Ahmed Shah's Tomb Ahmedabad
Ahmed Shah's Tomb, a 15th-century mosque and resting place of Ahmedabad's founder, boasts intricate stone carvings and a serene interior.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Less crowded, better light for photos
Ahmed Shah's Tomb Ahmedabad
Best Time
Less crowded, better light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ahmed Shah's Tomb, a 15th-century mosque and resting place of Ahmedabad's founder, boasts intricate stone carvings and a serene interior.
"A King's final resting place with intricate carvings, though its exterior faces neglect."
Modest Dress Code
Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for this functioning mosque and sacred site. :pray:
Respectful Photography
The exterior can be difficult to photograph due to market encroachment. Focus on the interior's beauty. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ahmed Shah's Tomb
Manek Chowk
The final resting place of Ahmedabad's founder, featuring intricate stone carvings and a serene interior.
Intricate Stone Jalis
Tomb interior
Delicately carved stone screens that filter light, creating a peaceful and spiritual ambiance.
Founder's Legacy
Central tomb
The marble tomb of Sultan Ahmed Shah I, a poignant reminder of the city's origins.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Visit to a Sacred Site
Navigating Manek Chowk's Bustle
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Modest Dress Code
Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for this functioning mosque and sacred site. :pray:
Respectful Photography
The exterior can be difficult to photograph due to market encroachment. Focus on the interior's beauty. :camerawithflash:
Explore Manek Chowk
Visit the bustling market nearby for a taste of local Ahmedabad life. :shopping_bags:
Caretaker's Role
Locals often act as caretakers. Be polite and respectful of their role in maintaining the site. :peopleholdinghands:
Tips
from all over the internet
Modest Dress Code
Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for this functioning mosque and sacred site. :pray:
Respectful Photography
The exterior can be difficult to photograph due to market encroachment. Focus on the interior's beauty. :camerawithflash:
Explore Manek Chowk
Visit the bustling market nearby for a taste of local Ahmedabad life. :shopping_bags:
Caretaker's Role
Locals often act as caretakers. Be polite and respectful of their role in maintaining the site. :peopleholdinghands:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the serene and spiritually uplifting interior of Ahmed Shah's Tomb, highlighting its intricate jali work and the historical significance of Ahmedabad's founder. However, many note the stark contrast with the neglected and encroached exterior, which is difficult to photograph and detracts from the monument's grandeur.
"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 and location."
Rizwan Uddin
"This building is a mosque and Tomb of Ahmed Shah of the Muzaffarid dynasty, who founded the city of Ahmedabad. The building is still a functioning mosque and seems to have a group of families who act as caretakers of the building. The mosque is located in a square with the mosque in the centre.. The mosque is roughly square shaped, with a smaller chamber jutting out from each of the four sides and is topped with large dome. The sides of the building are wonderful decorated with latticeworks and it’s just a pity that time and all the surrounding people, goats etc has done considerable damage to the exterior of the building.
The inside has three tombs, the central one housing the tomb of Ahmed Shah, and the tombs of his son and grandson to the left and right. The inside is also very well maintained and in much clearly well cared for by the caretakers, so kudos for that.
It’s definitely worth visiting the tomb when in Ahmedabad, especially as it’s right next to Jama Masjid, that was built on the orders of Ahmed Shah."
macedonboy
"It's good from inside but it's encroached from outside. Local people are kind and cooperative. Surrounding area is not clean and it's impossible to properly photograph the tomb from outside. This tomb is in better shape than Rani's Hazira."
Jaimin Patel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ahmed Shah's Tomb is located in the heart of the city at Manek Chowk. You can reach it by auto-rickshaw or taxi. It's often visited in conjunction with the nearby Jama Masjid, which Ahmed Shah also commissioned.
Parking can be very challenging in the crowded Manek Chowk area. It's best to rely on public transport or drop-off services.
