Ahmedabad is an historical city that shows its heritage through impressive monuments that reflect its past; these include monumental mosques, eye-catching step wells and an incredible clock tower.
Sultan Ahmed Shah constructed the impressive Bhadra Fort in 1411 to protect his territory against enemy attack, featuring royal palaces, beautiful gardens, large gates and even its own shrine and clock tower.
Bhadra Fort
Ahmed Shah constructed this magnificent fort in 1411 to house mosques, palaces, and other structures. Its Three Gates represent harmonious integration of various artistic traditions.
Adalaj Ni Vav is a must-see attraction within the fort and serves as an intricately carved stepwell designed to store water. Now it stands as an exquisite monument. Additionally, this fort also houses an auspicious temple dedicated to Goddess Bhadra – a manifestation of Lakshmi.
Teen Darwaza
Teen Darwaza was an architectural feat commissioned and completed in 1415 AD by Sultan Ahmed Shah as part of Bhadra Fort’s entrance. According to legend, Jahangir enjoyed watching royal processions from this magnificent gateway.
An intriguing tale surrounds the eternal diya that’s lit here. According to legend, Khwaja Siddique stood guard and prevented Lakshmi from leaving without permission from King Jahangir and even asked to be beheaded so she would stay put and protect his city from its harm.
Adalaj Step Well
Adalaj Step Well is not only an exquisite architectural marvel, but its history is equally fascinating. Dating back to 15th-century, this 15th-century structure showcases Hindu, Islamic and Jain cultures in harmony. Legend has it that Rana Veer Singh of Vaghela Dynasty built it. Unfortunately when his kingdom was attacked he perished. After this his widow Queen Rudabai accepted to marry an Islamic ruler provided that construction on Adalaj stepwell continued – on condition he completed construction as promised by Rana Veer Singh before marrying him on condition that the stepwell would finish construction by then.
Sarkhej Roza
Sarkhej Roza is an architectural complex comprising of a mosque, tomb and gardens built around an artificial lake that was once home to Sufi Saint Ganj Baksh, an esteemed advisor of Sultan Ahmed Shah. It remains today as an impressive piece of historical architecture and architecture.
His death occurred in the city and upon hearing this news his successor ordered that a tomb and mosque be built in his honour by Qutubudin’s son Qutubudin in 1451. With its striking design incorporating Indian Hindu principles as well as austere yet beautiful construction methods reminiscent of its surroundings, this structure stands as an impressive tribute to its dead lord.
Hutheesing Jain Temple
Hutheesing Jain Temple in Ahmedabad is one of the premier Jain shrines. Conceived as an ode to Sheth Hutheesing Kesarisinh – one of India’s wealthiest Jain traders – before his untimely demise at 49 left it incomplete, Shethani Harkunwar took on its completion within two years as its sole administrator.
The temple complex includes an image of Dharmanath and 52 smaller shrines surrounding him, as well as a 78 feet-tall spire modelled after Chittorgarh tower in Rajasthan.
Calico Museum of Textiles
The Calico Museum of Textiles, inaugurated by Jawaharlal Nehru and featuring hand-woven textiles dating back to 15th-century religious textiles to historical fabrics as well as weapons with historical value, stands as a testimony to India’s rich textile heritage. The gallery includes religious textiles from 15th-century religious festivals along with weapons with antique value.
Once housed at Calico Mills, this museum was relocated to Sarabhai House in 1983 to make room for its ever-increasing collections. Today it stands as one of India’s foremost textile museums and sources of inspiration for designers.
Lal Darwaza
Lal Darwaza, also known by its previous name Kabuli Darwaza, is one of 13 gates left standing from Delhi’s ancient fortification period. This archway holds great historical significance to India and attracts numerous tourists every year.
Mahankali temple at Lal Darwaza has been beautifully prepared to host Bonalu festivities. Devotees from across Telangana and neighboring states are expected to come and worship here on Bonalu day.
Jhulta Minar
Visit Ahmedabad without witnessing its magnificent Jhulta Minar – its twin minarets (part of Sidi Bashir Mosque) are an architectural mystery which have mystified architects worldwide.
Though much of the mosque was reduced to rubble during a war between Marathas and Khans of the Sultanate in 1753, two 34-meter-tall minarets still stand tall, connected via a central gateway.
Simply giving one minaret a small push can cause its neighboring minarets to shake, with no impact to the connecting passageways or passageway itself. This phenomenon has long fascinated historians.
