A King's Final Resting Place: The Tomb of Ahmed Shah, known locally as Badshah no Hajiro, is the final resting place of Ahmedabad's founder, Sultan Ahmed Shah I, his son, and his grandson. Completed in 1451, the tomb is a remarkable example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. It stands as a monument to the legacy of the city's founder and the artistry of his era. Architectural and Spiritual Details: The tomb is a square-shaped structure with a large central dome and smaller domes at its four corners. The interior is dimly lit by light filtering through the delicately carved stone jalis (screens), creating a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere. The central tomb of Ahmed Shah is surrounded by the tombs of his kin, all made of white marble. Neglect and Encroachment: Despite its historical significance, the tomb faces serious challenges. The site is located in the bustling Manek Chowk area, and has been subject to encroachment by surrounding markets and shops. This negligence by authorities, particularly the ASI (Archaeological Survey of India), has led to the monument being partially obscured and its dignity compromised. A Call for Preservation: The contrast between the tomb's architectural beauty and its current state of neglect is stark. The monument, which should be a source of civic pride, is a clear example of how urban sprawl and a lack of proper maintenance can impact historical heritage. Its preservation is crucial to safeguarding the city's identity and history. To explore this site, you can watch [Tomb of Sultan Ahmad Shah (Ahmedabad, India)]. This video is relevant as it provides a visual tour of the tomb, highlighting its architectural features...
Read moreBadshah no Haziro
Ahmed Shah’s Tomb, locally known as Badshah no Hajiro or Raja no Hajiro, is a medieval mosque and the group of tombs in Ahmedabad, India. Ahmed Shah’s mosque is situated close to Jama Mosque and Manek Chowk.
Burial places assume special religious significance amid Muslims and some of their burial places are today among the hotspot tourist destinations in the country largely due to their exotic locations and exquisite architecture.
At Badshah no Hajiro, which was buit in the year 1446, rest the mortal remains of the founder of Ahmedabad, Ahmed Shah I. The place is located to the western side of Manek Chowk, just outside the eastern gate of Jama Masjid. The place’s architecture is in the shape of a square, which has porticos around it. The windows are perforated and the carvings on them are breathtaking.
The cenotaphs of Ahmed Shah’s son Muhammad Shah and grandson Qutbuddin Ahmed Shah III are also located at this place. Outside, located closeby is the Rani-no-Hajiro which houses the tombs of queens of sultans after Ahmed Shah.
This is where the male members of the royal family were buried. Women are not allowed to enter, and men must wear something to cover their heads before entering. There are also a few ministers’ tombs laid out across the road. It lies to the west of Manek Chowk.
Photos by Viswas Menon (c) Viswas Menon Write up compiled by...
Read moreAhmad Shah's Mosque, also known as Shahi Jam-e-Masjid or Juni Juma Masjid is the oldest mosque of Ahmedabad. The mosque was erected by the founder of Ahmedabad, Ahmad Shah I in 1414. It said to have been used as the royal household's private mosque. According to the inscription at the upper part of the central mihrab, the foundation date seems to be the 4th day of Shawwal month in 817AH, which is 17 December 1414. The pavement is of white marble, the canopy covered pulpit has a yellow marble balustrade carved in a leafy pattern, and white marble steps. In the courtyard is a mound called Ganj Shahid or the martyrs' mound, the tomb of warriors who perished in Sultan Ahmed's early fights. The mosque covers area of 700 square metres and have two rows of ten large domes surrounded by several smaller domes. The mosque is supported by 152 pillars and have four arched gateways. There are eight perforated stone windows and 25 fine carved pillars. The mosque was restored in 2011 by Archaeological Survey of India at cost of Rs....
Read more