HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE
Sarkhej Roza comprises one of the most elegant and unique architectural complexes of Ahmedabad. In its architecture, Sarkhej Roza is an example of the early Islamic architectural culture of the region, which fused Islamic stylistic influences from Persia with
indigenous Hindu and Jain features to form a composite “Indo-Saracenic” architectural style. The architectural style of Sarkhej Roza is a precursor to the Mughal period in a true amalgamation of Hindu, Jain and Islamic styles. Hindu craftsmanship and construction know-how was overlaid on Islamic sense of geometry and scale. The Roza Complex at Sarkhej was built at the advent of Sultanate era.
Queen's Palace
HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE
Sarkhej Roza comprises one of the most elegant and unique architectural complexes of Ahmedabad. In its architecture, Sarkhej Roza is an example of the early Islamic architectural culture of the region, which fused Islamic stylistic influences from Persia with
indigenous Hindu and Jain features to form a composite “Indo-Saracenic” architectural style. The architectural style of Sarkhej Roza is a precursor to the Mughal period in a true amalgamation of Hindu, Jain and Islamic styles. Hindu craftsmanship and construction know-how was overlaid on Islamic sense of geometry and scale. The Roza Complex at Sarkhej was built at the advent of Sultanate era.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
At the time when Ahmedabad city was built, which was during the reign of Ahmed Shah (1440-1443 A.D.), Sarkhej was a village with a population consisting of weavers and indigo-dyers who were predominantly Hindu. It became associated with the name of Shaikh Ahmed Khattu Ganj Baksh, a Sufi saint and a friend/advisor to Sultan Ahmed Shah, who in his later years retired to the quiet environment of Sarkhej, away from the city. The saint lived till he was 111 years of age and was greatly venerated during his lifetime. Myths about his miraculous powers are prevalent even today. Lives and teachings of Shaikh Ganj Baksh Khattu Upon his death in 1445, the reigning monarch, Mohammed Shah ordered a mausoleum built in his honour, along with a mosque. The construction of these two monuments were completed in 1451 A.D., by his successor Qutb'ud-Din Ahmed Shah. In the latter half of the 15th century, Sultan Mahmud Begada completed the complex by excavating a central tank and adding a number of pavilions and a small private mosque. Sarkhej now, became a place of repose and meditation; a summer resort for the royal family. Also, he built a mausoleum for himself and his family opposite to that of the saint, where his son Muzzaffar II and his queen, Rajabai were buried.A garden were constructed to commemorate the event. The complex is therefore one of the producand his queents of an important phase in the socio-political history of Gujarat. Further additions to the complex were made in 1584 A.D., when Akbar's forces defeated Muzaffar III. A country house gujarat, and in particular, the city of Ahmedabad.
Vision for the Development of Sarkhej Roza
Conservation does not mean only architectural restoration but it also means preserving the essence of the monument, which is of great historical importance to the city. In this regard, the Ahmedabad Community Foundation with the help of the Sarkhej Roza Committee proposed an initiative to explore the potential to view the monuments of Sarkhej Roza as a cultural resource space for the city.
Increase facilities for tourists at Sarkhej.
Efforts need to be made in the direction of making the monument more tourist and visitor friendly. There is an urgent need to clean the surroundings of the monument, clear the graffiti, improve signages and provide sanitation facilities for the visitors. Besides these efforts, a lot of information material needs to be created on Sarkhej Roza. Inspite of the fact that, many visitors come from across the country and the globe to visit the monument there is little to offer them by way of information either in English or the vernacular languages.
Sarkhej as a cultural resource space for Ahmedabad.
Most importantly, given the fact that Ahmedabad is developing at a very fast rate, (it's municipality is pushing for a mega city status) Sarkhej Roza is one of the few open spaces remaining in the crowded city of Ahmedabad. An improved ambiance will attract more tourists and visitors. In a city pressurized for open public spaces, the monument could be used as a site for cultural gatherings for groups of people to stage plays, literary activities, music festivals etc.
Community involvement required for sustaining efforts of preservation and conservation.
While there is a need to develop physical infrastructure at Sarkhej for tourists, the sustainability of this venture does not make sense without the involvement of the communities, which live around the area. This can happen only when the process of preservation of the monument leading to enhanced tourism leads to economic opportunities for them. This can be done in different ways like - local youth can be trained as tourist guides and photographers; provision can be made to help them set up souvenir shops, snack bars and cafes, etc.