Jama Masjid, Champaner

Jami Masjid (also known as, Jama Masjid; meaning "public mosque") in Champaner, Gujarat state, western India, is part of the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is among the 114 monuments there which are listed by the Baroda Heritage Trust. It is located about east of the city walls (''Jahdnpandh''), near the east gate.

History

The mosque dates to 1513; construction was carried out over 25 years. It is one of the most notable monuments built by Sultan Mahmud Begada. The Mughal architecture is said to have drawn from the architecture of the Sultanates, which is a blend of Jain religious connotations and workmanship with Muslim ethos; the large domes are indicative of such a mix. Restoration works were carried out in the 1890s.

Architecture and fittings

It has a blend of Jain and Muslim architecture, preserving the Islamic ethos, and is considered one of the finest mosques in Western India with its elegant interiors. The ornamentation of the surface areas of the mosque and tomb consists of symbols of motifs of the Sun, diamonds, pots and vines, and lotus insignia which were used in the earlier temples; the artists of the region who worked on these monuments had imbibed their craftsmanship from their forefathers and they were not sectarian in character as they worked on assignments given by Hindus, Muslims or Jains. This mosque had three oblong mural plaques, one at the top of the pulpit and the other two on the sides, with engravings of hymns from the Koran.

The building is two-storied, with both Islamic and Hindu styles of decoration. The plan is similar to that of the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque in Ahmedabad; it is rectangular with the entrance on the east side. There is a portico which has a large dome built over a podium. There are steps to the mosque from northern and southern directions. Tall octagonal minarets in height are situated on both sides of the main carved entrance. A typical Gujarat style of architecture is seen in the form of oriel windows with distinctive carvings on the outer surface. The carved roof contains several domes, and the courtyard is large. There are seven mihrabs and the entrance gates are carved and fitted with fine stone jalis.

Multiple prayer halls are separated by almost 200 pillars. The main prayer hall has eleven domes, with the central dome, a double-storied structure, built on pillars in an arcade form. The ruler's prayer hall is separated from the main area by ''jalis''. There is a double clerestory in one of the domes. Other interior features include an arcuate maqsurah screen, trabeate hypostyle ''lwan'', double square side wings, ''zanana'' enclosure, and screened off northern '' mihrab''.

Grounds

Tombs have been built adjacent to the mosque, invariably to a square plan with columns and domes erected over them, and also embellished with decorations. An ablution tank of octagonal ''kund'' appearance is near the building; it was used for rainwater harvesting and washing before prayer. The mosque has become a place of pilgrimage for those who seek blessings from the pir who is buried in one corner of the garden.

Gallery

File:Ceiling Carvings Jami Masjid Champaner.JPG, Ceiling fractal carvings resemble to Kalpavriksha illustration in Dilwara Jain Temple
File:Support system Main Dome Jami Masjid.jpg, Sky light and supports of main dome
File:Jami Masjid Minar Base Detail Champaner.JPG, 'Jaali' design at minar base
File:Two minars at front of main entrance of prayer hall.JPG, Minars
File:Jami masjid Jarukha.jpg
File:Jami Masjid Champaner Open Roof.jpg, Open roof of the entry hall

See also

* Monuments of Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park

References

{{commonscat, Jami Masjid, Champaner

Buildings and structures completed in 1513
Mosques in Champaner
Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park
Champaner