Created by SunDawn
Last edited January 18, 2026
imported>Ttttt321
mNo edit summary
m improved information also and updated info per standard format
 
Line 1: Line 1:
ٰ 
{{Short description|Mosque in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India}}
 
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2018}}
{{Infobox religious building
{{Infobox religious building
| building_name        = Khanqah-e-Mu'alla
| building_name        = Khanqah-e-Moula
| native_name          = {{lang|fa|{{nq|'''خانقاہِ معلّیٰ'''}}}}
| native_name          =  
| image                = File:Mausoleum of Shah e Hamadan 01.JPG
| image                = Mausoleum of Shah e Hamadan 01.JPG
| image_size            =  
| image_upright        = 1.4
| alt                  =
| alt                  =  
| caption              = The Khanqah on the banks of Jhelum
| caption              = The Khanqah on the banks of [[Jhelum River]], in 2012
| map_type              =India Jammu and Kashmir#India
| map_type              = India Jammu and Kashmir
| map_size              =
| map_size              = 250
| map_caption          =
| map_relief            = 1
| location              = [[Fateh Kadal]], [[Srinagar]]
| map_caption          = Location of the mosque in [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]]
| geo                  = {{coord|34.091248|74.807771|display=inline,title}}
| location              = [[Zaina Kadal]], [[Downtown Srinagar|Old Srinagar]], [[Srinagar District]], [[Kashmir Valley]], [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]]
| religious_affiliation = [[Islam]]
| geo                  = {{coord|34.091248|74.807771|region:IN-JK_type:landmark|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
| rite                  =
| religious_affiliation = [[Sunni Islam]]
| region                = [[Kashmir Valley]]
| rite                  =  
| state                = [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]]
| country              = [[India]]
| country              = [[India]]
| sector                =
| consecration_year    =  
| district              = [[Srinagar District|Srinagar]]
| status                = [[Mosque]]
| cercle                =
| municipality          =
| consecration_year    =
| status                = Active
| functional_status    = Active
| functional_status    = Active
| heritage_designation  =  
| heritage_designation  =  
| leadership            =
| leadership            =  
| patron                =  
| patron                =  
| website              =
| website              =  
| architecture          =
| architect            =  
| architect            =
| architecture_type    = {{nowrap|[[Mosque architecture]]}}
| architecture_type    =
| architecture_style    = [[Kashmiri culture|Kashmiri]]
| architecture_style    =
| founded_by            = [[Sikandar Butshikan|Sultan Sikandar]]
| founded_by            = Sultan [[Sikandar Butshikan|Sikandar]]
| funded_by            =  
| funded_by            =
| general_contractor    =  
| general_contractor    =
| facade_direction      =  
| facade_direction      =  
| groundbreaking        =
| groundbreaking        =  
| year_completed        = 1395 CE, Rebuilt 1732 CE
| year_completed        = {{ubl|1395 [[Common Era|CE]] {{small|(first structure)}};|1732 CE {{small|(rebuilt)}}}}
| construction_cost    =
| construction_cost    =  
| specifications        =  
| specifications        =  
| capacity              =  
| capacity              =  
| length                =  
| length                =  
| width                =  
| width                =  
| width_nave            =
| width_nave            =  
| height_max            = 38m
| height_max            = {{cvt|38|m}}
| dome_quantity        = 1 (turret)
| dome_quantity        =  
| dome_height_outer    =
| dome_height_outer    =  
| dome_height_inner    =
| dome_height_inner    =  
| dome_dia_outer        =
| dome_dia_outer        =  
| dome_dia_inner        =
| dome_dia_inner        =  
| minaret_quantity      = None
| minaret_quantity      =  
| minaret_height        =
| minaret_height        =  
| spire_quantity        =
| spire_quantity        = 1 (turret)
| spire_height          =
| spire_height          =  
| materials            =
| materials            =  
| nrhp                  =
| nrhp                  =  
| added                =
| added                =  
| refnum                =
| refnum                =  
| designated            =
| designated            =  
| module                = {{Infobox historic site
| embed = yes
| designation1 = MANI | designation1_offname = Khanqah of Shah Hamadan | designation1_type = | designation1_criteria = | designation1_date = | delisted1_date = | designation1_partof = | designation1_number = N-JK-37 | designation1_free1name = | designation1_free1value = | designation1_free2name = | designation1_free2value = | designation1_free3name = | designation1_free3value = }}
}}
}}
'''Khanqah-e-Moula''', ([[Urdu]]:'''خانقاهِ معلىٰ)''' also known as '''Shah-e-Hamadan Masjid''' and '''Khanqah''' (''First [[Mosque|mosque/masjid]] builded in [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]])'' is a mosque located in the [[Downtown Srinagar|Old City]] of [[Srinagar]], [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]], [[India]]. Situated on the right bank of the river [[Jhelum]] between the Fateh Kadal and Zaina Kadal bridges, it was first built in 1395 CE, commissioned by Sultan [[Sikandar Butshikan|Sikendar]]. It is one of the best examples of Kashmiri wooden architecture, and is decorated with ''papier mache''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Khanqah|url=http://www.orientalarchitecture.com/india/srinagar/khanqah.php}}</ref>
The '''Khanqah-e-Moula''', also known as '''Shah-e-Hamadan Masjid''' and the '''Khanqah''', is a [[Sunni Islam|Sunni]] [[mosque]] located in the [[Downtown Srinagar|Old City]] of [[Srinagar]], in the [[India|Indian]]-administered [[union territory]] of [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]]. Situated on the right bank of the river [[Jhelum]] between the Fateh Kadal and [[Zaina Kadal]] bridges, it was built in 1395 [[Common Era|CE]], and was commissioned by Sultan [[Sikandar Shah Miri|Sikandar]] in memory of [[Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani]]. It is held to be the first ''[[khanqah]]'' — mosques associated with specific saints — in the [[Kashmir Valley]]. It is one of the best examples of Kashmiri wooden architecture, and is decorated with ''papier mache''.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.orientalarchitecture.com/india/srinagar/khanqah.php |title=Asian Historical Architecture: A Photographic Survey |website=Asian Architecture}}</ref> The mosque structure is a [[Monuments of National Importance (India)|Monument of National Importance]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://asi.nic.in/asi_monu_alphalist_jk.asp|title=List of Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Jammu & Kashmir |work=[[Archaeological Survey of India]] |date= |access-date=2016-11-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120507130954/http://asi.nic.in/asi_monu_alphalist_jk.asp|archive-date=2012-05-07|url-status=dead}}</ref>
 
