The Tomb of Ahmed Shah, also known as Badshah no Hajiro or Raja no Hajiro (King's Mausoleum), is a historic mosque and tomb complex located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.
History and Significance
The mosque was built by Ahmed Shah I, the founder of Ahmedabad, in 1414. It's believed to have been used by the royal family as their private mosque. The tomb complex houses the tombs of Ahmed Shah I, his son Muhammad Shah II, and his grandson Qutb-ud-Din Ahmad Shah II.
Architectural Style
The mosque is a beautiful example of Indo-Islamic architecture, featuring a blend of Hindu and Islamic styles. The mosque has a square-shaped central chamber with four smaller chambers jutting out from each side. A large dome crowns the central chamber. The sides of the building are decorated with intricate latticework. The white marble pillars and the yellow marble pulpit with its leafy patterned balustrade add to the mosque's beauty.
Inside the courtyard is a mound called Ganj Shahid or the martyrs' mound, which is the tomb of warriors who died in Sultan Ahmed Shah's battles.
Visiting the Tomb and Mosque
The Tomb of Ahmed Shah and Ahmed Shah's Mosque is a functioning mosque, so visitors are expected to dress modestly. Since it is a place of worship, be respectful and maintain silence while inside the mosque.
Here are some additional details for your visit:
- Location: The tomb is situated near Jama Mosque and Manek Chowk in the heart of Ahmedabad. You can easily reach the place by public transport or rickshaw.
- Timings: The mosque is open for visitors from dawn to dusk.
- Entry Fee: There is no entry fee to visit the mosque or the tomb complex. However, donations are appreciated.
Places to Visit Nearby
- Jama Masjid: One of the largest mosques in India, located right next to the Tomb of Ahmed Shah.
- Manek Chowk: A bustling marketplace famous for its street food and shopping.
- Sidi Saiyyed Mosque: Known for its intricate latticework windows.
- Teen Darwaza: An ornamental gateway leading to the old city.
I hope this description helps you plan your visit to the Tomb of Ahmed Shah and Ahmed Shah's Mosque. It's a beautiful and historic place that is definitely worth seeing.