"Colonel Monier-Williams, a military official, was the first lo notice the temple in the course of his duties as Surveyor General. In his Journal in 1809, he described the structure as ol rare elegance, and noted that its domes had been blown off by a Muslim prince, There is one of the finest specimens of ancient Hindu architecture at Mundera I ever saw. It is a pagoda very similar in structure to those of the present day; but ornamented so profusely that it is very evident the founder was determined to make it the most finished piece of work that it was possible for the compass of human art to effect ... All the upper part of it is supported on pillars, which are of an order the most elegant, and enriched with carved work of exquisite beauty, and which would be considered in this refined age as the conception of a correct taste, and the execution of a masterly hand. Innumerable figures cover most of the bases of the pillars, and a considerable portion of the exterior surface of the building... The domes were blown off, they say, by means of gunpowder ... by a Musalman prince. The lower circles remain, and are ornamented in a style of elegance that is uncommonly striking ..."
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in Burgess and Cousens 1975: 71-72). quoted from Jain, M. (2019). Flight of deities and rebirth of temples: Espisodes from Indian history.173
https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Patan%2C_Gujarat
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Patan, Gujarat
Patan was the capital of Gujarat's Chalukya dynasty in medieval times. It is said to have been established by Vanraj Chavada (વનરાજ ચાવડા), a Chavda king. The city has had an old history, with several Hindu and Muslim dynasties making it a thriving trading city and a regional capital of northern Gujarat. It was also known as 'Anhilpur-Patan'.
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