The state of Gujarat is a land of wonder. It is the home of the Asiatic Lion and also home to many historic landmarks including the temples of Somnath and Dwarka and the Sabarmati Ashram. It is also a state with a vibrant culture that celebrates festivals like Navratri and Uttarayan with great enthusiasm. Junagadh in Gujarat, India is an unsung treasure house of history with gems like the Mahabat Maqbara, the Buddhist Caves, and Upparkot. Here we take you on a virtual tour of the Mahabat Maqbara and the Bahauddin Ka Maqbara, both of which are visually stunning and architectural gems.
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Mahabat Maqbara, Junagadh, India – An Architectural Gem
The first sight of the Mahabat Maqbara seems to be designed to stun the viewer. It stands right in the middle of a dusty and traffic-congested street, like a lotus blooming in the mud. Mahabat Maqbara Junagadh bewilders you with its sheer exquisiteness in the least expected location. It stands in the midst of the Chittakhana Chowk, mute in grandeur, oblivious to the chaos around it, smug in its beauty.
Besides, it stands another architectural marvel of Junagadh, the Bahauddin Ka Maqbara, a beautiful masterpiece of Indo-Islamic architecture, and a gem in its own right. Both these exquisite structures evoke a sense of deja vu, and why not? Both have elements of design and architecture which are similar to other famous monuments of the world, be it the cathedrals of Europe or India’s own Taj Mahal.
Mahabat Maqbara History – About Mahabat Maqbara
The Mahabat Maqbara is a mausoleum that is built over the tomb of Nawab Sir Muhammad Mahabat Khanji II. He was the sixth in the line of the Babi dynasty founded by Nawab Muhammad Bahadur Khanji or Muhammad Sher Khan Babi in the early 18th century.
It may be noted that Muhammad Sher Khan Babi who was a Pashtun from Afghanistan, established his stronghold over what was then the Junagarh State and ruled it independently of the Mughal Sultanate that ruled over other parts of Gujarat.
With the advent of the British, Junagarh State too was part of the British Raj, however, the Nawabs of Junagarh were allowed to rule over their state. This fact led to more and more English influence on the Nawabs and this could also be seen in their architectural endeavours.
The Mahabat Maqbara is a reflection of this aspect of the history of the Nawabs of Junagadh. A glowing tribute in stone to an exquisite blend of Anglo-Islamic architecture.
The construction of the mausoleum was begun by Nawab Mahabat Khan II himself in the year 1878. The mausoleum took 14 long years to be completed and the Nawab died before his dream mausoleum could be completed. However, it was completed by his successor Nawab Muhammad Bahadur Khanji III in the year 1892. The Nawab lies in silent splendour within the exquisite contours of the dream that he had visualized.
Mahabat Maqbara Architecture – A Gem of Euro-Indo-Islamic Architecture
Nawab Mahabat Khan II was a connoisseur of European architecture. When he began the construction of the Mahabat Maqbara, Gothic style was prevalent across Europe, and so Gothic elements made their way into the design of the mausoleum. The Mahabat Maqbara is built in an Indo-Islamic style but is interspersed richly with Gothic and other elements of European architecture.
French Windows and Gothic columns blend harmoniously with elements of Islamic architecture with awe-inspiring results. At first glance you feel you are in front of a Gothic cathedral, however, the illusion fades as you also spot the Islamic elements.
The peak of the Mahabat Maqbara is topped with a large onion dome and this is surrounded by a cluster of smaller onion domes. A rich array of Gothic columns, arches, and intricate carvings on the exterior frame aesthetically placed French windows. The elements of Indian, Islamic, Gothic, and European architecture blend together to create a visual feast that is mesmerizing.
Bahauddin Ka Maqbara – Bahauddin Vazir Kabar
The Mahabat Maqbara with its exquisite beauty has your attention riveted and holds you in thrall. However, if you are able to shift your gaze a little, another visual treat awaits you. The Bhauddin Ka Maqbara stands a few meters away and astounds you with a design that seems at once beautiful and eccentric.
