Dabhoi

Established in the early 6th century AD, Dabhoi’s origins are rooted in ancient history. The fortification of Dabhoi is attributed to King Siddhraj Jaisinh of Gujarat (1093-1143 AD), who transformed it into a key frontier fortress. The architectural style and intricate stone carvings of the fort suggest it was constructed around the same time as Rudra Mahalaya and Zinzuwada Fort.

Dabhoi’s history can be divided into three main periods: before Muslim rule, during Muslim rule, and under the Gaekwads. Originally known as Darbhavati, the town was part of the capital Anhilwad (Patan). In 1300 AD, it came under Muslim control following the fall of Patan. By the mid-18th century, when the Gaekwads took over, Dabhoi emerged as a significant trade center. They established a railway line connecting Dabhoi to the capital and other regions, making it the center of the world’s largest narrow-gauge railway network.

Fort and Gates:

The fort of Dabhoi stands as a remarkable example of Hindu military architecture, based on ancient Vaastu scriptures. It features four gates, each positioned in the middle of the fort walls and oriented in the cardinal directions:

Hira Bhagol (Eastern Gate): Named after the architect Hiradhar, this gate is known for its exquisite carvings and a compelling story. Legend has it that Hiradhar was punished for stealing stones, leading to the creation of Ten Talav, a lake named after his lover. The gate is adorned with Hindu deities and features an inscription by Rajkavi Someshwar Dev.

Nandodi Bhagol (Southern Gate): This gate is notable for its double gates and open court. Carvings of Lord Shiva and Vishnu embellish the gate, along with intricately designed brackets.

Vadodari Bhagol or Baroda Gate (Western Gate): Leading towards Vadodara, this gate is decorated with figures from Hindu mythology and features cornices on both sides.

Mahudi Bhagol/Champaneri Gate (Northern Gate): This gate, which provided access to Champaner, is distinguished by its five-bracket supports and mythological figures, including Lord Shiva, Vishnu, Narasimha, and Saraswati.

Additional Attractions:

The Saptamukhi Temple of Dabhoi

The Saptamukhi Temple (also known as Saptmukhi Vav) is a 13th-century monument located on the banks of the Nageshwar Talav of Dabhoi. While it is widely referred to locally as a vav (stepwell), architectural scholars, including Jutta Jain-Neubauer, clarify that the structure is actually a temple rather than a functional stepwell. Built around 1255 AD by the Vaghela King Visaladeva, it is contemporary with the nearby Kalika Mata Temple and was originally dedicated to Lord Shiva. The monument is a striking example of the Maru-Gurjara style, featuring heavy ornamentation and carvings of deities that reflect the high level of craftsmanship of the Vaghela period.

The name “Saptamukhi,” meaning “Seven-Mouthed,” refers to the seven entrances of the structure. The persistent misidentification of this temple as a stepwell likely arises from the fact that it was constructed directly over an ancient well, one of many that once existed in the area before the expansion of the surrounding tank. Because the monument sits on a small peninsula jutting into the Dabhoi Talav (Nageshwar Tank), it is now permanently partially submerged due to changes in ancient drainage systems. This creates the visual illusion of a subterranean stepwell, though it remains a sacred shrine emerging from the water, a “temple-over-a-well” that uniquely blends religious architecture with the town’s historic water landscape.

Public Library

The Sayaji Sarvajanik Library in Dabhoi stands as a historic landmark of the former Baroda State, with its foundation officially marked in 1889. Built during the early years of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III’s reign, the library stands as a physical manifestation of his belief that education was the only path to social salvation. While smaller reading groups existed previously, the 1889 structure provided a permanent, dignified home for knowledge in the heart of Dabhoi. The library became a crucial node in the Baroda State’s network, later becoming famous for its integration with the town’s massive narrow-gauge railway system, which helped transport books to the most remote villages. Today, the 1889 plate outside the gate serves as a proud reminder that Dabhoi was a pioneer in public literacy decades before the rest of the country.

Architecturally, the building is a refined example of the Indo-Saracenic style, a revivalist movement that fused Indian, Islamic, and European elements. The structure is defined by its prominent multi-stage clock tower, which features a circular clock face with Roman numerals and is crowned by a domed chhatri with decorative finials. The facade displays characteristic features of this style, including ornate stucco work and intricate carvings that decorate the pilaster capitals and the frame of the clock. The ground floor is marked by a series of elegant arched openings, while a decorative balcony with a railing wraps around the tower base, providing a distinct horizontal break in the verticality of the tower. Over time, while the tower remains a prominent landmark, the lower section of the building has transitioned to serve modern civic needs, such as housing a local police station.

Vibhag High School & Shree Ganpatrao Gaekwad Kumar Chhatralaya

The Shree Ganpatrao V. Gaekwad Vidhyarthi Ashram (locally known as Kumar Chhatralaya) is a distinguished two-story masonry structure that exemplifies the colonial-era institutional style of the Baroda State. Primarily built with exposed red brick and lime plaster accents, its most striking feature is a continuous arcade of semi-circular arches that run along both levels, providing deep shaded verandas for climate control. The central facade is anchored by a projecting pedimented gable featuring a circular oculus window, while a small marble plaque above the central arches definitively marks its construction in Samvat 1982 (approximately 1925–1926 CE). This formal design is further enhanced by stone balustrades with rhythmic vertical cutouts and a stepped, crenelated parapet, reflecting the disciplined and grand aesthetic of early 20th-century state-funded architecture.

Located nearby, the Vibhag High School continues this architectural narrative, showcasing a blend of Indo-Saracenic and Neoclassical influences typical of the Gaekwad reign. The two-story building features a rhythmic red brick facade with pointed arches on the ground floor and an upper level supported by robust rectangular pillars. A defining historical element is the central entrance, where a tall, recessed pointed arch houses a white marble bust of Maharaja Sayajirao III Gaekwad within a dedicated niche. Topped by a large stone signage block and decorated with floral motifs, the school’s design emphasizes high-set windows and open corridors for natural cooling, standing as a functional and symbolic monument to the Maharaja’s commitment to public education in the region.

Railway Heritage Park: A dedicated park celebrating Dabhoi’s rich railway history.

Despite its historical significance, Dabhoi remains relatively undiscovered. The town, with its layers of history from its 6th-century origins to its role in the Gaekwads’ trade network and as a major narrow-gauge railway junction, offers a unique glimpse into India’s diverse past. Recent restoration work by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has preserved the gates, ensuring that this hidden gem continues to share its storied heritage with visitors.