Being a under the Muslim ruling for centuries no doubt that Ahmedabad will be having many Muslim religious places in its historic monument treasure. Each one of these holy places for Muslims is architectural splendour in its designing style. The mosques here showcases some excellent work of art via carvings on windows, pillars, domes, arches, walls, etc. The magnificent Jali work is world recognised for its unique beauty and intricate carving. There are many such monuments that are representing Indo Sarcenic style of architecture. One such monument in Ahmedabad is Rani Rupmati Mosque.
This mosque is one of the most ancient mosques of the city located at Mizapur which is at the northern part of Ahmedabad city. You must be wondering a mosque named after a Hindu Queen. Yes it is as true as the river of Sabarmati flowing in the city. Actually the Muslim Emperor Sultan Mahmud Beghara married to a Hindu Princess of Dhar named Rupmati and this mosque is named after this Hindu wife of Muslim sultan. The architecture of the monument is influenced by Hindu and Muslim designing style. It also symbolises the amalgamation of two very different races, Hindu and Muslim. This mosque was constructed in the fifteenth century between 1430 and 1440. There is another name of this mosque, Masjid-e- Nagina. It is one important gem of the necklace of mosques in Ahmedabad.
If we talk about the architecture of the monument then we must say it is designed beautifully. It has three domes on top. These domes are given support by pillars underneath. The central pillar is slightly elevated at its place in order to let the natural light in. There are minarets which is common feature in any Muslim religious place, can be seen but they are built quite slim. Some of the minarets are said to be destroyed by the massive earthquake of 1818 in the city. The domes, galleries with intricate carvings, central arch, the mihrab, pillars supporting domes, etc. are the highlights of the mosque structure. You can notice a flat roof top connecting to the three domes of the mosque. You can see the tomb of Rani Rupmati just next to the mosque. Though the structural arrangement of this monument is different from Rani Sipri mosque but it is worth paying a visit in order to understand the indo sarcenic blending of designing. There are side entrances in the mosque that open out in balcony windows and end by lattice designed windows. There is a row of twelve pillars to support each dome. The domes differ in the size. Two domes situated at front are smaller than the rear dome which is bigger in size. It shows the good planning when you explore how the central dome is elevated slightly in order to allow sunlight but restrict the heat of direct sunlight. The design is planned keeping in mind the factor of beauty of the structure.
After exploring this splendid historic monument and a symbol of Hindu Muslim blend, you can also explore the nearby Mosque of Muhafiz Khan (1465), the Saiyed Usman Mausoleum of 1460s and Muhammad Chisti Mosque built in sixteenth century displaying magnificent Jali work.By visiting this mosque you can make sightseeing in Ahmedabad a rich, educational and fruitful experience. The Rani Rupmati Mosque in Ahmedabad with its architectural marvel is a glaring example of India’s rich art and cultural heritage.RUCHI MAHAJAN