Rani no Hajiro

Rani no Hajiro, the Queens' Tomb, is a walled tomb complex in the heart of Ahmedabad's Old City, reached through a narrow passage off the Manek Chowk market. It is a group of mausoleums, generally dated to the 15th century, that hold the remains of women of the Gujarat Sultanate's royal household, and it lies close to the tomb of the city's founder, Ahmed Shah I, and the Jama Masjid. Traditionally, the wives of Ahmed Shah I are said to be buried here, although local accounts differ on individual burials and the identification of particular graves remains uncertain. The complex centres on a rectangular courtyard enclosed by a colonnaded arcade, with tombs set on raised platforms under domes and carved stone canopies. The graves are covered by cenotaphs of sandstone and marble, and the interiors are noted for perforated jaali screens and inlaid stonework and carving that shows a mixture of Islamic geometric design and local craft. Traces of coloured tile and paintwork survive in places, and the beautifully worked stone screens are a highlight for those interested in Sultanate-period craftsmanship. The site sits in a working street market, and the stalls that press against its walls sell bangles, textiles and other goods, so the approach is part of the experience; the calm of the courtyard contrasts sharply with the bustle of the lane outside. Rani no Hajiro is under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India, and it has been repaired and cleaned in phases, though encroachment, weathering and dust affect the stonework. Signage is limited, and understanding the complex benefits from a local guide or a heritage walk of the Walled City. Visitors are asked to behave respectfully because the tombs are still visited for prayer. It pairs naturally with Ahmed Shah's Tomb and the Jama Masjid, all of which are within a few minutes' walk of one another.