Mosque & Tomb Of Rani Rupmati (Ahmedabad)

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Apart from the mihrab and minbar, which are not richly decorated, the inside of the prayer room reminds one of Hindu or Jain temples, as do other mosques ofthis shape. Regarding the sculptured patterns, those in the north and south side of the east front are the most outstanding, fully showing the complicated patterns and the atmosphere of mosques in the Gjarati region.

　The mausoleum built to the northeast of the mosque, considered to be that of Rani Rupmati, has a higher central part supported by 12 pillars and lower corridors surrounding it. In the four corners of the roofs of the corridors, there are four small domes. It is a building on a square plan, whose eaves stand out. Dr. Rajan remarks that this building has a good balance between the upper and the lower parts and its design is superior to the mausoleum of Rani Sipari, which has the same components but has openwork windows on the walls between the pillars.

　This mosque and mausoleum is in the northern centre in the Ahmadabad city walls, on the road leading to the south from the Delhi Darwaza, past the mosque of Qutb Shah and inner fort, Bhadr. It is well known as belonging to the famous member of a Harem, along with Rani Sipari. Little about the life of Rani Rupmati is known. However, it is said that she was probably one of the empresses of the Ahmad Shah. This mausoleum is also commonly known as the "mosque and tomb of the queen".

　Dr. Rajan assumes that it was built in the period of Muzafar Shah I (1396-1403). However, it is evident that he was confused with the 8th sultan Muzafar Shah II (1515-1526).
(Matsuo Ara)