Combine your visit with exploring the vibrant Manek Chowk market, known for its street food and jewelry shops.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the tomb and mosque is generally free, as it is a functioning religious site maintained by locals.
As it's a functioning mosque, visiting hours are typically aligned with prayer times. It's advisable to visit during daylight hours outside of peak prayer times.
No advance booking is required as there is no formal ticketing system for this historical and religious site.
The interior is generally accessible, but the surrounding market area and the historical nature of the site may present challenges for those with mobility issues.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
It is the final resting place of Sultan Ahmed Shah I, the founder of Ahmedabad, and a significant historical monument.
Admire the central marble tomb of Ahmed Shah, flanked by the tombs of his son and grandson, and the delicate stone jalis that create a unique lighting effect.
Photography is generally permitted inside, but always be mindful of worshippers and maintain a respectful demeanor.
The exterior has suffered from market encroachment and neglect, making it difficult to photograph and appreciate fully.
Formal guided tours are not common, but local caretakers or knowledgeable guides in the Manek Chowk area might offer insights.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the tomb is located in Manek Chowk, which transforms into a famous street food hub in the evenings, offering a wide variety of local delicacies.
You can find everything from pav bhaji and dosas to traditional Gujarati snacks and sweets.
While popular, it's always wise to choose vendors with high turnover and good hygiene practices.
📸 📸 Photography
The interior offers the best photographic opportunities due to its serene atmosphere and intricate carvings. The exterior is challenging due to market encroachment.
Mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds, making it ideal for capturing the tomb's details.
Be respectful of worshippers and avoid intrusive photography. Flash photography might be discouraged inside.
Focus on the delicate jali work, the marble tombs, and the play of light and shadow inside to convey its spiritual ambiance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When visiting the tomb, emphasize the story of the city's founder to make it engaging for kids. The intricate jali work inside might also capture their imagination. Remember to dress modestly and keep an eye on children in the crowded market areas.
🕌 Religious Visitors
The local families who act as caretakers are deeply connected to the site. Engaging with them respectfully can offer deeper insights into the tomb's spiritual significance and history. The serene interior provides a peaceful environment for prayer and reflection.
📸 Photographers
The exterior presents a challenge due to market encroachment, making it difficult to get unobstructed views. Visiting in the morning can provide softer light and fewer crowds, enhancing photographic opportunities. Be mindful of respectful photography, especially when worshippers are present.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Sultan Ahmed Shah I
+1The tomb itself is a beautiful example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, blending Islamic and Indian styles. It's a functioning mosque, indicating its continued importance to the local Muslim community, who often act as its caretakers. This dual role as a historical monument and an active place of worship adds a unique dimension to the visitor experience.
Despite its historical importance, the tomb faces challenges from urban development and market encroachment in the bustling Manek Chowk area. This has led to a compromised exterior, though the interior remains well-maintained, offering a glimpse into its former glory and spiritual significance.
Architectural Marvels and Spiritual Ambiance
However, stepping inside reveals a stark contrast. The interior is bathed in a soft, ethereal light that filters through the exquisitely carved stone jalis (screens). This delicate latticework not only provides ventilation but also creates a serene and spiritual atmosphere, making it a peaceful sanctuary.
At the heart of the tomb lies the central marble tomb of Sultan Ahmed Shah I, flanked by the tombs of his son and grandson. The meticulous care taken by the local caretakers ensures that the interior remains well-preserved and a place of quiet contemplation, offering a profound connection to Ahmedabad's history.
Preservation Challenges in Manek Chowk
This encroachment, coupled with what some reviewers describe as neglect by authorities like the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), has impacted the tomb's exterior. The contrast between the well-maintained interior and the compromised exterior is a recurring theme in visitor feedback, highlighting a need for better urban planning and heritage management.
Despite these issues, the local community plays a vital role in maintaining the interior of the tomb and mosque. Their dedication ensures that this sacred space remains a place of worship and a point of historical pride, even as efforts for broader preservation continue.
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