== Construction ==
 
The mosque was commissioned by Sultan [[Sikandar Butshikan]] in 1395 CE in memory of the Islamic preacher [[Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani]], the central figure involved in the widespread conversion to Islam in Kashmir after Bulbul shah. Also known as ''Shah-e-Hamadan'' (the King of Hamadan), the preacher came to Kashmir from the city of [[Hamadan]], [[Persia]] in the 14th century. He is credited for the spread of Islam in Kashmir. In 1480 AD, the shrine was destroyed due to fire. The then ruler, Sultan Hassan Shah, expanded its premises and rebuilt it. In 1731 AD, the Khanqah was again destroyed by fire and then rebuilt by Abdul Barkat Khan.
 
==Background==
[[File:Shah Hamadan Mosque, srinagar 1906.jpg|thumb|Sketch of Shah Hamadan mosque dating back to 1906]]
 
The current mosque structure was constructed after destroying an ancient temple dedicated to Hindu goddess [[Kali]] and a sacred [[Hindu]] site,<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/?id=1gctQ_ccrSMC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q=kali%20temple&f=false|title=Eminent Personalities of Kashmir|last=Kalla|first=Krishan Lal|date=1997|publisher=Discovery Publishing House|isbn=9788171413454|language=en}}</ref> It is believed by some that [[Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani|Sayyid Ali Hamdani]] had the temple of Kali demolished and built the present mosque with its material.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/?id=QpjKpK7ywPIC&pg=PA108&dq=kali+temple+srinagar+khanqah#v=onepage&q&f=false|title=Kashmir and Its People: Studies in the Evolution of Kashmiri Society|last=Kaw|first=M. K.|date=2004|publisher=APH Publishing|isbn=9788176485371|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/?id=3D9uAAAAMAAJ&q=kali+temple+srinagar+khanqah&dq=kali+temple+srinagar+khanqah|title=Kashmir, Wail of a Valley|last=Koul|first=Mohan Lal|date=1999-01-01|publisher=Gyan Sagar Publications|isbn=9788186987384|language=en}}</ref> and that a spring dedicated to Kali is still inside the mosque. The railing at the back of the mosque complex leads to a bright orange marking on the stone just below that suggests to the foundation belonging to the destructed Kali Shri temple.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/?id=5nlsBQAAQBAJ&pg=PT89&dq=kali+temple+srinagar+khanqah#v=onepage&q=orange&f=false|title=Srinagar: An Architectural Legacy|last=Alkazi|first=Feisal|date=2014-05-01|publisher=Roli Books Private Limited|isbn=9789351940517|language=en}}</ref> Local Hindus were involved in various communal disputes and repeated altercations by 1942, agitating for the right to build a covered shrine adjacent to the Muslim shrine,<ref name="Rai 2004">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/?id=qTHTI-Eus8kC&pg=PA206&dq=kali+temple+srinagar+khanqah#v=onepage&q=kali%20temple%20srinagar%20khanqah&f=false|title=Hindu Rulers, Muslim Subjects: Islam, Rights, and the History of Kashmir|last=Rai|first=Mridu|date=2004|publisher=Hurst|isbn=9781850656616|language=en}}</ref> which eventually led to a boycott of Muslim-owned shops by Kashmiri Hindus.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/?id=XiRuAAAAMAAJ&q=kali+temple+srinagar+khanqah&dq=kali+temple+srinagar+khanqah|title=Freedom movement in Kashmir, 1931-1940|last=Khan|first=Ghulam Hassan|date=1980|publisher=Light & Life Publishers|language=en}}</ref>
 
