Bhadra Fort Ahmedabad’s Historic Fort: Form and Space
Bhadra Fort is located in Ahmedabad, India’s walled city district. Ahmad Shah I constructed it in 1411.
By building this ancient fort in 1411 AD, Sultan Ahmed Shah, the monarch at the time, laid the groundwork for the future metropolis. Within the enormous walls of this colossal fort made of rich red sandstone lay the entire old city of Ahmedabad. At the time, the fort’s estimated dimensions were 43 acres, with 14 minars, 8 gates, and 2 sizable apertures.
It was refurbished in 2014 as a cultural hub for Ahmedabad by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), showcasing its intricately carved royal residences, mosques, gateways, and open areas.
A sign next to the fort contradicts the popular belief that the fort’s identity, Bhadra, was inspired by a temple dedicated to Bhadra Kali, a manifestation of Laxmi, that was built under Maratha control. Established in or about 1411, the large guarded gate known as Bhadra Gate served as the main eastern entryway to the palace established here by Ahmedabad’s ruler, Sultan Ahmad Shah (1411–1442).
Although Ahmedabad has become the capital, the first three rulers of the Gujarat Sultan dynasty ruled from the ancient Rajput stronghold of that name at Anhilwada-Patan (Baroda State), which inspired the name of the royal residence. The walls that once connected this entrance to two auxiliary gates beyond it have three inscriptions that are nearly entirely covered with graffiti. One of these seems to have a Jahangir period date (1605–1627)
The fort spans roughly 43 acres, featuring various circular structures, mosques, palaces, and other intriguing architectural elements.
Architectural Style and Ornamentation
This fort’s building showcases the finest of Islamic architecture. It is impressive to see the elaborate arches, carved balconies, and well-crafted latticework. The fort’s arches are inscribed with Islamic characters. The fort is home to numerous amazing structures. You may explore the gloomy dungeons, the imperial court, the monarchs’ private chambers, and other hallways.
With its arched structures, outdoor spaces, and intricate lattice, the fort was constructed with inspiration from Islamic architecture. There were fourteen circular buildings on the 43 acres that made up the fort. The building that is now visible to us is an unfinished Manek Burj. Ellisbridge took on a new shape when it was enlarged, losing some of its dimensions.
The mosque dedicated to Sidi Sacres was built after the section on the northeast wall was taken down. The Mughal emperors also built Ajam Khan’s Palace in the east after demolishing a part of the fort. There were two tiny and six large gates at the old Bhadra Fort.
It is said that Piran Pir’s Darwaja is the primary gate in the east. It is referred to as Bhadra Darwaja. North of Bhadra Fort was another major gate. It had the name Lal Darwaja.
Just the wall of Lal Darwaja, which is visible across the thread to the north of Sidi Salved’s Mosque, remains in place as of right now. Lal Darwaja is the name of the neighbourhood directly across from the Power Building. To the southwest stood the third gate. Ganesh Bari was the name of it. Ahmed Shah’s Mosque was reached via the southern entrance. At the location of the current telegraph office, there were two gates of regular size.
In the west, there were two gates: Baradari and Ram Darwaj. Near Baradan Darwaja, there was a well that was utilised to irrigate the landscaped area. Within the structure of the form was a royal garden called “Naginabaug.”
Bhadra Fort Gates
In Fort, there are eight gates: three large, three medium-sized, and two little. Due to urbanisation, the fort was occupied in 1545, so Mahmud Begada constructed a new one. The new fort’s perimeter was ten kilometres. While there were 189 bastions, there were only 12 gates.
Piran Pir Darwaza, often referred to as Bhadra Darwaza, was the name of the major entryway. The temple of Bhadra Kali is located on the exterior of Lal Darwaza, another great entrance to the north of the fort. The third gate, Ganesh Bari, is situated in the southwest. Baradari Darwaza and Ram Darwaza are the two gates located to the west.
Conservation Efforts
As an ASI site, Bhadra Fort is closely monitored and protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. Conservation activities are centred on protecting the fort’s foundational strength, rebuilding ruined areas, and conserving its historical and architectural features. These attempts guarantee that the fort will remain a lasting icon of the nation’s great history.
Nearby Attractions and Landmarks
Bhadra Fort had imperial residences, an expansive space called Maidan-Shah on the east, and the stunning Nagina Baugh and the regal Ahmed Shah’s Mosque on the west. Its 43-acre defensive city wall had eight gates, fourteen towers, and two huge entrances. One can still make out the eastern wall along the bank of the river.
During his rule, the fort complex served as a royal court. Once serving as the main entrance to Maidan-Shah, the royal plaza, Teen Darwaza is a triple gateway located on the eastern flank of the fort. Manek Chowk is a commercial plaza accessible from the road that goes past Teen Darwaza. A congregational mosque located alongside the road on the south side is named Jami Masjid.
In 1849, the bell-shaped clock of Bhadra Fort was transported from London. It was lit at night from the back by a kerosene lamp, which was replaced in 1915 with an electric one.
Places near Bhadra fort
- Hathee Singh Jain Temple
- Swaminarayan Temple
- Rani Rupmati Mosque
- Sidi Sayed Mosque
Cultural Impact
- Bhadra Fort during the Gujarat Sultanate.
Ahmad Shah I constructed the Bhadra Fort after establishing the Muzaffarid kingdom in Karnavati. He dubbed the city Ahmedabad. Bhadra Fort under the Gujarat Sultanate, also known as Arak Fort.
- Bhadra Fort Under Mughal
Bhadra Fort was administered by about 60 Mughal rulers. Later Mughal Emperors Jahangir, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb governed Ahmedabad. Azam Khan Saral, erected by a governor of Mughal Emperor Azam Khan, served as a rest stop for visitors.
- Bhadra Fort under Marathas
- In 1583, Peshwa and Gaekwad joined forces to remove Mughal authority and establish the Maratha Empire. The British beat the Marathas in the conflict that lasted from 1775 to 1782, although they returned the fort after striking a deal with them.
- Bhadra Fort under the British
- The British took control of the fort in 1817 and repurposed it as a prison. The fort was under British control until independence.
Current scenario
Reference:
Centre, U.W.H. (no date) Urban Heritage Atlas: Understanding Attributes of Historic Cities and Settlements: Historic City of Ahmedabad (India), World Heritage Centre – Urban Heritage Atlas: Understanding Attributes of Historic Cities and Settlements. Available at: https://whc.unesco.org/en/urban-heritage-atlas/ahmedabad/#:~:text=Monumental%20architecture&text=The%20earliest%20building%20in%20the,Maidan%2De%2DShahi%20square.
Centre, U.W.H. (no date a) Historic City of Ahmedabad, UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Available at: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1551/
Tourism, G. (no date) Ahmedabad World Heritage City, World Heritage City. Available at: https://www.gujarattourism.com/central-zone/ahmedabad/ahmedabad-world-heritage-city.html
Tourism, G. (no date b) Bhadra Fort. Available at: https://www.gujarattourism.com/central-zone/ahmedabad/bhadra-fort.html
