Rani Sipri's Tomb is located in the old area of Ahmadabad within the same complex as Rani Sipri Mosque. It is one of the ancient monuments that has a combination of Indo-Islamic architecture.
Constructed some time in 16th century the tomb has a large dome in the central part surrounded by 4 small domes in the 4 corners. The tomb has screens made of stones have been carved beautifully.
Rani Sipri's Mosque located in the old area of Ahmadabad is one of the ancient monuments that is known for its elegance. the construction of this medieval mosque was commissioned in 1514 by Queen Sipri the wife of Mahmud Begada herself.
It is also known as Masjid-e-Nagina (Jewel of a mosque) because of its elegant proportions and slender minarets.
This mosque even though small in size it impresses all with the intricate cravings on its walls. The artistic work in the mosque are a reflection of the beautiful craftsmanship of the bygone era.
The slender and ornate minarets of this magnificent mosque are the major attraction.
Hutheesing Temple in Ahmedabad is very ornate temple known for its sculptural work. The construction of the temple is initiated by Shet Hathisinh Kesarisinh and it was completed in 1848.
This temple built using white marble with a double-storied main shrine building. The main shrine is covered with a big dome supported by twelve ornate pillars. The temple is dedicated to the 15th Jain Trithanakara named Dharmnath.
The front is exquisitely ornamented by a 'dome' shaped structure. The temple is lavishly carved with beautiful sculptures.
The temple has a unique Manastambha which have carved beautifully.
This temple was built during a severe famine in Gujarat and then this had become a source of income for hundreds of skilled artisans for a period of two years.
Sidi Bashir Mosque is located opposite to the city railway station in Ahmadabad is one of the historic monument. This mosque was completed in 1452. Unfortunately the body of the mosque was later destroyed in a war between the Marathas and Gujarat Sultanate. But even today the minarets and arched central gateway still remain intact.
Each of this minarets is 100 feet tall and has 3 levels with intricately carved balconies. A gentle shaking of either minaret after climbing to a height of 84 feet results in the other minaret vibrating after a few seconds, though the connecting passage between them remains free of vibration.
Due to this mysterious feature the minarates of mosque are also called Jhulta Minar or Shaking Minarets. The actual reason behind this phenomenon is not yet known.
This minaret strong enough to withstand the pressure of fast moving trains that pass from a close distance. This architects has attributed to the way these minarets have been built layer by layer. The motifs on this minaret are of exceptional craftsmanship.
At Sarkhej Roza Complex in Ahmedabad is the ruins of 15th century Royal Palaces. One among them is Queens' Palace on the Western Bank of the water tank that was dry during our visit. This was built in the 13th century by Sultan Mahmud Begada.
This palace architecture has elements of Muslim, Hindu and Jain elements.
The tomb of founder Sultan Ahmed Shah of Ahmedabad is located adjacent to Jama Masjid, the city’s main congregational mosque.
This is one of the few royal tomb and it was built in the first half of the 15th century AD.
Built on a square plan, it is built on a raised platform. It consists of a central hall, four small chambers and a pillared portico. One of the key features of the mausoleum is the profusion of jali screens.
The Sarkhej Roza Complex at Ahmedabad has various interesting structures. One among them is the early 15th century structure the Tomb of Sheikh Ahmed Khattu Ganj Baksh.
Roofed by a large central dome, it is surrounded by rows of 13 domes on each side. The central square, on which the dome stands has double pillars.
The architecture is based on both Islamic and Hindu principles. While the ringed domes, the profusion of pillars and brackets follow the Islamic genre, much of the ornamentation and motifs have Hindu designs.
The walls are panelled with trellised windows of perforated stone works in a variety of designs.
Teen Darwaza at Ahmedabad is a historical gateway built by King Ahmed Shah I. Completed in 1415 the gateway has three arches which led into a large enclosure, forming the outer courtyard of the palace.
The roadway in the central opening is 17 feet wide, and that of each side arch is 13 feet wide. The height of the arches is twenty-five feet.
When we visited the place there were some repair work was happening in the area and vehicle movements were not allowed.
A glimpse of India in black and white. Other posts will give you more details about this place.
At Sarkhej Roza Complex in Ahmedabad is the ruins of 15th century Royal Palaces. One among them is King's Palace on the Southern Bank of the lake that was dry during our visit.
This was built in the 13th century by Sultan Mahmud Begada. Though in ruins, it still showcases past glory.
By the side of the palace also has a small mosque used by the Sultan for his prayers.
Bhadrakali Temple at Ahmedabad is one of the oldest temples of the city, probably it is as old as the city. Located inside the famous Bhadra Fort it was built by Marathas in 1411 A.D during the rule of Aazam Khan.
The temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali. It has a black statue of Goddess Bhadra Kali with four hands.
This place is worth visiting when in the city.
This mosque is located opposite to St.Xaviers High School in Mirzapur area of Ahmedabad. The mosque was constructed during 1430 - 1440 AD by Sultan Mehmud Beghara and it was named after his wife, Rupmati.
It is one of the most beautiful mosques in the city that showcases Indo Islamic architecture. The high central arch of the mosque is very imposing with slim minarets on either side.
The entrances on the side are flanked by balcony windows. The minarets, windows and perforated stone lattices are richly carved. Its minarets were damaged in the earthquake of 1819.
Its intricate wall carvings, sculptured minarets, beautiful galleries make it architectural gem in the city.
At Ahmedabad there are many places that can visit on the tour of the city. The city has many ancient mosques and one such most famous mosque is Sidi Saiyyed Mosque.
It is the last of the major mosques to be built in the city under the Mughal rule in the year 1573. It is built with yellow sandstone in Indo-Islamic style of architecture. The front of the mosque is very simple with two minarets on the sides of which now only the base exists.
The monument is known for its exquisite ten semi-circular Jhali screens. Each one of these screens are just amazing. The rear wall is filled with square stone pierced panels in geometrical designs.
The carved latticework windows in the western wall are known worldwide and have become a symbol of the city of Ahmedabad. Depicting a tree with intertwining branches, the carvings look like fine lace filigree work, but are hewn from solid stone.
As attested by the marble stone tablet fixed on the wall of the mosque, it was built by Sidi Saiyyed, an Abyssinian in the service of Rumi Khan, the second son of Khudavand Khan, the Governor of Surat during the 10th Gujarat Sultan Mahmud Shah III.
At Sarkhej Roza Complex at Ahmedabad in the 15th century around a large tank various tombs, mosques and palaces were built.
Sultan Mehmud had built the palaces on the southwest corner of the tank. These palaces have integration of Muslim, Hindu and Jain architectural elements.
The palace ruins on the South bank is the Kings Palace.
The palace ruins on the West bank is the Queens Palace.
The Sarkhej Roza Complex at Ahmedabad has various interesting structures. One among them is the early 15th century structure the Baradari.
It is a 16 pillared structure located at the center of the open courtyard in front of the Tomb of Sheikh Ahmed Khattu Ganj Baksh.
There are a total of small 9 domes on the top well supported by the slender pillars.
It is believed that the excavation of the lake and the building of the Jama Masjid in its initial stages were supervised by Sheikh Ahmed Khattu himself from the Baradari.
The tour of historical city of Ahmedabad is not complete without a visit to Bhadra Fort. The construction of this historical fort in 1411 was done by the founder of the city, then ruler Sultan Ahmed Shah.
The intricate arches, carved balconies and detailed latticework showcase the admirable Islamic architecture of the fort. Originally the massive fort occupied by 43 acres with 14 minars, 8 gates. But now only small portion of it is still existing.
Some of the interesting areas of fort that we visited are:
- Lal Darwaja
- Bhadra Gate
- Bhadrakali Temple
- Clock tower
Jama Masjid in old area of Ahmedabad located close to Teen Darwaza is one of the most magnificent mosque that was built in 1424 during the reign of Ahmed Shah I. The mosque built with yellow sandstone carved with the intricate detail. One enters the mosque through one of the three entrances.
The mosque built in Indo-Saracenic architecture contains many symmetric elements. The central entrance of rectangular courtyard is beautifully carved with motifs and flower designs. The two principal minarets flanking the central arched entrance collapsed in the 1819 earthquake and their lower portions still intact.
The prayer room is also rectangular and covered by four domes. The interior of central domes are carved like lotus flowers that are mostly seen in Jain Temples.
The main prayer hall has over 300 columns supporting the roof. The columns are symmetrically arranged to form 15 bays across the long axis of the hall.
The facade and interiors are beautifully carved show casing craftsmanship of the period.
The Brick Minars of Ahmedabad are not as popular as other heritage structures in the city. Still they are no less magnificent when compared to its counterparts. This is the last site we visited before moving out of the city.
They are located next to Ahmedabad Junction railway staion are the only minars in the city built out of bricks. These two magnificent lofty brick minars were part of the mosque which no longer exists. On the minars one can see traces of colored tiles are nearly 31 meters in height.
Their style and material suggest that they might have been built sometime in 16th century. The spiral stairs in the body of the minars can be used to reach the balconies above.
These minars were damaged by the earthquake of January 2001, but are still standing tall.
