India is filled with vibrant cultures from the North Pole to the South Pole. Each state has its own identity and history, and so does its architecture. When discussing architecture, people always wonder about the Jhulta Minara, also known as the Shaking Minarets of Ahmedabad in Gujarat. It is one of the architectural marvels with historical significance. Let’s find out more about these beautiful minarets.
About Jhulta Minara Ahmedabad
The Jhulta Minara is located in the heart of Ahmedabad, a part of the Sidi Bashir Mosque Complex made by pairing two intricately carved minarets. According to the legends, the Jhulta Minara Ahmedabad is over 500 years old. One pair of minarets is opposite Sarangpur Darwaja; however, another is near Kalupur railway station.
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History Of Jhulta Minara Ahmedabad
If we look into Jhulta Minara history, we will get to know it is a part of Sidi Bashir Mosque, built in the 15th century by Sidi Bashir, the slave of Sultan Ahmed Shah. Some stories claim that it was built by Malik Sarang, who was another Sultan of Gujarat. Another interesting fact about the Jhulta Minara history is that the construction was reported in the 15th century; however, the style and material used to construct the minarets are closely related to Mehimud Bagada’s reign of the 16th century.Only two pairs of Jhulta Minara are left due to the battle of Marathas and the Mughal governor of Gujarat in the eighteenth century, and the mosque was destroyed during the battle. Another belief of Ahmedabad Jhulta Minara is that it was built to avoid earthquakes.
Why Is It known As Shaking Minaret Or Jhulta Minara?
The mystery behind the Jhulta Minara is that if one of the minarets shakes or vibrates, the other minaret starts shaking within a few seconds and looking at the passage, there are no such vibrations. This phenomenon was first observed by an English and Sanskrit Scholar, M. Williams, in the 19th century. Hence the name “Shaking Minaret” or “Jhulta Minara.” Because of this, many historians, heritage enthusiasts, and architects are interested in discovering this vibrational mystery of Ahmedabad Jhulta Minara, which is still unknown.
The Architecture Of Ahmedabad Jhulta Minara
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The Jhulta Minara Sidi Bashir Mosque is made up of a combination of sandstone and Limestone. Looking at the architecture, these shaking minarets were the entrance of Sidi Bashir Mosque, which is a blend of Gothic Muslim and Rajputana styles of architecture. The minarets are a three-story complex with a length of thirty-four metres and balconies made of stone. The primary purpose of Jhulta Minara Sidi Bashir Mosque is to border the Minarets. You can reach it with the help of staircases that run in the middle of the minaret. The walls of the minarets are intricately carved with beautiful carvings and geometric patterns, which show a blend of Islamic and Rajputana styles or the Indo-Islamic style of architecture. You will find the floral motifs and Indian-style carvings on the minaret.
These minarets were designed with the intent that if there is any vibration on the upper arch of the Sidi Bashir Mosque, it will lead to the vibration of all of these minarets on a simultaneous note. Hence, it is a belief that these minarets were built to avoid any uncertain events at the mosque. It is said that the minaret has flexibility because of the materials, such as lime and jaggery, used to construct the Jhulta Minara Sidi Bashir Mosque.
In recent years, efforts have been made to conserve the Jhulta Minara Sidi Bashir Mosque from further deterioration. Most of the conservationists and heritage enthusiasts participate.
Places To Visit Near Jhulta Minara
You have explored every part of Shaking Minarets of Ahmedabad and now have ample time left. So here are some places you can visit near the minarets. The list goes as follows: - Lal Darwaja
- Dada Harir Stepwell
- Jama Masjid
- Hutheesing Jain Mandir
- Magen Abraham Synagogue
- Kamla Nehru Zoo
- Manek Chowk
1. Lal Darwaja, Ahmedabad
Lal Darwaja is heaven for shopaholics. Here, you will find people selling items from clothes to electronics. It is one of the most crowded places in Ahmedabad. You can buy souvenirs such as traditional clothes, handbags, chappals, and wallets. But another thing you must know before buying is bargaining because the street sellers will always quote higher prices than the normal ones. You can also taste the delicacies of Ahmedabad, such as Dhokla and Jalebi. If you are into sweets and spices, you can try the chaat corners, and remember to taste the flavourful paan at Lal Darwaja.
2. Dada Harir Stepwell, Ahmedabad
The Dada Harir Stepwell, also known as Dada Harir Wav, is located in the Asarwa region, which is at a distance of 15 km from Ahmedabad. It is one of the most famous places to visit near Jhulta Minara. This stepwell was known as Bal Harir Stepwell during the earlier times. According to the reports, the Dada Harir Wav was established in the era of Mehmud Begda. This place is famous for its octagonal structure of step-wells made of sandstone, which also shows a Solanki style of architecture.
The step well has seven levels, which is an excellent source of water conservation and can accommodate a few visitors simultaneously. If you belong to the category of history and heritage enthusiast, do not forget to visit Dada Harir Stepwell, a masterpiece of Gujarati and Solanki style of architecture.
3. Jama Masjid, Ahmedabad
As you have seen the Minarets of Sidi Bashir Mosque, you can also explore the Jama Masjid, one of the best examples of Indo-Islamic architecture. According to the reports, the Jama Masjid of Ahmedabad was established in the 15th century under the reign of Sultan Ahmed Shah, who is said to be the founder of Ahmedabad City. The Jama Masjid also bears the tombs of Ahmed Shah I and his family members. Looking at the architecture of Jama Masjid, you will observe that it has a unique and beautiful blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture. It is also said that the mosque was built to privately serve shrines. Another interesting fact about the Jama Masjid is that it was constructed with restored pieces from the demolished Jain and Hindu temples. If you love heritage, you will love visiting the Jama Masjid of Ahmedabad.
