Shikar Madhi, Lavana, Gujarat

Shikar Madhi, Lavana, Gujarat

Shikar Madhi is an ancient structure located in Lavana Village in Khanpur Taluk in Mahisagar District of Gujarat, India. This structure is considered as part of the Kaleswari group of monuments. The structure is also called Vakhat Singh Baavaji no Bungalow / Hunting Lodge. The structure is one of the protected monuments in Gujarat declared by Archaeological Survey of India.

History

The Shikar Madhi was built by Vakhat Singh Baavaji (1735 – 1757 CE), the king of Lunavada, a princely state of British India. He built the Shikar Madhi from the ruins of 10^th century CE ancient structures for night stay when he used to come here for hunting.

The Structure

Shikar Madhi is a simple structure used as a resting place for the royals of the princely state of Lunavada during British rule when they visited the place for hunting. The structure was made from the remains of ancient structures and temples in the area. This structure has no architectural significance except the sculptures installed in the exterior walls which were originally a part of the other ancient monuments once existed in the area. Some of the notable sculptures are Nritya Ganesha, Mahishasura Mardini, Vishnu, Chamunda, Varahi, Darpan kanya and Maithuna figures. All these sculptures are dated to 10^th century CE.

Connectivity

The structure is located at about 700 metres from Lavana Bus Stop, 16 Kms from Malpur, 18 Kms from Khanpur, 26 Kms from Lunavada, 36 Kms from Modasa Railway Station, 37 Kms from Modasa, 134 Kms from Ahmedabad Airport and 144 Kms from Ahmedabad. Lavana is situated on Lunavada to Modasa route. The structure is well connected to Lunavada by buses.

Location | Photos