Monuments

Ahmedabad Monuments


The city of Ahmed Shah, as in Ahmedabad has plenty of historical monuments, which serve as the main tourist attraction destinations of the city. The architectural designing of the Ahmedabad monuments represents a blend of Hindu and Islamic styles. The origin of most of the historical monuments of Ahmedabad, Gujarat can be traced back to the 15th century. To know more about the monuments in Ahmedabad, read on:

Bhadra Fort

When it comes to monuments in Ahmedabad, Bhadra fort is one name that indeed deserves a special mention. Constructed in the year 1411 A.D. during the rule of Marathas, it was established by Sultan Ahmad Shah, the founder of Ahmedabad city. Bhadra fort in Ahmedabad is a royal fort that occupies the top most position in the Ahmedabad sightseeing tour. Read on to know more about Bhadra fort in Ahmedabad, India…

Consisting of splendid palace and beautiful lush green garden, the charm of Bhadra fort is unbeatable. The fort is well known for the Bhadrakali Temple that was built in the dedication of Hindu Goddess 'Bhadra, a different form of Goddess Kali. In the present times, the fort more often serves as the venue for conducting flag hoisting ceremony during the occasion of Independence Day & Republic day.

Within the vicinity of the Bhadra fort, there are located a couple of Government offices. On the eastern side of the fort, lies the well known Teen Darwaza, which is another important tourist attraction spot in Ahmedabad. Bhadra fort, which is made by using the beautiful deep red stones, stands majestically even today. It is the maiden Muslim edifice that was constructed long back in the Ahmedabad city.

The fort houses a magnificent palace, the arches and balconies of which are ornately embellished. People are of the belief that, Goddess Lakshmi had once visited the Bhadra fort and blessed the Sultan that, his city would always remain prosperous. Since times immemorial, people of Ahmedabad have been wealthy and infact, Ahmedabad has throughout been the hub of trade and commerce in the state of Gujarat.

Dada Hari Vav



Built during the reign of Mehmud Begda in the year 1501, Dada Hari Vav is an elaborately designed stepped well. The well lies just behind the tomb of Dada Hari. It is one of the most complicated structures of the Ahmedabad city. The basic purpose of setting up the well was to provide the travelers with cool water and a place for relaxation. To know more about the Dade Hari Vav in Ahmedabad, India read on…

Dada Hari Vav is an octagonal shaped well, which is located below the ground level. This underground well has been intricately carved in the typical Gujarati designs. Made from fine stone work of Gujarat, the well has been drawing more and more tourists year after year. While designing this stepped well, adequate attention was paid to its each and every detail. This is indicative from the fact that, right from pillars to walls to steps, everything has been beautifully decorated. The visiting hours of the well are from 09:00 am to 05:00 pm.

Jhulta Minar


Ahmedabad is well known for its swaying minarets, more commonly known as Jhulta Minar. A classic example of superb craftsmanship, Jhulta Minar is actually a part of the mosque Siddi Bashir. The mosque has been constructed in such a manner that, if you apply a little force on its upper arc, the Minar tends to sway. For kids, Jhulta Minar in Ahmedabad, India is a real fun place.

An Englishman made an attempt to demolish one of the minarets of the mosque, but all in vain. He did so to unravel the mystery behind the swaying of minarets. The mechanism that leads to vibration is still a mystery. An interesting thing about Jhulta Minar is that, it can even withstand the pressure of fast moving trains that pass from a distance not lying very far from the minaret.

Sarkhej Roza


Lying at a stretch of 8 kms on the south western side of Ahmedabad, Sarkhej Roza was the home of the spiritual leader of Sultan Ahmed Shah named Ahmed Kattu Gang Baksh, who was a Muslim religious leader. It contains a cluster of monuments, the origin of which can be dated back to the times of Mughal rule in Ahmedabad. Read on to know more about Sarkhej Roza in Ahmedabad, Gujarat…

It is a platform where three distinctive worlds coexist, namely royal, religious and social. The palaces and tombs form part of the royal world, the mosque constitutes the religious realm and the tanks and pavilions have given rise to the social world. The carved stone grills create an atmosphere of tranquility, thereby serving as a great retreat for people seeking peace.

When you visit Sarkhej Roza, do not forget to take a look at the tomb of Saint Ahmed Khattu Baksh, the spiritual guide of the founder of Ahmedabad city. It also houses the tomb of the Emperor Mehmud Shah Beguda and his queen. Sarkhej Roza of Ahmedabad is renowned for the marvelous buildings that lie within its premises. The architectural pattern of Sarkhej Roza is mesmerizing. The reflection of sunlight creates beautiful impressions.


