Ahmedabad – Part V: Jama Masjid & Mausoleums

The Jama Masjid of Ahmedabad is one of the largest and splendid mosques in the Indian subcontinent. Built by Sultan Ahmed Shah the mosque is situated outside the Bhadra fort area. The mosque was inaugurated on January 4, 1424 AD and was originally intended only for the private use of the sultans.
The mosque complex is centred on a large rectangular courtyard 75 m long and 66 m wide. There are three entrances to the mosque complex, one at the centre of each side. The courtyard is lined with colonnade on three sides and the prayer hall occupies the fourth side, which is on the east. In the centre of the courtyard is a rectangular tank for ablutions.
The rectangular prayer hall is covered by four domes. Some of the central domes are carved like lotus flowers, resembling typical domes of the Jain temples. The mosque and arcades are built of beautiful yellow sandstone and carved with intricate details. The two huge minarets flanking the main arched entranceway collapsed in the earthquake of 1819, their lower portions still stand. The main prayer hall has over 260 columns supporting the roof with 15 domes.

Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid

One of the domes, view from inside

The mihrab inside the Masjid

Pillars inside the masjid

Pillars inside the masjid

The area for women worshippers with lattice work

The main entrance of the masjid with the torana, typical feature of a temple

Architectural details

Architectural details

Architectural details

The hall around the compound

The tank for ablution in front of the masjid

Stands outside the Jama Masjid’s east gate, is the tomb of Ahmed Shah constructed after his death in 1442 by his son and successor Muhamad Shah. It includes the tombs of his son and grandsons. The mausoleum, locally known as ‘Badshah no Hajiro’ is a medieval mosque with a large central dome. There are four chambers at all four corners with delicately carved stone screen (jaalis). Women are not allowed to enter the mausoleum and men must cover their heads before entering.

‘Badshah no Hajiro’, the mausoleum of Ahmed Shah

Tombs inside

Detailed stone works

Detailed stone works

The lattice work inside the mausoleum

Across the road is the ‘Rani no hajiro’ or the tombs of Ahmed Shah’s Queens, which is in very bad shape and encroached by the market, selling women’s clothing and jewellery

‘Rani no hajiro’ or the tombs of Ahmed Shah’s Queens