Nestled within the expansive gardens of the Lukshmi Vilas Palace compound stands the tomb of Alam Sayed, also revered as “Ghode ka Pir” (the saint of horses). Alam Sayed, a 15th-century Sufi saint, was an adviser to Sultan Muzaffar Shah II of Gujarat.
Legend and Offerings:
Local legend holds that Alam Sayed’s horse was buried nearby, beneath a tree adorned with small horse figures. These figures were traditionally hung by Hindus as offerings, hoping for the fulfillment of their wishes.
Architecture:
The tomb is a square-shaped structure featuring porches extending from each of the four cardinal directions. Intriguingly, the columns and architectural details follow Hindu and Jain styles. The mausoleum’s chamber, which houses the shrine, is separated from the open areas by intricately carved stone “jalis” with geometric patterns. The central dome of the tomb is substantial, surrounded by four smaller domes or cupolas at the corners, which may be false domes created by corbelling stones. The porches also feature these false domes, originally topped with finials, most of which have disappeared. The parapet wall of the roof once had a “Merlon” pattern, now vanished, and the architrave features a sloping “chajja,” a common element in Hindu architecture.
Surroundings and Historical Notes:
Surrounding the mausoleum are the remains of a mosque, partially ruined and overshadowed by large trees. The area was once home to thousands of parrots, as noted by French traveler Louis Roosevelt. He also mentioned a “Fakirkhana,” a facility that provided food to the poor at the king’s expense.
Partial Sources: Times of India & ‘India and Its Native Princes’ Book
No Comments