Saturday, January 29, 2011

Chanderi

Chanderi


The documented history of Chanderi goes back to the early 11th century and is a kaleidoscope of movement and activity prompted by its strategic location. On the borders of Malwa and Bundelkhand, the town dominated the trade routes of Central India and was proximate to the arterial route to the ancient ports of Gujarat as well as to Malwa, Mewar, Central India and the Deccan. Consequently, Chanderi became an important military outpost, prized by rulers with power or ambition, and repeatedly experienced the might of men who moulded the destiny of Hindustan.
Chanderi is also famous for its brocades and muslins, specially for its handwoven Chanderi sarees. Here, master weavers use silk and cotton to create dazzling weaves, distinguished by beautiful borders. Usually in subtle hues, the Chanderi sarees have a sophistication hard to match. In the silk Zari sarees, influences of the Varanasi style are visible. They generally have a rich gold border and two gold bands on the pallav. The more exclusive ones have gold checks with lotus roundels all over which are known as butis.



Chanderi is surrounded by hills, lakes and forests, and there are several monuments of Bundela Rajputs and Malwa Sultans. Noteworthy among them are:
The Fort
Dominating the skyline of this lovely old town, is a Mughal fort. The vast fort was built on a 200 metre high hill during the Mughal period. Its main gate is known as the "Khooni Darwaza".
Koshak Mahal
Koshak MahalAccording to historical records, Koshak Mahal was ordered to be built by Mahmud Khilji of Malwa when he passed through Chanderi in 1445 AD. The original plan of the Khilji ruler was to construct a seven-storey palace though only two could be completed during his life time. The Mahal is divided into four equal parts and has architecture similar to Mandu.

Badal Mahal GateBadal Mahal Gate
A gate without a Mahal, it was constructed to commemorate some important victory.


Jama MasjidJama Masjid
With imposing domes and long arcades, this is possibly the biggest mosque of the erstwhile Madhya Bharat State.
Shahzadi Ka Rouza
The name is attributed to some unknown princess. The building is decorated on the exterior with ornamental arches and a band of geometrical designs.
Parameshwar Tal
Built by Bundela Rajput Kings, the picturesque Parameshwar tank is situated half a mile to the north-west of Chanderi town. It has on its bank a well-carved temple and cenotaphs of three Rajput Kings.
Battisi Bavdi
Built by Sultan Ghiyasuddin Shah in 1485, the Battisi Bavdi derives its name from a flight of thirty two steps.
Buddhi (Old) Chanderi
The old Chanderi city has a number of Jain temples of 9th and 10th centuries. It attracts thousands of Jain pilgrims from all parts of the country every year.
Thruvanji
26 km South-West of Chanderi is the old village of Thruvanji. The village has a number of Jain temples of the early medieval period.




Air 
The nearest airports are at Bhopal (258 km) and Gwalior (259 km).
Train
Lalitpur (36 km) and Jhansi (124 km) on the Delhi-Chennai and Delhi-Mumbai main line, are the convenient rail-heads. Ashok Nagar (46 km) and Mungaoli (38 km) also serve Chanderi
Bus
Chanderi is connected by bus with Gwalior, Indore, Guna, Shivpuri, Ashok Nagar, Jhansi, Lalitpur, Tikamgarh, Vidisha, Sanchi and Bhopal

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