In ''‘Eminent Personalities of Kashmir’,'' a book edited by a Kashmiri Hindu, Krishan Lal Kalla, mentions that according to Hindu belief, Khanqah was first the Kali temple. The book claims: “When Hazrat Ameer Kabir returned from Makkah, he went into the temple and offered his prayers. After he left the place, it was found that he had left footprints on that stone plate where he had bowed before the God. That temple was converted at once into Khanqah-e-Moula.''<ref name=RK />


However, others have questioned the validity of such claims, and believe it to be a revisionist attempt to re-cast history as traditional Kashmiri Hindu historians, such as [[Kalhana]], [[Jonaraja]] and Shuk Bhatt make no mention of the existence of any temple at the site of the structure. The counterclaim stemming from the fact that a Hindu religious site also exists adjacent to the shrine and the historians have suggested that the two sites have in fact always been adjacent to one another,<ref name=RK>{{Cite web|url=http://risingkashmir.com/news/maha-kali-temple-co-exists-with-khanqah|title=Maha Kali temple co-exists with Khanqah|website=Rising Kashmir|language=en|access-date=2019-01-15}}</ref> their proximity being representative of communal tolerance.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/?id=KTRuAAAAMAAJ&q=kali+temple+hamdan&dq=kali+temple+hamdan|title=The Culture of Kashmir|last=Iqbal|first=S. M.|last2=Nirash|first2=K. L.|date=1978|publisher=Marwah Publications|language=en}}</ref> Kashmiri Hindus have also historically held the Khanqah in high reverence.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/?id=00duAAAAMAAJ&q=kali+temple+hamdan&dq=kali+temple+hamdan|title=Kashmir, social and cultural history|last=Rabbani|first=G. M.|date=1986|publisher=Anmol Publications|language=en}}</ref>
== History ==
The mosque was commissioned by Sultan Sikandar Butshikan in 1395 CE in memory of the Islamic preacher Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani, the central figure involved in the widespread conversion to Islam in Kashmir. Also known as ''Shah-e-Hamadan'' (the King of Hamadan), the preacher came to Kashmir from the city of [[Hamadan]], [[Persia]] in the 14th century. He is credited for the spread of Islam in Kashmir.<ref name=":0" />


