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{{Short description|Former mosque and heritage site in Champaner, Gujarat, India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2023}}
{{Use Indian English|date=March 2023}}
{{Use Indian English|date=March 2023}}
{{for|similarly named mosques|List of grand mosques}}
{{Infobox religious building
{{Infobox religious building
| building_name        = Jami Masjid, Champaner
| building_name        = Jami Masjid  
| image                = Jama masjid in Champaner.JPG
| image                = Jama Mosque,PMS.jpg
| image_size            = 250px
| image_upright        = 1.4
| alt                  =
| alt                  =
| caption              =  
| caption              =  
| map_type              = India Gujarat#India
| map_type              = India Gujarat
| map_size              = 250
| map_size              = 250
| location              = [[India]]
| map_relief = 1
| coordinates          = {{coord|22.4859|73.5371|display=inline,title}}
| map_caption = Location of the former mosque in [[Gujarat]]
| religious_affiliation = [[Islam]]
| location              = [[Champaner]], [[Panchmahal]], [[Gujarat]]
| state                = [[Gujarat]]
| country = [[India]]
| district              = [[Panchmahal]]
| coordinates          = {{coord|22.4859|73.5371|region:IN-GJ|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
| cercle                =
| religious_affiliation = [[Islam]] {{small|(former)}}
| municipality    = Champaner
| status = [[Mosque]] {{small|(former)}}
| consecration_year    = 16th century
| functional_status = {{ubl|'''Abandoned''';|Preserved<br/>{{small|(good condition<ref name="Ruggles 2009" />)}}}}
| status                =  Ruins
| heritage_designation  =
| functional_status    = Part of [[UNESCO]] Heritage Park
| funded_by            = [[Mahmud Begada]]
| heritage_designation  = [[Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park]]
| leadership            = [[Mahmud Begada]]
| website              =
| website              =
| architecture          = yes
| architect            =  
| architect            =  
| architecture_type    = Mosque
| architecture_type    = {{nowrap|[[Mosque architecture]]}}
| architecture_style    = Blend of [[Hindu]]-[[Muslim]] [[Architecture]]
| architecture_style    = {{ubl|[[Indo-Islamic architecture|Indo-Islamic]]|[[Mughal architecture|Mughal]]}}
| year_completed        = 16th century
| groundbreaking =
| minaret_quantity      = Two
| year_completed        = 1513
| materials            = Rubble Masonry
| dome_quantity        = Twelve
| minaret_quantity      = Two
| minaret_height        = {{convert|30|m}}
| materials            = Rubble [[masonry]]
| nrhp                  =
| nrhp                  =
| added                =
| added                =
| refnum                =
| refnum                =
| designated            =
| designated            =
| module = {{Infobox historic site
| embed = yes
| designation1 = MANI | designation1_offname = Jami Masjid, Champaner | designation1_type = | designation1_criteria = | designation1_date = | delisted1_date = | designation1_partof = | designation1_number = N-GJ-91 | designation1_free1name = | designation1_free1value = | designation1_free2name = | designation1_free2value = | designation1_free3name = | designation1_free3value =
| designation2 = WHS | designation2_offname = [[Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park]] | designation2_type = | designation2_criteria = Cultural: (iii), (iv), (v), (vi) | designation2_date = 2004 | delisted2_date = | designation2_partof =  | designation2_number = 1101 | designation2_free1name = | designation2_free1value = | designation2_free2name = | designation2_free2value = | designation2_free3name = | designation2_free3value =
}}
}}
 
}}
'''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]].<ref name="Bombay1879">{{cite book|author=Bombay (India: State)|title=Gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency: Kaira and Panch Maháls|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NLUBAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA308|accessdate=29 September 2012|edition=Public domain|year=1879|publisher=Government Central Press|pages=308–}}</ref> It is located about {{convert|150|ft}} east of the city walls (''Jahdnpandh''), near the east gate.
The '''Jami Masjid''', also known as '''Jama Masjid'''; meaning "public mosque", is a former [[Congregational mosque|Friday mosque]], now a well-preserved heritage site,<ref name="Ruggles 2009" /> located in [[Champaner]], in the state of [[Gujarat]], [[India]]. The mosque is a [[Monuments of National Importance (India)|Monument of National Importance]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://asi.nic.in/alphabetical-list-of-monuments-gujarat/ |title=List of Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains of Gujarat |work=[[Archaeological Survey of India]] |date= |access-date=2016-11-18}}</ref> and, together with other structures, 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.<ref name="Bombay1879">{{cite book|author=Bombay (India: State)|title=Gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency: Kaira and Panch Maháls|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NLUBAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA308|accessdate=29 September 2012|edition=Public domain|year=1879|publisher=Government Central Press|pages=308–}}</ref> The mosque is located approximately {{convert|150|ft|m|order=flip}} east of the city walls (''Jahdnpandh''), near the east gate.


