| Rajgadhi Timbo | |
| Coordinates: | 23.7809°N 72.5548°W |
| Pushpin Map: | India Gujarat |
| Map Dot Label: | Rajgadhi Timbo |
| Alternate Names: | Ruins of Jain Temple at Umta |
| Status: | ruined |
| Building Type: | temple |
| Architectural Style: | Solanki architecture |
| Location: | Umta village, Visnagar Taluka, Mehsana district, Gujarat |
| Location Country: | India |
| Destruction Date: | possibly 1299 AD |
| Material: | sandstone |
| Grounds Area: | 100 sq metre |
| Designations: | ASI State Protected Monument (S-GJ-295) |
The Rajgadhi Timbo is a mound and historical site of medieval Jain temple located in Umta village in Visnagar Taluka, Mehsana district, Gujarat, India. The site is State Protected Monument under Gujarat State Archeology Department (GSAD).
The site of Rajgadhi Timbo was 50 feet high and spread in an area of 3000 square metre surrounded by village.[1] [2]
The place was a site of massive Jain temple. It was possibly attacked by Alauddin Khalji's generals Ulugh Khan and Nusrat Khan during the 1299 invasion of Gujarat. After the first attack in which the upper portion of temple was destroyed, the lower portion was buried in layers of lime under mound to protect it from invaders. After 250 years, Darbar Ummatsinh Rana said to have built the Rajgadhi (royal house) on the mound. In 1726, the Rajgadhi was destroyed in fire when the Marathas led by Kuntaji Bande burned down the village. In 1890, Sayajirao Gaekwad of Baroda State built a school on the mound. In 1985, the back portion of the temple was discovered while demolishing the dilapidated school building for new construction..[1] [2]
After 30 feet height of excavation, the Jain temple was unearthed. The temple complex was spread in area of 100 square metre. The sandstone temple is in Solanki style. The upper part including Shikhar and Mandapa found in rubble the lower part is almost intact. Jain as well as some Hindu idols were found.[1] [2]
The date of construction is not certain but the Prakrit inscriptions found on the pedestal of idols describes the idols were carved on the orders of King Jayasinh Umat and his consorts Shia and Sundari in Vikram Samvat 1240. It is constructed between 11th and 13th century. It seems to be constructed in two stages; the lower part in the 11th century. More than 70 idols were discovered belonging to both sects buried under sand near foundation of the temple which indicates intentional burial. The walls and pillars of temple has intrinsically carved images.[1] [2] [4]