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ZINZUWADA - Frontier fort of Solanki
dynasty
Zinzuwada is a fortified
town located at the southern edge of the little Ranna of Kutch. The town
is part of several legends related to the birth of great Solanki ruler,
Siddhraj Jaisinh, son of Minaldevi, who was born by a blessing of a
saint from a nearby place.
The fortification of
Zinzuwada dates back to the 11 th century AD. Zinzuwada was a frontier
fort of the Solanki rulers and the inscriptions on the fort walls by Uda
Mantri, a minister of Siddhraj Jaisinh, is proof of its antiquity. The
fort is built with huge stone slabs and fortification is broad enough
for two horsemen to pass at a time. Zinzuwada is one of the finest
examples of Hindu fortifications in India, without Islamic influence. In
Gujarat, another similar fort is situated at Dabhoi.
The town has four gateways in four
directions: Madapol Gate, Rakshspol Gate, Harijan Gate and Dhama Gate.
Madapol Gate is one of the finest examples of entrance gateways in the
Maru Gurjar architectural style. The gateway is decorated with multi
layered, carved, corbelled brackets resting on pillars. Images of Ganesh,
Bhairava and other protecting deities are placed in niches at a lower
level on both sides. At the upper level, one can see beautifully carved
jharokhas projecting above the niches. The town-planning layout,
location of gates and sculptural decorations are as per the ancient
Hindu architectural treatises.  |
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