Gujarat
The State of Gujarat in the North West
corner of India appears to have been jutting out into the Arabian
Sea. With an area around 2 lakh sq.km. and population over 40
million, this prosperous State is believed to have been the
home of vegetarian delights and Industrious people. Its Capital
is Gandhinagar and the best season to visit this land of Gandhi
and Patel is between Octobers to March. This State dominates
in textile industry and making big strides in other fields such
as chemicals, petro-chemicals, fertilizers. drugs, pharmaceuticals,
dye-stuffs and engineering goods. There is a Gujarati saying
which says that Gujarat’s wealth hangs on three threads
silk, gold and cotton. There are hiany places evoking tourist’s
interest. Some of them have been described below
Ahmedabad
If modern times call it ‘the Manchester
of India’, Sir Thomas Roe, the British Ambassador in Jahangir’s
Court had described it in the following way about 400 years
ago. “It is a goodly city as large as London; it is the
handsomest town in Hindustan, perhaps in the wor1d although
not as beautiful, the city shows the judious blend of the various
faiths prospering in the land. The places worth visiting in
the city are:
Sidi Saiyed Mosque
A fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture,
it was built by Sidi Saiyed, a slave of Ahmad Shah in 1572.
Its most striking feature is the pierced marble windows with
fine workmanships.
Ahmad Shah Mosque
It is the earliest mosque of the city built
by Ahmad-Shah in 1414. It has been built and embellished with
stones, pillars and sculpture of a Hindu or jain Temple.
Rani Roopmati Mosque
An excellent example of the Indo Islamic
architecture, it was built in 1430 and named after Sultan’s
Hindu Queen Rupmati. Its towering minarets were partially pulled
down by the 1819 earthquake.
Rani Sipri Mosque
Built one of the Rani of Mahmud Bagharra
in 1514, it is also called Masjid-e-Nagina’ because of
its super workmanship and design.
Jhula Minars
Situated outside the Sarangpur Gate, they
are part of the Sidi Bashir Mosque. When any one of these shaking
minarets is shaken by applying a little force, the other also
begin to shake.
Hatheesingh Temple
A Jam temple built in 1848 by Kesarising
and Hatheesing, the shrine is dedicated to Dharamnath, the 15th
Teerthankar. The complex reminds the visitors of the lain Temples
in Dilwara at Mt. Abu.
Adalaj Vav
This step well was built in 1489 by Queen
Radabai, a queen of Waghela Dynasty. A series of steps leads
down to the water. Its walls and pillars are richly decorated
with carvings of leaves, flowers, birds, fish and other ornate
designs. It is a five storey structure meant for providing cool
and secluded chambers during hot summer months.
Sarphez Roza
It is one of the most fascinating architectural
edifices that Ahmedabad has. Built in 1445 this monument is
famous for its huge central dome and finely carved brass lattices.
Kankaria Lake
This artificial polygonal lake built in
1451 by Sultan Quth-ud-din was once graced by the frequent visits
of Emperor Jahangir and his Chief Begum Nur Jahan. Now it is
a popular picnic spot and has a zoo, a library, mirror house
and a children’s park.
Juma Masjid
The Cathedral of Friday Mosque, built in
1423 by Ahmad Shah, is one of the finest and biggest mosques
of India.
Shah Alam Mausoleum
This another beautiful monument dedicated
to the Saint Shah Alam of Betwa, was built by Sultan Mehmood
Bagharra. St. Shah Alain was a spiritual teacher and guide of
Bagharra. It is said that its dome was set with jewels and gold
by the brother of Nurjehan.
Teen Darwaja
This main gate in the east wall- known
as Teen Darwaja or triple archway has been a silent witness
to Ahmedahad’s past glory and military achievement. Its
strong bastions and finely carved designs are beautiful.
Sabarmati Ashram
The modern temple of the
greatest man of our time, Mahatma Gandhi, is situated on the
serene west bank of the river Sabarmati. It was here that Gandhiji
lived from 1918 to 1930. The little cottage where Mahatmaji
lived Hridaya Kunj is now a national monument and preserved
as it was during Bapu’s time.
Cheap and budget class accommodation is available around Relief
Road, Bhadra and Lal Darwaja Bus Stand. Even otherwise Ahmedabad
has many places of comfortable stay for the visitors. Ahmedabad
is well connected air, road, and rail routes with rest of the
big cities of the country.
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