4. Hutheesing Jain Mandir, Ahmedabad
The Hutheesing Jain Mandir, also known as Hathising Jain Mandir, located at the Shahibaug road of Bardolpura, was established in 1848 and is one of the most famous Jain temples in Ahmedabad. The Jain temple is fully dedicated to the 15th Tirthankara, Lord Dharmnath of the Jain community. The Hutheesing Jain temple has two storied white marble structures and is home to eleven deity structures. Let’s look at the architecture of Hathisingh Jain Temple. You will find a vast tiled courtyard and the temple designed by renowned architect Premchand Salat. The temple bears a dome-shaped structure that is supported by pillars. It has an octagonal-shaped mandapam that bears more than fifty shrines with carvings of Tirthankaras. The Hutheesing Jain Mandir is a famous pilgrim spot for tourists.
5. Magen Abraham Synagogue, Ahmedabad
The Megan Abraham Synagogue is the only Jewish congregation that survives in Ahmedabad. The complex is located in the Khadia region of Ahmedabad and was used to set up donations from the Israeli Jewish Community. If we look at the architecture of Megan Abraham, the Synagogue shows a blend of Indo-Jewish style of architecture, and you will also observe that the interiors have a Persian design and structure from the 20th century.
6. Kamla Nehru Zoo, Ahmedabad
You have seen various pilgrimage and heritage sites. Still, Ahmedabad has something for nature and wildlife enthusiasts: Kamla Nehru Zoo. The Kamla Nehru Zoo of Ahmedabad is also known as Kankaria Zoo, and it was established in 1951. The zoo is spread around about 117 acres and is surrounded by Kankaria Lake. The Kamla Nehru Zoo carries a wide range of animal and bird species. This place is home to over 400 animals, 140 reptile species, and over a thousand bird species. Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation takes complete care of Kamla Nehru Zoo and Kankaria Lake. The biodiversity of the zoo also bears several endangered species, such as elephants and tigers. You can also spot Blackbuck, Indian Star Tortoise, and Nicobar pigeons in Kamla Nehru Zoo.
Suggested Read: 15 Best Things To Do In Gujarat
7. Manek Chowk
Manek Chowk is another place you can visit in Ahmedabad city after observing the minarets. This place is surrounded by various historic complexes and is considered part of Old Ahmedabad. If you are a shopaholic, this is the best place to be. Another interesting fact about Manek Chowk is that it plays three daily roles. In the morning, the Manek Chowk works as a regular vegetable market; it is a bullion market in the afternoon and becomes a street food market in the evening. Manek Chowk is named after Sain Maneknath, who interrupted Ahmed Shah I to build the Bhadra Fort in the 15th century. Manek Chowk is a substantial economic spot today because the market turnover is nearly Rs. 3 million annually.
Hotels Near Jhulta Minara
You have explored various places in Ahmedabad, including Jhulta Minara, Jama Masjid, and whatnot. Still, where will you rest your head when you are done for the day? You must be looking for hotels within your budget. Here are some of the hotels for you to relax after a hectic day of exploration:
1. Regenta Central Antarim Ahmedabad
At a distance of 5 km from Shaking Minarets, you will find a Regenta Central Antarim Hotel in Ahmedabad, which is known for its luxury experience to visitors, offering clean rooms at a budget price. They provide free internet, a room with air conditioning, a minibar, and much more.
2. Welcome Hotel by ITC
At a distance of 4 km, you can visit the Welcome Hotel, which is a part of ITC Hotels in Ahmedabad; this hotel is known for value-for-money services and provides a wide range of amenities such as premium suites, clean rooms, free internet, coffee maker, television services, etc. Welcome Hotel is one of the best hotels near Jhulta Minara in Ahmedabad.
Restaurants Near Jhulta Minara
You are exploring the heritage site of Ahmedabad. Now, you are looking for good places with many delicacies to comfort your appetite. Here are some of the restaurants near Jhulta Minara in Ahmedabad.
1. Das Khaman House
Suppose you are looking for breakfast that serves the budget delicacies of Ahmedabad. In that case, you can visit Das Khaman House, served since 1922, which serves the best Khaman Dhokla, and the average meal cost is Rs. 50 per person.
2. Vishalla Restaurant
Suppose you are looking for lunch and want to taste the Gujarati cuisine. In that case, you can visit Vishalla Restaurant, serving its authentic Gujarati delicacies since 1978. You will find a wide variety of dishes from Khandvi to Special Gujarati Thali, and this place has everything that suits your taste buds. The average cost per person in this restaurant is about Rs. 300
3. Agashiye Restaurant
Agashiye is another restaurant you can visit for dinner with your loved ones. It is one of the famous rooftop restaurants known for its value-for-money food and unique Gujarati cuisines that are served in traditional style. The average cost per person at Agashiye restaurant is about Rs 800. Suggested Read: Dare To ‘Dine With Dead’ At Lucky Restaurant, Ahmedabad
Jhulta Minara Timings
The Jhulta Minara timings are 5:30 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. every day, and there is no entry fee to explore the Jhulta Minara of Ahmedabad.
Conclusion
The “Jhulta MInara” or “The Shaking Minarets” is a place of architectural and historical significance that transports us to the ancient era and showcases the spirit of human creativity. Whether you are a history enthusiast or a typical tourist, this place will surprise you with its vibrations. So whenever you visit Ahmedabad, do not forget to explore the Shaking Minarets of Sidi Bashir Mosque.
