Anhilavada

Anhilavada, also known as Anhilwad or Patan, is a city in the Indian state of Gujarat. It is located in the north of the state, on the banks of the Saraswati River. The city is historically significant as the former capital of the Chaulukya dynasty, which ruled large parts of Gujarat and Rajasthan from the 10th to the 13th centuries CE. During this period, Anhilavada flourished as a major center of trade, culture, and learning.

The city's name is believed to derive from Vanraj Chavda, the founder of the Chavda dynasty, who established Anhilavada in the 8th century CE and named it after his friend and minister, Anahil. The Chaulukya rulers, particularly Siddharaja Jayasimha and Kumarapala, were great patrons of art and architecture, and their reign saw the construction of numerous temples and public works in and around Anhilavada. The most famous among these is the Rani ki Vav, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is a magnificent stepwell built in the 11th century.

After the decline of the Chaulukyas, Anhilavada was successively ruled by various dynasties, including the Vaghela dynasty and later by the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire. Despite losing its status as a capital, it remained an important regional center. Today, Anhilavada is known for its textile industry, particularly for its Patola silk sarees, a double ikat weave that is highly prized. The city also holds religious significance with several ancient temples, including the Sun Temple at Modhera, located nearby. Anhilavada offers a glimpse into Gujarat's rich historical and cultural past.