AVMS

Overview

Azam Khan Sarai, also known historically as Azam Khan’s Palace, is a significant 17th-century Mughal heritage monument situated within the historic Bhadra Fort precinct of Ahmedabad. Built in 1637–38 CE during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan, the building was commissioned by Azam Khan, the Mughal governor of Gujarat. Originally constructed as a Sarai (travellers’ inn), it provided accommodation for merchants, travellers and other visitors to the imperial city.

The building subsequently underwent several changes of use. During the later Mughal period it was adapted as an arsenal, while under British rule it served as a central prison for almost a century. It was later used for various government offices, demonstrating the building’s remarkable continuity within Ahmedabad’s changing administrative and urban history.

Architecture

Azam Khan Sarai is an imposing example of Mughal Indo-Persian architecture, combining monumental planning with refined stone craftsmanship. Its main block measures approximately 64 by 73 metres, enclosing a large open sahn (courtyard) surrounded on three sides by double-storeyed rooms originally intended for travellers.

The most striking architectural feature is the monumental entrance, rising approximately 5.49 metres and leading into an elegant octagonal hall. Above the hall is a projecting gallery with a low, open-cut stone balcony, while individual sections of the gallery are crowned by small cupolas. The entrance also preserves an important Persian inscription in Nastaliq script commemorating the construction of the Sarai in 1637.

The building employs masonry and carved stone as its principal materials, with open-cut stone screens and decorative architectural elements demonstrating the skill of contemporary craftsmen. Its spacious courtyard, repetitive chambers, monumental entrance and restrained ornamentation reflect the functional requirements of a Mughal caravanserai while retaining a distinctly formal architectural character.

How to Reach

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By Road

Ahmedabad is well connected by road with major cities of Gujarat and neighbouring states through National Highway 48 (NH 48), National Highway 47 (NH 47) and National Highway 147 (NH 147), along with the city's major arterial roads. Ahmedabad is approximately 115 km from Vadodara and 270 km from Rajkot. Regular Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) buses, private buses, taxis and app-based cab services are available for reaching the city. Azam Khan Sarai is situated within the historic Bhadra Fort complex in the Old City, near Teen Darwaza and Bhadrakali Temple. As the surrounding streets are often busy and narrow, visitors may need to complete the final approach on foot from a nearby drop-off point.

By Train

Ahmedabad Junction (Kalupur Railway Station) is the principal railway station and is approximately 2–3 km from Azam Khan Sarai. The station has extensive rail connections with major Indian cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur and Kolkata. Auto-rickshaws, taxis and local buses are available from the station to the Bhadra Fort area.

By Air

The nearest airport is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, located approximately 10–12 km from Azam Khan Sarai, depending on the route. The airport provides domestic and international flight connections. Taxis and app-based cab services are available for the onward journey to the historic Old City.