The Mahabat Maqbara Palace, also known as the Mausoleum of Bahaduddinbhai Hasainbhai, is located in Junagadh, India. This historic site was once the residence of the Muslim rulers, the Nawabs of Junagadh. In the city of Junagadh, there are additional 18th-century mausoleums constructed by the nawabs in the vicinity of Chitkana Chowk.
Rising majestically in the old city, this remarkable mausoleum belonged to Nawab Mahabat Khan II of Junagadh (1851–82). It is one of Gujarat's finest examples of Euro-Indo-Islamic architecture, featuring French windows, Gothic columns, and silver inner doors. Spiral steps in the minarets lead to the tower's summit.
The yellow-walled complex boasts a rich history, constructed by Mahabat Khanji in 1878 and completed by his successor Bahadur Khanji in 1892.
A decade of meticulous effort resulted in intricate carvings adorning the inner and outer facades of the buildings, fine arches, French-style windows, columns, and gleaming silver doorways. The neighboring mosque features minarets, each enveloped from top to bottom with winding staircases. Both structures are crowned with distinctive "onion dome" rooflines.
At the time of India's independence from British rule in 1947, Mahabat Khan III, the ruling Nawab, chose to join Pakistan, despite Junagadh having no geographical proximity to the new country. Pressured by the Indian government, he fled to Pakistan, and Junagadh reunited with India a mere three months after declaring independence.
Amidst continuous political upheavals in its vicinity, Mahabat Maqbara has stood as a symbol, quietly embracing the diverse influences surrounding it.
For interested visitors, there is no entry fee, and the entire mosque is open to all. However, Wazir Bahaduddinbhai Hasainbhai's mausoleum can only be explored from the exterior, though it is rumored that keys to the interior can be obtained from a mosque caretaker.
The nearest airport to Junagadh is Rajkot, approximately 102 km away.
Junagadh has its own railway station.
A good road network links Junagadh to the rest of the country.
Gujarat
Junagadh has various restaurants that serve local cuisine like dhokla, fafda, gathiya, etc.
Gujarati is widely spoken in Junagadh but tourists can communicate with locals in English and Hindi.
You can commute internally in Junagadh via rickshaws and taxis.
The ideal time to visit is between November and February.
