Ahmad Shah's Mosque, 15th century mosque in Ahmedabad, India
Ahmad Shah's Mosque is a 15th century place of worship in Ahmedabad featuring two rows of ten large domes held up by 152 pillars throughout the structure. Four arched gateways provide entry points, and eight perforated stone windows allow light to filter into the prayer hall in a gentle, diffused way.
Ahmad Shah I built this mosque in 1414 as a private prayer space for the royal court, positioning it near the Bhadra Fort administrative center. The structure emerged during a period when the ruler was establishing Ahmedabad as his new capital city.
The prayer hall blends Islamic design with elements from earlier Hindu and Jain structures, where visitors can see reused pillars that still display their original carved details. This combination reflects how different communities shared architectural traditions in medieval Ahmedabad.
The mosque is open from sunrise to sunset and sits near the busy Manek Chowk marketplace with good connections to public transport routes. Visitors should dress respectfully and be prepared to move quietly if others are praying during their visit.
The courtyard contains Ganj Shahid, a burial mound holding the remains of soldiers who fell during Sultan Ahmed's early military campaigns in the region. This burial site testifies to the conflicts that shaped the city's establishment and growth.
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