File:Siesta In Rani No Hajiro (2140992778).jpg
The graves are covered with lengths of rich brocade, in keeping with the flourishing textile history of Ahmedabad. Brocade weaving was introduced to Gujarat by Ahmed Shah and woven into the already rich textile traditions of India. Brocade weaving eventually spread to the rest of India and even Varanasi which is known for its brocade fabrics owes much of its fame to weavers who migrated there from Gujarat.
The open-air centre courtyard is atypical, but is supposedly built in conformity with the wishes of Ahmed Shah's queen. Normally there is a centre dome under which lie the graves, surrounded by an enclosed cloister/ambulatory/veranda, and the structure is elevated above ground level. The intricate stone tracery and carving in an amalgamated Hindu, Jain, and Islamic style seen here and in temples/mosques all over Gujarat are typical and stunning examples of Gujarati architecture.
While poor Muslim families live in the porticoes outside the screen separating the cloister and inner courtyard, the inner courtyard is kept locked up unless someone like me badgers the family that takes care of it to open it up. For five generations this family has been taking care of the place and ensuring that it remains mostly clean, even though they themselves live in absolutely appalling conditions. Incidentally, the caretaker family live across the lane in a different building.Licensing
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This image, originally posted to Flickr, was reviewed on January 1, 2008 by the administrator or reviewer File Upload Bot (Magnus Manske), who confirmed that it was available on Flickr under the stated license on that date. |