Muhafiz Khan Mosque
| Muhafiz Khan's Mosque | |
|---|---|
 Muhafiz Khan's Mosque, 1855 | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Islam |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Mosque |
| Status | Active[clarification needed] |
| Location | |
| Location | Ahmedabad, Gujarat |
  Location in Ahmedabad | |
| Geographic coordinates | 23°01′04″N 72°35′21″E / 23.0177778°N 72.5891667°E |
| Architecture | |
| Type | Mosque architecture |
| Style | |
| Founder | Jamal-ud-din Muhafiz Khan |
| Completed | 1465 |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 16 m (51 ft) |
| Width | 11 m (36 ft) |
| Minaret(s) | Two |
| Minaret height | 15 m (50 ft) |
| Official name | Muhafiz Khan Mosque |
| Reference no. | N-GJ-26 |
The Muhafiz Khan Mosque is a fifteenth-century mosque located in the city of Ahmedabad in the state of Gujarat, India. It is considered to be one of the more exceptional structures in the city.[1] The mosque was constructed in 1465 by Jamail-ud-Din Muhafiz Khan during the reign of Mahmud Shah I (1458–1511), and is considered to be an excellent example of Mughal architecture.[2] It is named for the governor of the region at that time.
The mosque is a protected building, listed as a Monument of National Importance.[3]
Architecture
[edit].jpg)
The façade of the mosque has three arched entrances and a richly carved minaret at either end. The design has similarities with the Isanpur Mosqueand introduced a new architectural style to Ahmedabad.[4][5] It measures 16 by 11 metres (51 by 36 ft). The minarets stand 15 metres (50 ft) high.[6] Alexander Forbes had replicas of the mosque made from wood and returned to England c. 1880 – c. 1885, and they are now part of the Victoria and Albert Museum permanent collection in London.[7][8]
During the communal violence in 2002, the mosque was extensively damaged. Afzal Khan said that rioters damaged intricate carvings on the southern elevations of the building and that the damage to be irreparable.[9] This damage has caused upset among India's Muslim population.[citation needed] The restoration of shrines and mosques was debated extensively in parliament.[10] The Indian History Congress(IHC) requested that the Archaeological Survey of India restore and rebuild all religious structures. Ramakrishna Chatterjee, stated to the IHC that the mosques of Muhafiz Khan, the tomb of Wali Mohammed Wali, and the Mosque of Malik Asin were damaged or destroyed.[11] By 2006 restoration work was completed and the mosque reopened to the public.[2]
Gallery
[edit]-
Near view, 1866 -
North minaret, 1866 -
Niche of the southern minaret, 1866 -
Summit of a minaret, 1866 -
Niche in centre of the base of southern minaret, 1866 -
Mosque from distance, 1866 -
Niche of the lower part of the southern minaret, 1866 -
Base of south minaret, 1866 -
Street scene with the mosque, 2012
See also
[edit]
- Islam in India
- List of mosques in India
- List of Monuments of National Importance in Ahmedabad district
References
[edit]- ^ Prakash, Om (2004). Cultural History Of India. New Age International. p. 196. ISBN 978-8122415872.
- ^ a b "ASI to restore monuments damaged in Gujarat riots". The Times of India. 6 March 2006. Archived from the original on 3 July 2013.
- ^ "List of Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains of Gujarat". Archaeological Survey of India. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
- ^ "Visiting Places". Kendriya Vidyalaya - Ahmedabad Cantt. Government Of India.
- ^ "North-east corner of Muhafiz Khan's Mosque, showing sculptural detail at base of minaret, and side arch, Ahmadabad 1720". The British Library Board.
- ^ Caine, W. S. (1890). Picturesque India. Routledge. p. 52.
- ^ Yagnik, Achyut; Sheth, Suchitra (2011). Ahmedabad: From Royal city to Megacity. Penguin. ASIN B008RY1MJY.
- ^ Gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency: Ahmedabad. Government Central Press. 1879. p. 279.
dastur khan mosque.
- ^ The Gujarat Carnage. Orient Blackswan. 2003. p. 389. ISBN 978-8125024965.
- ^ "Demolished shrines issue to come up in Parliament". The Times of India. 23 July 2002. Archived from the original on 3 July 2013.
- ^ "ASI urged to rebuild monuments". The Hindu. 21 March 2002. Archived from the original on 3 July 2013.
Further reading
[edit]- Burgess, James (1900). The Muhammadan Architecture of Ahmadabad. Part I - A.D. 1412 to 1520. Archaeological Survey of Western India. Vol. 7. London: William Griggs & Sons. pp. 78–81.
External links
[edit]
Media related to Muhafiz Khan Mosque at Wikimedia Commons