==History==
==History==
The mosque dates to 1513; construction was carried out over 25 years.<ref name="Singh2009" /> 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 [[Jainism|Jain]] religious connotations and workmanship with Muslim ethos; the large domes are indicative of such a mix.<ref name=Fact>{{Cite web|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1101 |title=United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Fact Sheet|accessdate=24 September 2012|publisher= United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization}}</ref><ref name=Advisory/><ref name="Ruggles 2009"/>{{sfn| Bombay |1879|pp=304-309}}  Restoration works were carried out in the 1890s.<ref name="CircleDept1897">{{cite book|author=Bombay India General Dept|title=Archaeology, Progress Report|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9MksAQAAMAAJ|accessdate=1 October 2012|year=1897|publisher=Archaeological Survey of India. Western Circle|location=Bombay|page=8 | ref={{harvid|Bombay|1879}} }}</ref>
The mosque dates from 1513; and construction was carried out over 25 years.<ref name="Singh2009" /> 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 [[Jainism|Jain]] religious connotations and workmanship with Muslim ethos; the large domes are indicative of such a mix.<ref name=Fact>{{Cite web|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1101 |title=United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Fact Sheet|accessdate=24 September 2012|publisher= United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization}}</ref><ref name=Advisory/><ref name="Ruggles 2009"/>{{sfn| Bombay |1879|pp=304-309}}  Restoration works were carried out in the 1890s.<ref name="CircleDept1897">{{cite book|author=Bombay India General Dept|title=Archaeology, Progress Report|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9MksAQAAMAAJ|accessdate=1 October 2012|year=1897|publisher=Archaeological Survey of India. Western Circle|location=Bombay|page=8 | ref={{harvid|Bombay|1879}} }}</ref>


==Architecture and fittings==
== Architecture ==
[[File:Central Dome.jpg|thumb|left|Central dome of Jama Masjid.]]
[[File:Central Dome.jpg|thumb|left|Central dome of the mosque]]
[[File:Inside Pillars.jpg|thumb|left|Interior pillars of Jama Masjid.]]
[[File:Inside Pillars.jpg|thumb|left|Interior pillars of the mosque]]
It has a blend of [[Jainism|Jain]]<ref>{{Cite book|last=Travel|first=D. K.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TTcnDwAAQBAJ&dq=pavagadh+jain&pg=PT66|title=DK Eyewitness Travel Guide India|date=2017-09-07|publisher=Dorling Kindersley Limited|isbn=978-0-241-32624-4|language=en}}</ref> and Muslim architecture, preserving the Islamic ethos, and is considered one of the finest mosques in Western India with its elegant interiors.<ref name="Ruggles 2009">{{cite book|last1= Ruggles |first1= D. Fairchild |author1link=D. Fairchild Ruggles |last2= Silverman |first2= Helaine |title=Intangible Heritage Embodied|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wmicDzxG0NoC&pg=PA99|accessdate=23 September 2012|year=2009|publisher= Springer |isbn=9781441900715|pages=91–93, 96–97}}</ref> 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 [[Jainism|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]].
