Ten Talav

Ten Talav, a serene settlement located 12 km from Dabhoi, is named after the expansive lake that graces the area. This lake is intrinsically linked to the fascinating history of Hiradhar Shilpi, the architect behind the Dabhoi Fort.

A Fort, Lake, and Vedmi (sweet)

The legend associated with Ten Talav intertwines romance, architectural ambition, and a touch of betrayal. According to the tale, Hiradhar Shilpi constructed the lake as a gesture of love for a girl named Taini, who was a servant of the queen. While working on the Dabhoi Fort, Hiradhar secretly diverted stones intended for the fort to build this lake, using an underground tunnel to transport them.

When the queen discovered the misappropriation of materials, she devised a clever plan to reveal the deceit to the king. She prepared Vedmi, a traditional sweet stuffed bread and presented it to the king, implying that it symbolized the fort’s construction. She explained that, like the vedmi, which has a sweet filling encased in bread, the fort was stone on the outside but filled with sand inside.

Realizing the trick, the king swiftly acted to punish Hiradhar. The architect was sentenced to be buried alive within the fort’s wall. Despite receiving occasional ghee through a small opening, Hiradhar did not survive and perished within the fort.

Over time, Taini’s name evolved into “Ten,” leading to the lake being known as Ten Talav. Recently, efforts were made to desilt and restore the lake, enhancing its capacity and ensuring it continues to reflect the legacy of Hiradhar and his enduring love for Taini.