Teen Darwaza


Teen Darwaza is an architectural marvel, the beauty of which is surely going to leave you awestruck. Consisting of gorgeous arched gates, Teen Darwaza is one of the longest as well as the oldest gateways of the Ahmedabad city. It was established in the year 141 A.D. by Sultan Ahmed Shah, who founded the city of Ahmedabad. Read on to know more about Teen Darwaza of Ahmedabad, India…

Lying adjacent to the famous Bhadra fort, Teen Darwaza has been intricately carved. Initially, it served as an entrance to Royal Square at Bhadra Fort. The great Mughal emperor Jahangir used to come here along with his beloved wife Noorjahan, to take a look at the procession that started from this grand gateway and went nonstop till Jama Masjid. The walls and pillars of Teen Darwaza are beautifully designed.

Teen Darwaza of Ahmedabad, India is truly an epitome of the fine Islamic architecture. The windows of this fabulous monument are semi circular and adorned using mesh work. The central window depicts the tree of life. Five palm trees are shown that are covered with snakes. This portrayal also serves as the symbol of the Gujarat Government. This regal citadel is one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Ahmedabad.

 Sidi Saiyed Mosque


Sidi Saiyyed Mosque is one of the famous mosques of Ahmedabad. Located near the Lal Darwaza in Ahmedabad, this was constructed in 1573 by Sidi Saiyyed, an Abyssinian who was in the army of the last Sultan Shams-ud-Din Muzaffar Shah III of Gujarat Sultanate. Known for its fabulous architecture this mosque is included among all the major historical monuments of Ahmedabad.

Sidi Saiyyed Mosque is mainly known for splendid architecture. This is well known for ten windows that are carved with beautiful lattice work. The wall of the mosque is decorated with square stones which create a geometrical impact. The mosque is further flanked with two bays which provide a passage for the visitors. Mainly constructed in Indo- Sarascenic architecture this mosque is represented as the unofficial symbol of Ahmedabad. The decorative filigree work on the marble window of the mosque had inspired the architecture of a number of buildings in Ahmedabad. Because of its attractive architecture it is now maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India as monuments of Ahmedabad. 


Adalaj Vav

Adalaj Vav is one of the most attractive Vavs or step wells built in Ahmedabad. It is mainly known for its exclusive and brilliant sculptures. Located in a small village of Adalaj this is an exclusive site for tourism in Ahmedabad. As the city of Ahmedabad is surrounded with a number of historical monuments, Adalaj Vav is the most prominent one. It is mainly known for its architecture and a number of steps which decorate the well from all sided.

Adalaj Vav was built by Rani Rudabai in 1499 AD. She was the wife of Vaghela chief, Veer Singh. The beautifully chiselled Adalaj Vav is one of the exclusive sites of Gujarat which is known for its legend. According to the legend Sultan Beghara killed the Vaghela king in order to expand the territory. After killing the king he then sent a marriage proposal to queen Rudabai, wife of Veer Singh. In reply she begged for some time from the Sultan so that she could complete the construction of the Vav. She extended the construction of the Vav upto twenty years. Being impatient the Sultan gave reminder for marriage. This time the queen reciprocated by jumping from one of the storeys of the step well or Adalaj Vav in order to save her honour. As such this monument is considered as the Jal Samadhi of the queen who sacrificed her life. It is also believed that the queen chose to sacrifice her life in order to pay a tribute to her late husband as well as Jal devi so that there remained a constant flow of water in the well.

Besides the legend the well is also known for its architectural superiority. It has some intricate carving and delicate sculptures. The walls of the well include some fine sculptures of birds, flowers, fishes and other ornamental designs which depict the craftsmanship of Saurashtra. There are a number of corridors and platforms which surround the well. It has three entrances which are connected with the corridor of the well. The corridors meet on a platform which has an octagonal shaped opening at the top. With all its decoration the well has a missing canopy which describes that well is still not complete.

Adalaj Vav is not only used for conserving water for drinking purposes, but also worked as a cooling chamber for the visitors. This has a number of steps which are used by the travellers who pass through this site and use the well to take rest and continue with their journey. With the passage of time the well is considered as a major historical sight which is the memorial of the queen for her beloved husband. Inspite of severe heat the well still remains filled with water.

Thus with its splendid architecture and fine carvings this is a well visited tourist spot in Gujarat. Like Jauher of Rani Padmini in Chittorgarh fort, this place is also known as the memorial of Queen Rudabai who made a self sacrifice to save her honour. 

Rani Sipri Mosque


Rani Sipri Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Ahmedabad. Built in 1514 this is situated in the old city. Also known as masjid-e-nagira or jewel of mosques it attracts the attention of the tourists towards the elegant proportions and splendid minarets. Like other historical monuments of 16th century this too is covered with splendid curvatures and distinguished filigree work. It is not too large but provides ample space for its worshippers. It includes a tomb and a row of columns along with a pair of minarets in the front which depict the early Muslim architectural work.

