Sultanate Mosque Sites in Ahmedabad: New Insights into Urban Planning

This study discusses the motives behind the construction of numerous mosques in Ahmedabad city during the Gujarat Sultanate era. It examines the political, economic, and social factors that influenced urban expansion and mosque location criteria. Ahmedabad experienced three major phases of urbanization, reflecting shifts in capital cities and demographic growth. The study explores the role of princes, dignitaries, and royal court women including those professing Hinduism, in mosque construction. It outlines the totality of factors underlying the urban development of medieval Gujarat, focusing on the relationship between Sufism and urban development in Ahmedabad during the Sultanate era. The Sufi presence was key in selecting the sites of mosques, which were not just religious centers, but also symbols of political patronage and urban planning initiatives. The profound respect for Sufism extended beyond mere religious devotion, Sufi masters being actively engaged in political affairs alongside sultans. The deliberate construction of mosques along procession routes underscores the intentional nature of urban planning in Ahmedabad, which was influenced by Sufi s during the Sultanate. Suburban growth and mosque construction were under control, which shaped the city’s historical landscape. This comprehensive study highlights the enduring effect of spiritual, political, and social dynamics on Ahmedabad historical evolution.