Patan was the capital of Gujarat's Chavda and Chalukya dynasties in medieval times. It was established by Vanraj Chavada, 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'. The modern city it is the administrative seat of Patan District in the Indian state of Gujarat and is an administered municipality. The city contains many Hindu and Jain temples as well as mosques, dargahs and rojas. It is a historical place located on the bank of the now extinct Saraswati River. which is probably what remains of the ancient Sarasvati River. Patan has an old market which is quite sizeable and is believed to have been in continuous operation since at least the rule of Vaghelas.