There seems to be an uncanny resemblance to the Taj Mahal, not unlike the Bibi Ka Maqbara in Aurangabad, yet the structure is unique. Yes, you can see four minarets standing at the four corners of the main structure, just like the Taj Mahal. However, the unique and eye-grabbing feature here is the staircases of these minarets which are on the outside and hug the minarets like creepers attached to a tree. This is a feature that is unique, for most towers or Minars in India including the Qutub Minar in Delhi or those at the Taj-ul-Masajid in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, have staircases built on the inside.
The beautiful Bahauddin Maqbara is built over the tomb of the Vazir or Minister of Nawab. There is a college in Junagadh which is more than 100 years old and is named after Bahauddin Vazir. The college is another beautiful example of Indo-European architecture.
Mahabat Maqbara Timings – Mahabat Maqbara Information
When we visited Mahabat Maqbara, we found that the only information available there is a board put up by the Archaeological Survey of India. There is no information about timings nor is there any ticketing. Some beggars had taken refuge in the premises. However, we have learned that Gujarat Tourism is working on a project for the restoration and conservation of these stunning monuments, which is really heartening.
Best Time To Visit Mahabat Maqbara India
Junagadh is really hot in the summers with extremely high temperatures. The best time to visit Junagadh is during the winter months which is from October to February.
How To Reach Mahabat Maqbara Gujarat
- Mahabat Maqbara is located in the city of Junagadh in district Junagadh of Gujarat state in India
- The nearest airports are in Rajkot and Porbandar which are about 100 kilometres away
- Junagadh is connected by rail and road to other places in Gujarat and India
Do you want to visit these beautiful architectural wonders of Junagadh? You can plan a trip to Junagadh and, you can book a cheap flight through TripAdvisor or Agoda or CheapAir or Cleartrip or Makemytrip or Priceline right here. If you are thinking of a road trip to Junagadh from anywhere in India check out the rental car and bus options.
Where To Stay When Visiting Mahabat Maqbara Junagadh India
There is much to see in and around Junagadh and would require staying there for a few days at the least. We had stayed in a hotel near the Gir National Park and then driven down to Junagadh. But you can check out the various options for hotels in and around Junagadh.
If you are looking for the best hotels in Junagadh to book, you can do that right here. You can book your hotel in Junagadh through TripAdvisor or Cleartrip or Agoda or Makemytrip or Priceline conveniently right here! You could also opt for booking an Airbnb in Junagadh.
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Other Places To Visit In Junagarh – Junagadh Paryatan Sthal
Apart from the Mahabat Maqbara of Junagadh, there are many places of interest in Junagadh. Here is a list of some of the places to visit in Junagadh.
- Uparkot
- Ranakdevi Palace or Jama Masjid
- Adi-Kadi Vav
- Nawghan Kuvo
- Khapra Kodiya Caves
- Buddhist Caves of Uparkot
- Baba Pyare Caves
- Narsinh Mehta no Choro
Plan your visit to Junagadh
For your Junagadh itinerary, you can book your Junagadh trips, right here. So go ahead and book online places to see in and around Junagadh and experience popular activities in Junagadh and cover attractions in Junagadh. If you are planning to do a road trip from Ahmedabad or Rajkot then you can opt for this trip from Ahmedabad to Rajkot and Junagarh.
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FAQ – Mahabat Maqbara Junagadh, Gujarat, India
Who built Mahabat Maqbara?
The Mahabat Maqbara Mausoleum by Nawab Mahabat Khan II of Junagadh (1851–82).
Where can I find Mahabat Maqbara information in English?
This Mahabat Maqbara blog post provides complete information.
What is Mahabat Maqbara Palace?
There is no palace, it is only a mausoleum of the Junagadh Nawab.
How old is Mahabat Maqbara, Junagadh?
It is more than 100 years old.
Is this a Mohabbat ka Maqbara?
The monument has nothing to do with “Mohabbat”, or love unlike the Taj Mahal, it is a mausoleum for the Nawab whose name is Mahabat Khan.
What is Mausoleum’s meaning?
A mausoleum is an external structure that is built over a tomb or burial space.
What is the Junagadh maqbara history?
Please refer to the history section above to know more about history.
The sun was descending towards the west when we left the precincts of the two lovely monuments. The glaring light of the sun fell on the monuments illuminating them with a luminescent glow. We looked back at these marvels that stood in sepulchral silence and grandeur, oblivious of the hustle and bustle around them.