Thus, with splendid architecture, high rising minars and a gorgeous tomb it is one of the well known attractions of Ahmedabad.  

Hatheesing Jain Temple


Hatheesing Jain Temple is mainly known for its ornate architecture. Built in white marble this is one of the largest Jain temples of Ahmedabad. This was erected in 1850. Dedicated to the 15th Jain Tirthankara who was known as Dharmanath this temple carries the name of its creator. The temple has been named after Seth Hatheesing who was one of the richest retail traders of Ahmedabad.

It has been a real place of attraction for all the tourists along with the devotees. Built in lavish white marble this is decorated with rich intricate carvings. Surrounded with fine sculptures and rippled walls this is one the fabulous sites in Ahmedabad. With white marble it leaves a splendid silvery effect on the full moon light. Richly made this is one of the exclusive architectures of Ahmedabad.

Alongwith its splendid architecture this temple has some unique features. It is a double storey building with baronial array of cloisters that house a number of shrines. Each shrine is accompanied with an adorning tirthankara. There are at least 52 such structures. The temple further includes well organised porches. These porches add to the beauty of the temple which is further decorated with the dome shaped porch in the front. Located at a distance of 119 kms from Ahmedabad this is one of the richest temples of India.   


Hriday Kunj


Hriday Kunj is located in Ahmedabad in the Indian state of Gujarat. It is one of the important historical sites in Gujarat. Hriday Kunj earlier served as the residence of the great leader of Indian national movement Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi or popularly called as Mahatma Gandhi. According to history Mahatma Gandhi initiated his practical experiments of the famous non-violent Satyagraha and freedom struggle for India from Hriday Kunj. It was from this residence of Hriday Kunj, Gandhiji began his salt Satyagraha in 1930. Gandhiji stayed in Hriday Kunj of Gujarat for a span of 1918-1930.

Hriday Kunj is located in the premises of the famous ashram of Mahatma Gandhi. It was considered to be the haven for the so-called untouchables of India during that period. Mahatma Gandhi termed the untouchables as Harijans in the pre independent India. According to Gandhiji, Harijans were the people of God.

Hriday Kunj is situated on the banks of the Sabarmati River and is presently preserved as a national monument. The ashram in Hriday Kunj of Gujarat still remains engaged in preparing handicrafts, handmade paper and spinning wheels. Adjacent to the Hriday Kunj of Gujarat, there is a central library and a sight-and-sound show is organized for all its visitors who come to visit the place. Hriday Kunj also houses a vast prayer ground which is of great historical importance.

There is also a museum adjacent to the Hriday Kunj which is situated in the popular ashram of Mahatma Gandhi. It preserves valuable articles and documents of the Indian national movement.   


Rani Rupmati Mosque


Rani Roopmati Mosque is a famous religious place situated towards the north of Ahmedabad in the Indian state of Gujarat. It is a historic monument built by Sultan Mehmud Beghara. The Mosque is named after his Hindu wife Rani Roopmati and was constructed during the period of 1430 to 1440 AD. Before getting married to the Sultan of Ahmedabad, Rani Roopmati was the princess of Dhar. The tomb of Rani Rupmati is located right next to the main mosque. The mosque presents a fine blend of Indo-Sarcenic style and stands as an example of extraordinary skilled craftsmanship of Gujarat.

Rani Rupmati was one of the Hindu queens of the emperor. She like many other Mughal and Muslim rulers was married into the Rajput clan and local Hindu royal families. This was a practice common then among Muslims and Rajput rulers, to foster political alliances.

The mosque has three domes that are supported by pillars. The central dome is elevated to provide natural illumination in the mosque. These three domes are interconnected by a flat roof. Other than this, the other impressive features of the mosque consist of a high central arch, slim minarets, carved galleries and an exquisite mehrab. It is popularly known as Masjid-e-Nagina. The entrances on the side are flanked by balcony windows. Due to its beautiful configurations, it seems like an architectural jewel amongst the monuments in Ahmedabad.

The domes are supported by a row of 12 pillars. The smaller domes of the mosque ascend around the four corners and highlight the proportions. Due to the natural calamity that affected the Ahmedabad city in the year 1818, the mosque lost one of its minarets. The ceiling of the dome is beautified with the Hindu style patterns. The prayer hall of the mosque is of great aesthetic value, consisting of exquisite carvings.

Rani Rupmati`s Mosque is thus one of the most well known monuments in Ahmedabad that reflects an important feature common in the Indian history of royalty.
  

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