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{{Short description|Gateway in Vadnagar, Gujarat, India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2025}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2025}}
{{Infobox building
| name = Kirti Toran
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| image = Vadnagar's_Kirti_Toran_full_shot_with_beautiful_clouds.JPG
| image_caption = The east ''Torana'' with parts of another visible in background
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| location = [[Vadnagar]], [[Mehsana district]], [[Gujarat]]
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| coordinates = {{coord|region:IN|display=inline,title}}
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| architectural_style = [[Māru-Gurjara architecture]] (Chaulukya)
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| designations = [[Archeological Survey of India|ASI]] [[Monument of National Importance]] (N-GJ-156)
| location_country = India
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| material = Red yellow sandstone
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'''Kirti Toran''' are two ''[[torana]]'' (ornamental gateways) located in [[Vadnagar]] in [[Mehsana district]], [[Gujarat]], India. Built in the 12th century, they are examples of [[Māru-Gurjara architecture|Maru-Gurjara architecture]].

== History ==
The two toranas belong to the 12th-century are located just north of the walled town. They stand on the bank of the Sharmistha Lake.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite journal |last1=Sen |first1=Shushmita |last2=Lakhani |first2=Sunita J. |date= |title=Toran Architecture of Gujarat |url=https://www.academia.edu/22423848 |journal=Journal of the Oriental Institute |publisher=Department of Archaeology & Ancient History Faculty of Arts, The [[Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda]] |volume=LXI |issue=1-2 (Sept 2009 –Dec 2009) |pages=85–103 |issn=0030-5324 |via=academia.edu}}</ref> The one to the east is in better condition and has been used as a symbol of Gujarat in recent times. Initially, one ''torana'' was intact while the other was ruined. The ruined one was re-erected in 2007 by the [[Archaeological Survey of India]] (ASI).<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> The ''toranas'' might have served as an entrance to a large temple complex, but no remains of such have been found till date.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kirti Toran |url=https://www.gujarattourism.com/north-zone/mehsana/kirti-toran--vadnagar.html |access-date=18 January 2024 |website=Gujarat Tourism}}</ref><ref name=":1" /> It is the Monument of National Importance protected by the ASI.<ref>{{Cite web |title=List of State Protected Monuments of Archaeology Department |script-title=gu:પુરાતત્વ ખાતાના રાજ્ય રક્ષિત સ્મારકોની યાદી |url=http://www.sycd.gujarat.gov.in/writereaddata/Portal/Images/pdf/List-of-monument.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427193421/http://www.sycd.gujarat.gov.in/writereaddata/Portal/Images/pdf/List-of-monument.pdf |archive-date=2017-04-27 |access-date=2024-10-27 |publisher=Sports, Youth and Cultural Activities Department, Government of Gujarat}}</ref>

The ''torana''s were known as ''Narsinh Mehta's Chauri'' and was legendarily attributed to 15th century Gujarati poet [[Narsinh Mehta]].

== Architecture ==
[[File:Vadnagar6.jpg|thumb|left|Carvings of the pillar capital]]
The [[Torana|toranas]], a pair of columns supporting an arch, about {{convert|40|ft}} tall, built in red and yellow [[sandstone]]. Both of them face the east with few houses in between them now. They are among the few surviving examples of the entrance gates, once a regular feature of the [[architecture of Gujarat]] in the [[Chalukya dynasty|Solanki period]] ([[Māru-Gurjara architecture]]). The carving style of them is similar to the pillars of the [[Rudra Mahalaya Temple]] at [[Siddhpur]] and the [[Sun Temple, Modhera|Modhera Sun temple]], suggesting they belong to the same period. Perhaps erected after a war victory, the architecture is embellished with carvings of battle and hunting scenes. Their pillars and arches are decorated with [[Lozenge (shape)|lozenges]] at the base and geometric and floral designs (i.e., leaves, creepers and lotus), animal motifs, human figures engaged in various activities, and divine figures in different poses. The pillars feature elements like the Padma, Kani, [[Kirtimukha]]s, Gajathara, Narathara, and sculptured [[Kumbha|Kumbhi]]. The pillar capitals have pointed, carved leaves and support griffins and semi-circular arches. The top bears an image of a seated god [[Kartikeya]] flanked by [[Ganesh]] and [[Makara (Hindu mythology)|Makara]] (a [[griffin]]), from which spring arches. A number of standing female figures also ornament the top.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |date=2007-03-15 |title=ASI erects ancient Vadnagar gate |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/asi-erects-ancient-vadnagar-gate/articleshow/1764379.cms |access-date=2023-10-16 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref name=":1" />

== See also ==

* [[Vadnagar Archaeological Experiential Museum]]

==References==
{{reflist}}
{{commons}}
[[Category:Māru-Gurjara architecture]]
[[Category:Religious buildings and structures in Gujarat]]
[[Category:12th-century religious buildings and structures in Asia]]
[[Category:12th-century religious buildings and structures]]
[[Category:Cultural history of Gujarat]]
[[Category:Monuments of National Importance in Gujarat]]
[[Category:Vadnagar]]

Kirti Toran - Revision history

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