Archaeologist [[Ram Chandra Kak|R.C. Kak]] in ''Ancient Monuments of Kashmir''<ref>{{cite book |last1=Kak |first1=R.C. |title=Ancient monuments of Kashmir |date=2002 |publisher=Gulshan Publishers |location=Srinagar-190001, Kashmir |isbn=81-86714-60-X |pages=77–79 |edition=1st [reprint]}}</ref> and historian [[Prithivi Nath Kaul Bamzai|P. N. K. Bamzai]] in ''Culture and Political History of Kashmir'' while writing about the ''Khanqah'', do not altogether mention anything about the possibility of the existence of a temple where the present structure stands.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Bamzai |first1=P.N.K. |title=Culture and Political History of Kashmir |date=1994 |publisher=M.D. Publications |location=New Delhi-110002 |isbn=81-85880-33-6 |pages=326–27, 536–40 |edition=1st}}</ref> Historian Ashiq Husain Bhat further argues that re-purposing of Hindu shrines into Muslim ones wouldn’t have been unusual, given that the overwhelming majority of Kashmiris converted to Islam, and a similar conversion of the site into a church would occur were Kashmiris to convert en masse to Christianity.<ref name=RK /> The construction of Muslim shrines at Hindu sites has also been interpreted by some as an attempt by Kashmiri Muslim to maintain links to their Hindu past.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/?id=ciErfZdmZS4C&q=kali+temple+hamdan&dq=kali+temple+hamdan|title=Central Asiatic Journal|date=2010|publisher=O. Harrassowitz|language=en}}</ref>
In 1480, the shrine was destroyed in a fire. The then-ruler, Sultan Hassan Shah, expanded its premises and rebuilt it. In 1731 CE, the ''khanqah'' was again destroyed by fire and then rebuilt by Abdul Barkat Khan, the [[Mughal Kashmir|Mughal governor]]. On 15 November 2017, another fire broke out in the shrine which damaged the spire of the building. Fire tenders were brought on the scene and they managed to arrest the spread of the fire which prevented any further damage to the building.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/khankah-e-moula-shrine-damaged-in-srinagar-fire-jammu-kashmir-downtown-4938501/ |title=Khankah-e-Moula shrine damaged in Srinagar fire |date=2017-11-15 |access-date=2019-05-05 |language=en-IN}}</ref> Restoration work was immediately started,<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.greaterkashmir.com/print/khanqah-fire-work-to-rebuild-damaged-spire-rooftop-begins/266504.html |title=Latest News From Kashmir, Breaking News, Current Headlines, Kashmir News Online {{!}} Greater Kashmir |access-date=2019-05-05 |language=en-US}}</ref> and on 30 March 2018, a refurbished crown was successfully installed on the spire of the shrine.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/srinagar/khankah-e-maulla-gets-refurbished-crown/ |title=Khankah-e-Maulla gets refurbished crown |date=2018-03-31 |access-date=2019-05-05 |language=en-US}}</ref> In recent centuries, some have claimed it was built on top of the ruins of a Hindu Kali temple,<ref>{{cite web |date=30 September 2023 |title=Maa Kali's Abode at Srinagar Kashmir - Kashmir Rechords-Striking a Chord with Kashmir |url=https://kashmir-rechords.com/maa-kalis-abode-at-srinagar-kashmir}}</ref> although such claims have been thoroughly investigated and refuted.<ref>{{cite web |date=30 September 2023 |title=Maa Kali's Abode at Srinagar Kashmir - Kashmir Rechords-Striking a Chord with Kashmir |url=https://kashmir-rechords.com/maa-kalis-abode-at-srinagar-kashmir}}</ref>


=== Adjacent Kali Shri Shrine ===
== Gallery ==
Toward the River Jhelum, there is a wall marked with Sindoor (or Sindooram, a traditional vermilion red or orange-red colored cosmetic powder from India, usually worn by married women along the parting of their hair) but not a temple and water oozes at a place, which Kashmiri Hindus say is dedicated to goddess Kali.<ref name=RK /><ref name="Rai 2004"/>
<gallery>
[[File:Kalleshwari Temple Srinagar.png|thumb|Sign of Hindu goddess Kali Temple symbolised by Saffron Marks on the mosque structure where Hindus offer prayers]]
Shah Hamadan Mosque, srinagar 1906.jpg|Sketch of the mosque, 1906
 
Khanqah, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India.jpg|The mosque's interior has intricate woodwork and is richly decorated with ''papier-maché'', seen above in 2007; the wooden structure makes it prone to fires, the latest such incident occurring in 2017
Saleem Beg, a member of [[INTACH]], states that the holy place of Hindus and the Khanqah co-existed together.<ref name=RK />
Kalleshwari Temple Srinagar.png|View of the Khanqah from the Jhelum river. On the bank saffron marks indicate the supposed existence of a Kali temple, although no conclusive evidence exists of the latter.
 
</gallery>
=== Fire of 2017 ===
On 15 November 2017, a fire broke out in the shrine which damaged the spire of the building. Fire tenders were brought on the scene and they managed to arrest the spread of the fire which prevented any further damage to the building.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/khankah-e-moula-shrine-damaged-in-srinagar-fire-jammu-kashmir-downtown-4938501/ |title=Khankah-e-Moula shrine damaged in Srinagar fire |date=2017-11-15 |access-date=2019-05-05 |language=en-IN}}</ref>
 
Restoration work was immediately started<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.greaterkashmir.com/print/khanqah-fire-work-to-rebuild-damaged-spire-rooftop-begins/266504.html |title=Latest News From Kashmir, Breaking News, Current Headlines, Kashmir News Online {{!}} Greater Kashmir |access-date=2019-05-05 |language=en-US}}</ref> and on 30 March 2018, a refurbished crown was successfully installed on the spire of the shrine.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/srinagar/khankah-e-maulla-gets-refurbished-crown/ |title=Khankah-e-Maulla gets refurbished crown |date=2018-03-31 |access-date=2019-05-05 |language=en-US}}</ref>


