Champaner, Gujarat - Part -1 - Kamani Masjid (Mosque)

Champaner, historical town of Gujarat,India, was founded in 8th century by a Rajput King, Vanraj Chawada. It was a strategically and commercially important town of Gujarat. Its fame attracted Muslim ruler, Mahmmud Begada and he captured it in 1484.  Under his rule , town flourished further. Many mosques were built in Champaner and surrounding area. In 1535, Mughal king Humayun conquered Champaner. But under his rule, importance of Champaner reduced, resulting in slow deterioration of its many beautiful monuments.

I recently had a chance to visit this beautiful but ruined town of Champaner. Out of the many monuments I visited, I found Kamani Masjid to be most fascinating. Kamani masjid is so called because of number of arches (Kaman) and pillars in its main hall.

At the moment, this mosque is in shambles.Only some beautiful arches remain to remind us of its original glory.

I was fascinated by asymmetrical structure of the mosque. Abstract lover in me appreciated it immensely.

Amazing geometry created by play of shadow was another point of interest for me.

Geometry of shadows..

One can see damaged minaret at one end of the mosque. That is the only surviving minaret. Did it have more ? question will remain unanswered.

Arches and Pillars..

One can see flowers and pots and other similarly carved motifs on some of the pillars and in one or two carved out areas. Though everything is in a ruined condition.

http://wikimapia.org/#lang=en&lat=22.462119&lon=73.543081&z=14&m=b&show=/3209951/Kamani-Mosque-Champaner&search=kamani%20mosque%2Cchampaner%2Cgujarat

Story continues...

Jumma Masjid (Jama Masjid) Ahmedabad, India Part-1

Located in the heart of the city of Ahmedabad, Jumma masjid or Jama Masjid as it is known, was built in 1423 AD by Sultan Ahmedshah,founder of Ahmedabad.

It is built in Indo Sarcenic style of architecture. One can also see glimpses of influence of Hindu and Jain architecture apart from Muslim one. In fact one can clearly see Hindu symbol "Om" depicted in one of the latti window as photo below shows.

Mosque had 2 shaking minarates which were destroyed in two major earthquakes of 1819 and 1957.

Intricate carving on walls and pillars are amazing and treat to the eyes.

Mosque has entrances on 3 sides. East,North & South.

3 sides of Mosque has pillared walkway. One walkway's wall is covered by stunning Arabic Calligraphy .

I have many more images to share which gives me excuse to continue the series.