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Sounds Of
Gujarat
Navaratri, the most important
festival in Gujarat, is best known
for its typical dances –Dandiya
and Garba Raas. The entire state
moves to the rhythm of these
dances that last for nine nights or
Navaratri. Shashi Sahai takes us on
a discovery of Gujarat during its
most festive moments, to show
also its cultural and architectural
heritage that has a unique mix of
Hindu, Islamic and Jain art and
also the influence that Father of
modern India, Mahatma Gandhi,
continues to have over this state
where he was born and spent his
formative years.
Navaratri
People labour for months to design,
stitch, assemble or buy the best
get-ups for Navaratri. This is the
period when the women of Gujarat
shop for entire wardrobes of
chaniya-cholis, the most popular dress
during Navaratri.
For once, even the men preen
themselves pretty much as a peacock,
from their colorful turbans to
embroidered shoes, embroidered
jackets called kediyas and jhabba
kurtas.
The entire atmosphere is one of
revelry and celebrations for the nine
nights leading up to the eve of
Dusserra, the day when Goddess
Durga is said to have defeated the
demon, Mahishasura, and Lord
Rama defeated and killed demon
king Ravana who had kidnapped his
wife, Sita.
The dances are usually centred
around mandvi, a structure erected
for the purpose, which is illuminated
by traditional lamps or diyas placed
in niches. The most popular dance
during the festival is the Garba for
women and Garbi for men,
performed in a circle with the
dancers clapping hands, snapping
fingers or striking small sticks to the
tal or beat.
Sarkhej Roza mosque
The architectural diversity of Gujarat is reflected
in the whole state. The recorded history of Gujarat
begins with the Maryan dynasty in the 3rd century.
The most important period in the history of temple
architecture in Gujarat was the reign of the Solanki
rulers in the 11th and 12th centuries. Soon
afterwards, the state fell to the invading Islamic
armies and led to the formation of the Gujarat
Sultanate, which developed an important provincial
style of architecture blending Hindu and Islamic
design elements.
Majestic and serene, Sarkhej Roza is a mosque, tomb and royal complex dedicated
to the memory of Shaikh Ahmed, the spiritual advisor of the sultan Ahmed Shah.
The Roza was a retreat for successive rulers, each one adding a garden or pavilion.
Modhera Sun temple
One of the finest example of Hindu architecture in Gujarat is the
Sun Temple at Modhera. Built in the 11th century, the temple
has a huge tank in front that has groups of shrines along its steps.
The temple has a 52 columned portico with intricate carvings
including depictions of scenes from the epics. The sanctum was
designed to allow the sunlight to illuminate the main statue, no
longer in the temple.
Land of Mahatma Gandhi
A tour of Gujarat offers an insight into the life and philosophy of the
Mahatma. In 1917, Gandhi established the Satyagraha Ashram along the
Sabarmati River in Ahmedabad. He chose a barren location so that he could
experiment with farming, livestock and other ideas. It was from this ashram
that Gandhi began his non cooperation movement and evolved from
Mohandas to the Mahatma.
The Shaking Minarets
The Shaking Minarets or Jhulti Minar
of Siddi Bashir mosque in Ahmadabad
have been built by a slave of the Sultan
Siddi Bashir in 1461. In fact, there was
no specific reason to build the minarets
to shake, but people say that it was built
so in order to avoid damages during
earthquakes. Each minaret is
three storied tall with delicately carved
stone balconies around each storey.
These minarets are about 21.34 meters
high. If either of the minarets is shaken
the other too vibrates after a few
seconds. What causes this vibration is
still a mystery
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Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad became the capital of Gujarat
in 1414, replacing Patan. The rich
mercantile class has played an important
role in the prosperity of the city. In the
markets, one can find womenfolk work
on embroidery made in villages by
Gujarati nomads or tribals. The best
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known of Gujarat’s handicrafts are those
related to its rich and colorful textiles. One
of Ahmedabad’s greatest contributions
from the Sultanate period is its outstanding
architecture, which is also the testament to
the Muslim – Jain – Hindu synthesis of that
time. Siddi Sayid Mosque: This mosque
was the last significant monument of the
sultanate period. The delicate ‘tree of life’
motif (pix on top) has become the
distinguish symbol of Ahmedabad.
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November-December 2008
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Champaner
Figuring on the UNESCO’s World Heritage list,
Champaner is one Gujarat’s most remarkable
archaeological zones with Hindu temples and stepwells.
There is also a mosque within the fortified city -- Shahr
Ki Masjid. It is an imposing structure on a hig plinth,
with a central dome, two minarets 30 meters in height,
172 pillars, seven mehrabs, and carved entrance gates
with fine stone jalis. Largely rural, Champaner possess a
rich nature and wildlife as well as hills spiritual retreat
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India & You
November-December 2008
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November-December 2008
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