Mahmud Begada

Mahmud Begada (May 25, 1458 – 1511) also known as Sultan Mahmud I was the great-grandson of Ahmed Shah, the founder of the Muslim Ahmadshahi Kingdom, and of the City of Ahmedabad in the state of Gujarat, India. He was known to be quite religious. For his conquests he is known as the greatest Sultan of Gujarat, and ruled for 43 years.

Conquests

Champaner

One of his initial conquests was an attempt to quash the Khichi Chauhan Rajputs who held the Pavagadh fort. The young Sultan, after laying siege for 20 months, conquered the fort on 21 November 1484. He then transferred his capital to Champaner which he completely rebuilt at the foothills of the Pavagadh fort, calling it Muhammadabad. It took 23 years to build the town. The town finally succumbed to attacks from the Mughal Emperor Humayun in 1535.

Related Topics:
Chauhan - Rajput - Pavagadh - Fort - Siege - 21 November - 1484 - Champaner - Mughal - Humayun - 1535

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The town derives its name from the Champa tree, or from Champaraj founder of the town, a contemporary of King Vanraj Chavda of Anhilwada. Champaner is today the site of the Champaner-Pavagadh Archeological Park, which is on UNESCO's List of World Heritage Sites in Asia and Australasia, and is situated about 47 km from the city of Vadodara.

Related Topics:
Anhilwada - UNESCO - List of World Heritage Sites in Asia and Australasia - Vadodara

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Sultan Begada also built a magnificent Jama Masjid in Champaner, which ranks amongst the finest architectural edifices in Gujarat. It is an imposing structure on a high plinth with two tall minarets 30 m tall, 172 pillars and seven mihrabs. The central dome, the placement of balconies and carved entrance gates with fine stone jalis.

Related Topics:
Jama Masjid - Minaret - Mihrab

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Temple Of Dwarka

The Sultan is also known to have sacked the famous Hindu temple at Dwarka.

Related Topics:
Hindu - Dwarka

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Mumbai

The Sultan is also credited with capturing the island of Bombay from the Koli (fisherman) tribe, before one of his descendants Bahadur Shah, handed the island over to the Portuguese in 1535.

Related Topics:
Bombay - Bahadur Shah - Portuguese - 1535

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Mahmudabad

He laid the foundation of the city of Mahmudabad (now Junagadh) near Kheda in 1479 A.D. Strong embankments were raised along the river, and the city was adorned with a palace, handsome buildings and extensive gardens.

Related Topics:
Junagadh - Kheda - 1479 - Palace

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~