand castle or playing a game of beach volleyball...more
Chorwad Beach
A visit to Chorwad Beach in Gujarat, India, offers ample of opportunity to the tourists to know about the ins and outs of the Chorwad Beach in Gujarat, India. Chorwad Beach in Gujarat, India is yet another beautiful and scenic spot which if marketed well can figure high in the itinerary of the domestic and international tourists. Chorwad Beach is an interesting and alluring amalgamation of rocky crags and bowlderish seafront along with jaunty boat rides across the Chorwad seafront and to cap it all with opportunities to visit Porbandar and Somnath and other nearby beach destinations and other travel destinations worth their salt in terms of beauty and ambience....more
Madhavpur Beach
Madhavpur is a small town located 60 kms southwest of historic town Porbandar. Madhvapur Beach is one of the beautiful sandy beaches in Gujarat. Beautiful sandy beaches lined here with coconut trees.It is believed that Lord Krishna had married Rukmini in Madhavpur. The Legend is kept alive by holding a fair on Chaitra Sud 12 every year. There is also a Bethak of Mahaprabhuji as Shri Vallabhachrya who had given discourse on Shrimad Bhagwat for seven days here.Madhavpur beach, which made news recently for Tropex-2009 military exercise, has another claim to fame. It is home to a two-decade long conservation project of Green Sea and Olive Ridley turtles: both endangered marine species included in Schedule-1 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.According to the Forest department, over 10,000 baby turtles have been safely released in the Arabian Sea this year.Ever since the conservation work began nearly 20 years ago, around 2 lakh baby turtles have been released into the sea.....more
Uperkot Fort
The state of Gujarat boasts of a number of historical Forts and monuments in Junagadh. Built and rebuilt repeatedly the Uperkot Fort, Junagadh one of the two fortifications of the city, has of late become one of the main Tourist attractions in Junagadh. Adding to the advantage of the fort being less thronged has helped it retain the ethnicity without losing any bit of its charm.The fort has many interesting exhibits like the two guns placed on the western wall and believed to have been cast in Egypt. The bigger one is called the Nilamtope and the other one is known as Kadanal. In and around the fort one can find several Buddhist caves...more

 

Mahabat Maqbara
The Mahabat Maqbara in a Junagadh city,The etymological meaning of Junagadh is "old Fort". It is located in the state of Gujarat in the laps of the sacred hills of Girnar in Saurashtra. Amongst the various forts and monuments in Junagadh, one of the major Tourist attractions in Junagadh, the Mahabat Maqbara, Junagadh is an exquisite exhibition of the nineteenth century art and architecture.The yellow mausoleum, Mahabat Maqbara, Junagadh, is a masterpiece of it own kind. The uniqueness of the affluence of silver at the portals teemed with intricate carvings and the winding staircase encircling the four minarets attract a lot of tourists to its site.....more
Ashokan Edicts
Ashokan Rock edicts are situated at Lat. 210 31 N; Long 700 28 E. The Rock edicts of Emperor Ashokan were engraved on a granite boulder on the slope of Girinagara or Urjayata Hill. On the eastern face of it was engraved 14 Rock edicts by Ashoka and later epigraphs of Mahakshatrapa Rudradaman I and Skandagupta were also recorded on it, the Rock edict was first reported by James Todd in 1822. The other two epigraphs have a common purpose, which was recording the history of the breaking of dams of Sudarshan Lake occurring because of the turbulent storm waters of river Suvarna Sikta and Palasini rushing down the hill slopes.....more
Zoo Museum-Junagadh
Junagadh Zoo is famous around the world for the Asiatic Lions it boasts of. The zoo is also known as Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden. A trip to Junagadh would remain incomplete without a visit to the Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden.The Junagadh Zoo was built in 1863 by the then Nawab. Incidentally, the zoo is the oldest one in Gujarat. He had set up this zoo in order to save the Asiatic Lion from extinction. Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden is located at around 3.5 km from the center of the city. The zoo is open on all days of the week from 9 in the morning to 6 in the evening. Entry fee to this zoo is Rs 3. Junagadh Zoo is home to 71 species of animals. According to latest reports, there are around 850 animals in the zoo.....more
Girnar Hill
Girnar is one of the holiest places in Gujarat situated near Junagadh at a distance of 327 from Ahmedabad. It is a holy place and an important pilgrimage for both Hindus and Jains. There are a number of temples located here, which have converted it into a township of temples. Amidst the lush green Gir Forest, the mountain range serves as the hub of religious activity. Apart from this, there is a mosque attracting many Muslim pilgrims to the place. This has made Girnar a perfect example of unity in diversity in India.The tallest of these rises to 945 meters 3600 feet, the highest peak in Gujarat. The first peak of Girnar has a collection of Digambar and Shwetamber temples....more
Bhavnath Fair
A visit to Tourism of Gujarat, offers a golden opportunity to the tourist to undertake a tour across Gujarat and also to the bright and charming Bhavnath fair, being celebrated in Gujarat, India. Tourism of Gujarat, offers travel related information that Bhavnath fair in Gujarat, India, is home to a multitude of tourists and devotees who throng the location to be part of the mammoth experience. Bhavnath Fair, in Gujarat, India, is held in Junagadh, annually, with the fair coinciding with the grandiose and very famous festival of Shivratri, being celebrated in the same month as the Bhavnath fair of Junagadh, in Gujarat, India. Bhavnath fair, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and a lot of revelry goes on in the Shiva temples and along with that the temples are visited by Naga Sadhus, and watching them is a novel and enigmatic experience....more
Madhavpur Fair
A visit to Tourism of Gujarat, takes the interested tourist on a journey across the length and breadth of Gujarat, situated in India, so that a selective screening of the charms of Madhavpur fair can take place. Tourism of Gujarat, offers travel related information about the grand and colorful Madhavpur Fair, in Gujarat, India. Madhavpur Fair being held in Gujarat, India, is actually held in Madhavpur which is a small town located near the legendary and historic town of Porbandar, situated in Gujarat, India.
Madhavpur, situated in Gujarat, India, otherwise is a sleepy, silent town, which comes to life when the stirrings of the grand Madhavpur Fair, being held in Madhavpur, Gujarat, India, wake it up from its deep slumber.....more
Jamvada waterfall
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Gira Waterfall
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Gir Forest National Park
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Bhadar river
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