Patan, Ancient city in Gujarat, India
Patan is a district headquarters in northern Gujarat with temples, mosques, and a central marketplace spread across several neighborhoods. The city houses a university, multiple medical facilities, and serves as a regional education and healthcare center.
A Chavda king founded the settlement in the 9th century along a river that has since dried up. The Chaulukya dynasty made it their capital between the 10th and 13th centuries, fostering the construction of many religious structures.
The intricate hand-woven Patola sarees of Patan demonstrate the traditional textile craftsmanship maintained by two specialized families through generations.
Early morning hours work best for temple visits and walks through the market quarter. The flat layout makes exploring on foot or by cycle rickshaw easy, with wide main roads connecting the major sites.
A UNESCO-protected stepwell displays detailed sculptures of Vishnu in his different forms across multiple storeys. Only two families in town still practice the centuries-old craft of Patola silk weaving, working exclusively with natural dyes.
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