Have you been to Junagadh in Gujarat? If you have not and are planning to, do not miss visiting these beautiful gems. We are sure that the images of Mahabat Maqbara are enough to lure you to Junagadh.
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Woah! Bahauddin Ka Maqbara seemed amazing! So many cool places to be explored, thank you so much for sharing!
Wow, the architectural detail is stunning! I especially like the minaret staircases of Bahauddin Ka Maqbara. They look like snakes or dragons circling up.
It’s really cool to see something with a hint of Gothic style in the Mahabat Maqbara – it is such an interesting blend of British and Indian styles. I can’t imagine seeing something like that anywhere else in the world!
Love how you described Mahabat Maqbara as a lotus blooming in the mud. It’s interesting how it incorporates architectural elements from different parts of the world. Bhauddin Ka Maqbara defs caught my attention too and I’d love to see it!
Bahauddin Ka Maqbara looks so beautiful. The historic structure seems so mesmerizing, Love the detailing, some parts resemble Hampi a lot too.. Makes me want to visit this
Wow, I definitely agree with you that the Mahabat Maqbara is stunning! The unique blend of different types of architecture is amazing!
Bahauddin ka Maqbara was what grabbed my attention. Totally loved how the article gives a detailed idea including all the places of interest and accommodations in Junagarh.
I’m not surprised that some of those buildings took so many years to erect. There’s so much attention detail!
This is one of the reason Junagarh has been on my radar for quite a while now…was supposed to visit here in end of 2020 but now have to push my trip by at least a year
The architecture and artistic carvings are quite impressive. I never knew about this maqbara and would love to visit now. I’m glad you shared it with us.
It blows my mind that such beautiful structures were built before all the technology we have today! Thank you for the super informative post, it looks like a wonderful place to visit
It’s really cool to see this stunning architecture built with a hint of Gothic style in the Mahabat Maqbara – it is an amazing blend of British and Indian styles. I have been to Ahmedabad but not get much chance to explore complete Gujarat. I would love to visit this place.
Junagad, as the name itself suggests, is an architectural and archeological paradise.
This place has been do beautifully explained by you, would definitely love to visit here.
My best friend and I backpacked in Gujarat for 15 days a few years ago, but we never got to explore Mahabat Maqbara during that time. Honestly I didnt even know Mahabat Maqbara existed till now. I love those side pillars with a spiral staircase around them, looks super cool. I would love to explore this amazing architecture.
Loved your post! Junagadh is a city of architectural marvel. I will surely plan my visit there after the lockdown.
These monuments are so beautiful especially the Mahabat Maqbara. The architecture definitely has that European feel to it. This is strange, Junagadh was never pushed that much on Indian tourism curcuit. I will pin it in my bucket list.
I have visited both Bibi ka Maqbara and Taj Mahal but truly there is something unique about the structure, the staircase pattern caught my attention will surely add this place in my bucket list.
Both, the Mahabat Maqbara and the Bahauddin Ka Maqbara look too gothic with its own elements. Somewhat reminded me of houses in Europe and also of the series Sherlock!
Looking at it, all I can wonder is why can’t we such structures being created today. Wouldn’t a house/villa look too good with such architecture?
Thanks for sharing such a detailed article on Mahabat Maqbara. It looks exquisite and truly an architectural beauty. I specially like the uniqueness of the minarets where the stairs are outside instead of the usual traditional design of having stairs inside. This gives the whole structure a unique identity.
wow… what an exquisite journey… loved every bit of the virtual tour. India is a such a fusion of architectural delights and this blog proves it yet again.
Your creative content actually made me to have a virtual tour to this place! Haha.. very systematically presented and I think it’s quick access for end to end information. This less know historic place is a gem!
The pictures you’ve shown here had me floored! Mahabbat ka Maqbara looks splendid with it’s fascinating blend of architecture. But my favourite was Bhauddin Ka Maqbara. I would travel all the way to Gujarat just to be able to witness the beauty of this place in person!
I’ve seen pictures of the Mahabat Maqbara before but never known the history behind it or where it was located. The Islamic influence on the architecture is very clear, and the minarets with the spiral staircases on the outside are so eye-catching. I could just spend hours here trying to capture as many angles and details of the structure as possible.