Rani no Hajiro, Ahmedabad

Rani no Hajiro, also known as the Mughlai Bibi no Maqbara, is a 15th-century monument located in the historic Manek Chowk area of ​​Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Built during the reign of Sultan Mahmud Shah I of the Gujarat Sultanate, the monument served as the burial place for the Sultan's queens and royal women. The monument holds huge cultural and tourism significance due to its excellent craftsmanship and continued use as a heritage market. Its structure reflects the Indo-Islamic style, featuring stone lattice screens, simple decoration and balanced space layout.

Rani no Hajiro reflects the distinctive Indo-Islamic architectural style of the Gujarat Sultanate, which blends Islamic funerary planning with the craftsmanship of the region. Built in the late 15th century during the reign of Sultan Mahmud Shah I (1458–1511), the monument showcases advanced stone carving techniques and weathering.Local sandstone was used in its construction, while finely perforated mesh screens provide ventilation and filtered light. Its layout follows symbolic funerary geometry, emphasizing circles, symmetry, and spiritual thought. Instead of intense decoration, minimal surface decoration clearly shows the structure.The monument's engineering innovation lies in its passive cooling design and precise stone joints without excessive mortar, ensuring longevity over centuries.

• Central royal tomb chamber
• Rectangular enclosed courtyard
• Stone jali screens and arched entrances
• Raised burial platforms

• The tomb uses perforated stone jalis to regulate light and airflow naturally.
• Local sandstone was precisely cut and interlocked with minimal mortar.
• Covered in rich brocade works, these tombs display intricate carvings that are a blend of Jain, Islamic and Hindu architectural styles.
• One of the most vibrant shopping destinations of Ahmedabad.
• The monument uniquely evolved into a traditional market without altering its core structure.
• You can shop for traditional Garba clothes, jewelry, accessories and many more here.

📅 Last update: 2026-01-26 || ✍ Author: Sandhya Chauhan

Meet Sandhya, exploring India with curiosity and wonder. She shares info and tips in simple language, inviting you to join the journey. She is graduated in tourism and writes about the places of India.