Chandravati

Credits

The information is provided by @houseofachpura on Instagram.

Chandravati was an ancient and prosperous city located near Abu Road in Rajasthan, on the banks of the West Banas River. It flourished between the 7th and 15th centuries under the Paramara dynasty and was known for its Hindu and Jain temples, fine marble carvings, and advanced urban planning.

Historical Significance

Once a major medieval city, Chandravati flourished under the Paramara rulers of Abu between the 7th and 15th centuries, reaching its peak during the 11th–12th centuries.
It was once vast—spanning nearly 18 miles in circumference and serving as a cultural and political hub.
The city suffered multiple invasions, including raids by Mahmud Ghazni, Kutb-ud-din Aibak, and later the Khalji dynasty. Chandravati declined sharply after the founding of Sirohi around 1405 AD.

Ruins and Architecture

Excavations (2013–2018) uncovered dozens of Hindu and Jain temples, three fortified areas, step-wells, and a sprawling urban settlement covering about 50 hectares.
Stone carvings, mostly marble fragments of Tīrthaṅkaras and deities, along with pottery and craft tools, indicate a rich artisan culture and strong Jain influence.

Cultural Legacy

Chandravati hosted numerous Jain and Shaivite shrines, many elevated on tall brick platforms typical of Maru-Gurjara architecture. The site once featured stunning temple pillars, torans, and marble sculptures, many of which were dismantled and reused elsewhere.
Today, most structural remains are gone, though fragments like finely carved temple columns and idols survive in local museums at Machlimata (Chandravati) and near Mount Abu.

Why Visit or Document Chandravati?

• For photographers and history lovers: The ruins and open landscape convey a haunting beauty and a powerful sense of former grandeur.
  
• For scholars and enthusiasts: Chandravati speaks of ancient craft traditions, Jain monastic culture, and hydrological planning in a medieval hill-city.

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