Description:
Patan is hardly 140 kms from Ahemedabad. This old capital of Gujarat, stands testimony to the most prosperous era during the Solanki or the Chalukya dynasty which prevailed for 600 years between 8th to the 14th century. The town has a mention in the ancient scriptures as well. Ravaged by time and plundered for religion and relics, the city now has very little of its earlier glory. Yet, what remains is sufficient to provide a glimpse of the past.
The Queen's Step well, Rani ni vav, is the stunning masterpiece of the skills of the artisans of the Solanki era. It was constructed by the mother of Karnadeva during the 11th century. Although built in the Khajuraho kind of architecture, it has no erotic sculptures. The well lay buried under the sand for ages which has preserved the images and is a must visit for any traveler.
The enchanting Sahastralinga Talav or tank of the thousand Shiva shrines was constructed in the early 12th century by Jayasimha Siddharaja. Spread over an area of 5 kms the place is must visit.
The Jain temples of Patan are said to be over a hundredin number. Largest among them is the one dedicated to Panchasara Parsvanatha. It has the best known white marble image of Vanaraja and contains valuable Jain manuscripts, some of which are written in the ink made of gold.
