Indo Islamic Heritage

Sardar Khan's Roza

Sardar Khan's Roza, also referred to as Nawab Sardar Khan's Mosque and Tomb, is a historical Sufi mosque and dargah complex located in the Jamalpur area of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.

Sardar Khan, a prominent minister of Ahmedabad during the Mughal era, played a significant role in the turbulent political climate of the time. After the defeat of Dara Shikoh at the Battle of Deorai near Ajmer in 1659, Dara fled to Gujarat, seeking refuge in its capital, Ahmedabad. However, Sardar Khan, a loyalist of Aurangzeb, deposed the governor Shaikh Ahmad Bukhari, who had been appointed by Dara Shikoh, and declared his allegiance to the victorious Aurangzeb. Recognizing his loyalty and administrative abilities, Aurangzeb appointed Sardar Khan as the fauzdar of Bharuch the following year. In 1662, Sardar Khan was transferred to Idar, where he was tasked with suppressing local rebellions, further solidifying his reputation as a capable and trusted Mughal officer. From 1664 to 1684, he served as the fauzdar of Sorath (modern-day Saurashtra), establishing his residence in Junagadh, the region's capital. His tenure in Sorath marked two decades of governance in a strategically important area. In 1684, Sardar Khan was reassigned to Thatta in Sindh, but his service there was cut short by his untimely death. His body was transported back to Ahmedabad and interred in a grand tomb he had constructed for himself. The tomb, known as Sardar Khan's Roza, was built in 1685 and stands as a testament to the architectural aesthetics of the Mughal era. The tomb, crafted from stone, features a marble floor, exuding an aura of elegance and durability. Adjacent to the tomb is a mosque, constructed of bricks and elevated on a high platform. The mosque's fa?ade boasts three pointed arches, flanked by two towering minarets. These minarets, four stories high, transition from an octagonal base to circular upper sections and are crowned with gilt balls. The mosque's roof is adorned with three large onion-shaped domes, complemented by two additional domes over the gateway, showcasing intricate Mughal design. Despite its historical and architectural significance, Sardar Khan?s Roza has suffered extensive encroachment since 1884. The neglect over the centuries has left the structure in a state of disrepair. The once-majestic tomb and mosque now stand as a shadow of their former glory, their historical importance obscured by urban encroachments and decay. This site, a relic of Ahmedabad?s Mughal history, awaits restoration and recognition to preserve its legacy for future generations.

Year of Built: 17th Century

Address: Old City, Tajpur Panch Pipli, Khamasa, Ahmedabad, Gujarat , India

Country: India

State: Gujarat

District: Ahmedabad

Pincode: 380001

Longitude: 72.583761

Latitude: 23.015561