Monument – Jhulta Minara, Sarangpur, Ahmedabad
Built by – Sidi Bashir
Built in – 1452 AD

There are two well-known pairs of Shaking Minarets in Ahmedabad, one opposite the Sarangpur Darwaja and the other near the Kalupur Railway Station Area.

The Sarangpur Jhulta Minara was constructed in 1452 AD by Sidi Bashir, a slave of Sultan Ahmed Shah. There are numerous beliefs surrounding the mystery of the Sidi Bashir Mosque. It is believed that the minarets were constructed in such a manner to avoid collapse during earthquakes. The main mosque was destroyed in 1753 during the war between the Marathas and the Khan of Gujarat Sultane. The two minarets and the central gateway are the remnants of the Sidi Bashir Mosque.

The Jhulta Minara were once the entrance to the Sidi Bashir Mosque. Each minaret is three storeys tall and designed with intricate details. The carved minarets have stone balconies that are around 21.34 meters high. Known for their mysterious vibrations, this phenomenon was first observed in the 19th century by Monier M. Williams, an English Sanskrit scholar. These movements have led to its name, Jhulta Minara, which translates to shaking minarets.

Over the years, this architectural and construction marvel has attracted architects, engineers, archaeologists and history enthusiasts worldwide. It is also believed that Britishers were so curious to unravel the mystery of the Jhulta Minar that they destroyed one of the minarets at Raj Bibi Mosque!

A gentle shaking of either minaret results in the other minaret vibrating after a few seconds, though the connecting passage between them remains free of vibration. The mechanism of this is unknown, although the layered construction is considered a factor. The minarets can withstand fast-moving trains passing close by.

Photo Courtesy – www.sahapedia.org