Tankshal – The tale till Ahmedabad
By Kavin Pandya | Published on : March 3, 2020The tale till Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad has been named after Sultan Ahmedshah, the first Sultan of the City. It is said, that he laid the foundation stone for the construction of the walled city on 26th February 1411[1]. However, the history goes back much earlier, from a small tribal town “Ashawalli”, led by their chief named “Aasha Bheel” to a small town established by Karnadev Solanki –named Karnadev. Despite these records, it is hard to find any written history of the currency and exchange medium used. The first-ever record starts from 1572, from the beginning of Mughal Rule after Badshah Akbar conquered Gujarat.
The need of Vitamin M:
Being the Largest City in the region, Ahmedabad was simply the first choice for establishing administrative and governance tasks. Furthermore, to unify the region with the rest of the empire – not just the borders but the culture and people. And for that, trade was one of the most essential factors and trade needed exchange. As it was not possible to supply the coins from Delhi to Ahmedabad, Badshah Akbar ordered to construct The Royal Mint – “Tankshal”. for the printing of the silver coins of Mughal Sultanate. for making them available as an exchange medium in the region.
The Royal Structure:
It is said that this marvellous wooden structure was constructed and carved at a cost of 4 Anni per Day[2]. Tankshal, also known as “Tankshal ni Haveli” among the locals, has a wooden facade of 25 meters – which is the longest in the entire walled city of Ahmedabad[3]. Upon close observation, one can see the distinctive square patterns carved at the top of the support pillars – and no two are similar. This is evident to the skills and creativity of artisans, as well as respect for art in the heart of rulers and commoners. At the plinth level of the building, metal rings were fixed with the structure – which was used to tie Horses of Soldiers and Officials coming to visit the mint[2].
Royal Surrounding of the Royal Mint:
Today, situated in the heart of the walled city area, this historical monument has an entire area named after it. Moreover Tankshal Pol and Tankshal Road – which is the road emerging from Manek chowk, covering the famous Book market and connecting with Relief
road at Kalupur Police Station. However, the main entrance to the locality is believed to be from Relief Road, through the gate of “Haja Patel ni Pol”. This locality consists of nine following pol , namely: (1) Pipardi Pol (2) Pachhiya Pol (3) Shantinaath ni Pol (4) Galamji no Khaancho (5) Darji ni Khadki (6) Khajoori Pol (8) Tankshal Pol (8) Maamu Nayak ni Pol (9) Kharakuva ni Pol.
Tankshal Pol :
Tankshal Pol was constructed by Badshah Akbar, to provide residence to the workers and families of the Mint. It is said, that one stream the Sabarmati river used to flow from the current Tankshal Road. The 400 Years old Virbhadra Hanumanji temple, which has a self emerged idol of Lord Hanuman, is still worshipped with extreme faith by locals[2]. Shantinaath ni Pol [4]: Named after the first-ever “Nagarsheth” of Ahmedabad Shantinaath Jhaveri, this pol has its history. Trader Shantinaath Jhaveri was originally from the region of Marwar, same as Badshah Akbar’s Hindu queen – Jodhabai. He had frequent visits to the royal court of Delhi, for trading precious Jewels and Diamonds. Therefore, he came into contact with queens and shared a special Bond with Jodhabai – who addressed him as
“Brother”. Once, due to some conflict in opinion between Badshah and Begum, offended Begum had left Delhi. She spent these two months in Ahmedabad – at his brother’s place – Shantinaath’s Haveli. Akbar’s Crown Prince – Jahangir had to come to request and receive his mother back to Delhi. It was then, in Ahmedabad, where Jodhabai introduced him to Shantinaath as his “Mama” – Maternal Uncle. Since then, he was forever known as “Jhaveri Mama” in the court of Delhi. As per Akbar’s instructions, Ahmedabad’s then Suba – Ajamkhan gave him the title of “Nagarsheth” – which he and his successors enjoyed during Mughal Rule.
Scenario Today:
Today, this locality is as thriving as before – though not with hooves of the horses in streets and red hot silver poured from the smelter in the Mint It is the largest wholesale market and warehouse for imitation jewellery, raw materials for ethnic wear, e.g. Beads, artificial Pearls
etc. Furthermore, it is also the largest supplier of traditional Gujarati Folk wear – Kediyu and Chaniya Choli. Many of the people might not be knowing the history behind this marvellous wooden structure and the rich history it covers, but they surely have kept the culture and
values of this city intact in their lifestyles.