== See also ==
== See also ==
{{Commons category}}
{{stack|{{portal|India|Islam}}}}
* [[Jamia Masjid, Srinagar|Jamia Masjid, Srinagar۔]]
* [[Islam in India]]
* [[Hazratbal Shrine|Hazratbal Shrine۔]]
* [[List of mosques in India]]
* [[List of Monuments of National Importance in Jammu and Kashmir]]


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
== External links ==
{{Commons category-inline|Khanqah-e-Moula Mosque}}


{{Mosques in India}}
{{Mosques in India}}


[[Category:Buildings and structures in Srinagar]]
[[Category:14th-century mosques in India]]
[[Category:Mosques in Jammu and Kashmir]]
[[Category:Monuments of National Importance in Jammu and Kashmir]]
[[Category:Mosque buildings with spires]]
[[Category:Mosques in Srinagar]]
[[Category:Sunni mosques in India]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures completed in 1395]]
[[Category:Religious buildings and structures completed in 1732]]
[[Category:Mosques completed in the 1730s]]

Latest revision as of 11:09, 18 January 2026


Khanqah-e-Moula
Religion
AffiliationSunni Islam
Mosque
StatusActive
Location
LocationZaina Kadal, Old Srinagar, Srinagar District, Kashmir Valley, Jammu and Kashmir
CountryIndia
Coordinates34°05′28″N 74°48′28″E / 34.091248°N 74.807771°E / 34.091248; 74.807771
Architecture
TypeMosque architecture
StyleKashmiri
FounderSultan Sikandar
Completed
  • 1395 CE (first structure);
  • 1732 CE (rebuilt)
Specifications
Height (max)38 m (125 ft)
Spire1 (turret)
Template:Infobox designation list/entry

The Khanqah-e-Moula, also known as Shah-e-Hamadan Masjid and the Khanqah, is a Sunni mosque located in the Old City of Srinagar, in the Indian-administered union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Situated on the right bank of the river Jhelum between the Fateh Kadal and Zaina Kadal bridges, it was built in 1395 CE, and was commissioned by Sultan Sikandar in memory of Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani. It is held to be the first khanqah — mosques associated with specific saints — in the Kashmir Valley. It is one of the best examples of Kashmiri wooden architecture, and is decorated with papier mache.[1] The mosque structure is a Monument of National Importance.[2]

History[edit | edit source]

The mosque was commissioned by Sultan Sikandar Butshikan in 1395 CE in memory of the Islamic preacher Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani, the central figure involved in the widespread conversion to Islam in Kashmir. Also known as Shah-e-Hamadan (the King of Hamadan), the preacher came to Kashmir from the city of Hamadan, Persia in the 14th century. He is credited for the spread of Islam in Kashmir.[2]

In 1480, the shrine was destroyed in a fire. The then-ruler, Sultan Hassan Shah, expanded its premises and rebuilt it. In 1731 CE, the khanqah was again destroyed by fire and then rebuilt by Abdul Barkat Khan, the Mughal governor. On 15 November 2017, another fire broke out in the shrine which damaged the spire of the building. Fire tenders were brought on the scene and they managed to arrest the spread of the fire which prevented any further damage to the building.[3] Restoration work was immediately started,[4] and on 30 March 2018, a refurbished crown was successfully installed on the spire of the shrine.[5] In recent centuries, some have claimed it was built on top of the ruins of a Hindu Kali temple,[6] although such claims have been thoroughly investigated and refuted.[7]

Gallery[edit | edit source]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. "Asian Historical Architecture: A Photographic Survey". Asian Architecture.
  2. 2.0 2.1 "List of Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Jammu & Kashmir". Archaeological Survey of India. Archived from the original on 7 May 2012. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
  3. "Khankah-e-Moula shrine damaged in Srinagar fire". 15 November 2017. Retrieved 5 May 2019.
  4. "Latest News From Kashmir, Breaking News, Current Headlines, Kashmir News Online | Greater Kashmir". Retrieved 5 May 2019.
  5. "Khankah-e-Maulla gets refurbished crown". 31 March 2018. Retrieved 5 May 2019.
  6. "Maa Kali's Abode at Srinagar Kashmir - Kashmir Rechords-Striking a Chord with Kashmir". 30 September 2023.
  7. "Maa Kali's Abode at Srinagar Kashmir - Kashmir Rechords-Striking a Chord with Kashmir". 30 September 2023.

External links[edit | edit source]

Template:Mosques in India