Uperkot Fort

The walled fortress of Uperkot, is said to have been subjected to 16 seiges, including one which lasted 12 years. An ornate triple gateway forms the entrance.

Junagadh Uperkot Fort Hanuman
Hanuman Temple at the entrance

The Jama Masjid was built from a demolished Hindu palace and the interior is filled with columns.

Junagadh Uperkot Fort Jama Masjid
Inside Jama Masjid

Junagadh Uperkot Fort Jama Masjid
Hindu Influence

Junagadh Uperkot Fort Jama Masjid
Hindu Influence

Junagadh Uperkot Fort Jama Masjid
Inside Jama Masjid

Junagadh Uperkot Fort Jama Masjid
Inside Jama Masjid

Beyond the moat are the Buddhist caves, which goes down some 3 levels and are dated by archaeologists to around 2nd century AD.

Junagadh Uperkot Fort Buddhist Caves
Buddhist Caves

Junagadh Uperkot Fort Buddhist Caves
Lower level of the Caves

Junagadh Uperkot Fort Buddhist Caves
Pillar

Junagadh Uperkot Fort Buddhist Caves
Inside the caves

A little beyond the Buddhist caves is the Adi Charan Vav, with 120 steps going down to the bottom. The well is said to date from the 11th century and is named for 2 slave girls who fetched water from it.

Locals get mouthfuls of water from the well and pour it over these layered stones for good luck.

Junagadh Uperkot Fort Adi Chadi Wav
Layered stones

Junagadh Uperkot Fort Adi Chadi Wav
Side wall next to the stairs

Junagadh Uperkot Fort Adi Chadi Wav
Well at the bottom

The Navghan Kuva is another step well, named after Navghan, the Rajput ruler of Junagadh at that time.
Junagadh Uperkot Fort Navghan Kuvo
Navghan Kuva – Pigeon holes along the side walls.

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