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Rani No Hajiro

A Place for the Queens

To the east of Manek Chowk in Ahmedabad is one of the busiest markets with streets full of female clothes and accessories. Called the Rani no Hijro, this place was the resting place for queens in ancient times. Today, the streets here are crowded with shops selling female clothing, accessories and other decorative items. It lies at Manek Chowk, which is an eminent point in Ahmedabad and the street is a vegetable market in the morning and turns into an eatery and a happening market by night.

The legend of Manek Chowk, after whom this place has been named is quite interesting. The Chowk is named after a sage named Baba Maneknath. It is believed that when Ahmad Shah I started building the fort, Maneknath tried to break his efforts by interlacing a mat in the morning and then untying the mat by night. He was then called up by the emperor and asked to show his powers by entering into a kettle and shut inside forever. Once the sage went in, the king caught him and buried him there.

Queen Tombs

Rani no Hajiro was built in the 15 century by the great sultan Ahmed Shah. The hajiro is a vault for graves and served as the last resting place for queens of this empire. Subsequent rulers of the area also continued this tradition. Walls surrounding these graves from the outside are magnificently carved out of stones. The burial place is in the centre and demarcated by a cloister (veranda).

The art of Brocade, which is as old as the history of Gujarat itself, was introduced in the reign of Ahmed Shah. This beautifully hand woven Zari cloth was used to cover the graves of the queens. It is believed that the uncharacteristic construction of an open air design of the courtyard was built according to the desire of Ahmad Shah’s queen. It was unusual because before her request, the design was a large dome covering the grave and enclosed into an ambulatory.

A great example of the mix of Hindu, Jain and Islamic culture, Rani no Hajiro showcases intricate design and carving work on the walls and domes.  The burial place or the inner area is kept locked to maintain tranquillity and cleanliness of the place. The place is maintained by a family of caretakers, who have been doing this for almost five generations now. They ensure that it remains untainted and pure.

Other Buildings and Sites Nearby


Badshah no Hajiro (Kings Tomb)

Starting from Ahmed Shah I, the founder of Ahmedabad, all subsequent male family members were buried here. To maintain the purity of the place men are supposed to cover their head before entering and women are not allowed to enter.

Rani no Hajiro

The street heading towards the Rani no Hajiro (Queen’s tomb) is famous by its own name and is a market for women's clothing, jewellery and accessories. During navratri and other Gujarati festivities, this road becomes is crowded and lively. The traditional Garba clothes and bandhani saris along with a lot of eateries are also sold here.

Ahmedabad Stock Exchange Building

The oldest stock exchange after the Mumbai stock exchange in India, this place was established in 1894. It became functional in 1996. This exchange was constructed by the British and the architecture reflects the design and patterns of the British culture. This building is 93 years old.

Mahurat Pol

The Jains built the first housing cluster and started the trend of pols in Ahmedabad. It was constructed in 1450.The pol has a Jain temple (The Shitalnath Jain temple) and a Hindu temple (the Dholeshwar Mahadev temple).

Useful Information

  • The queen tomb is a pious place and you are not allowed inside the burial area.
  • Head should be covered while entering
  • Ensure not to hurt the sentiments of the local people.

Time

Morning: 11:30

Evening:  4:00 pm onwards

Location

Manek Chowk East, Ahmedabad

Related Image

Rani No Hajiro
Rani No Hajiro
Rani No Hajiro
Rani No Hajiro
Rani No Hajiro
Rani No Hajiro

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