It has a blend of [[Jainism|Jain]]<ref name="Travel">{{Cite book|last=Travel|first=D. K.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TTcnDwAAQBAJ&dq=pavagadh+jain&pg=PT66|title=DK Eyewitness Travel Guide India|date=2017-09-07|publisher=Dorling Kindersley Limited|isbn=978-0-241-32624-4|language=en}}</ref> and Muslim architecture, preserving the Islamic ethos, and is considered one of the finest mosques in Western India with its elegant interiors.<ref name="Ruggles 2009">{{cite book|last1= Ruggles |first1= D. Fairchild |author1link=D. Fairchild Ruggles |last2= Silverman |first2= Helaine |title=Intangible Heritage Embodied|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wmicDzxG0NoC&pg=PA99|accessdate=23 September 2012|year=2009|publisher= Springer |isbn=9781441900715|pages=91–93, 96–97}}</ref> 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 [[Jainism|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,<ref name="Desai2007">{{cite book|last=Desai|first=Anjali H.|title=India Guide Gujarat|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gZRLGZNZEoEC&pg=PA178|accessdate=29 September 2012|year=2007|publisher=India Guide Publications|isbn=978-0-9789517-0-2|pages=178–}}</ref> with both Islamic and Hindu styles of decoration.<ref name="Singh2009">{{cite book|author=Sarina Singh|title=India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vK88ktao7pIC&pg=PA742|accessdate=29 September 2012|date=1 September 2009|publisher=LP|isbn=978-1-74179-151-8|pages=742–}}</ref> 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 [[minaret]]s {{convert|30|m}} in height are situated on both sides of the main carved<ref name="Singh2009" /><ref name=Central>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/onlineex/apac/other/019wdz000002219u00060000.html|title=Champaner: Central mehrab in the Jama mosque|accessdate=29 September 2012|publisher=Onlinegallery, British Library, UK}}</ref> entrance.<ref name="Rough2011">{{cite book|title=The Rough Guide to India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6VT6aAXqO8kC&pg=PT1225|accessdate=29 September 2012|date=20 January 2011|publisher=Penguin|isbn=978-1-4053-8849-8|pages=1225–}}</ref> A typical Gujarat style of architecture is seen in the form of [[oriel window]]s with distinctive carvings on the outer surface.<ref name=Central/> The carved roof contains several domes,<ref name="Rough2011" /> and the courtyard is large.<ref name="Singh2009" /> There are seven mihrabs and the entrance gates are carved and fitted with fine stone [[jali]]s.
The building is two-storied,<ref name="Desai2007">{{cite book|last=Desai|first=Anjali H.|title=India Guide Gujarat|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gZRLGZNZEoEC&pg=PA178|accessdate=29 September 2012|year=2007|publisher=India Guide Publications|isbn=978-0-9789517-0-2|pages=178–}}</ref> with both Islamic and Hindu styles of decoration.<ref name="Singh2009">{{cite book|author=Sarina Singh|title=India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vK88ktao7pIC&pg=PA742|accessdate=29 September 2012|date=1 September 2009|publisher=LP|isbn=978-1-74179-151-8|pages=742–}}</ref> 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 [[minaret]]s {{convert|30|m}} in height are situated on both sides of the main carved<ref name="Singh2009" /><ref name=Central>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/onlineex/apac/other/019wdz000002219u00060000.html|title=Champaner: Central mehrab in the Jama mosque|accessdate=29 September 2012|publisher=Onlinegallery, British Library, UK|archive-date=5 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005182357/https://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/onlineex/apac/other/019wdz000002219u00060000.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> entrance.<ref name="Rough2011">{{cite book|title=The Rough Guide to India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6VT6aAXqO8kC&pg=PT1225|accessdate=29 September 2012|date=20 January 2011|publisher=Penguin|isbn=978-1-4053-8849-8|pages=1225–}}</ref> One of the two minarets were damaged by an intentional gun firing in 1812 by Patankar, a Scindia Governor.<ref name="Ruggles 2009" /> A typical Gujarat style of architecture is seen in the form of [[oriel window]]s with distinctive carvings on the outer surface.<ref name=Central/> The carved roof contains several domes,<ref name="Rough2011" /> and the courtyard is large.<ref name="Singh2009" /> There are seven mihrabs and the entrance gates are carved and fitted with fine stone [[jali]]s.
   
   
Multiple prayer halls are separated by almost 200 pillars.<ref name="Rough2011" /> 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''.<ref name="Singh2009" />{{sfn| Bombay |1879|pp=304-309}}<ref name=World>{{Cite web|url=http://www.worldheritagesite.org/sites/champaner.html|title=Champaner-Pavagadh|accessdate=23 September 2012|publisher=Worldheritagesite.org|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006154345/http://worldheritagesite.org/sites/champaner.html|archivedate=6 October 2012}}</ref> There is a double [[clerestory]] in one of the domes. Other interior features include an [[Arch|arcuate]] [[maqsurah]] screen, [[Post and lintel|trabeate]] [[hypostyle]] ''lwan'', double square side wings, ''zanana'' enclosure, and screened off northern ''[[mihrab]]''.<ref name="Burton-PageMichell2008">{{cite book|last1=Burton-Page|first1=John|author1-link=John Burton-Page|last2=Michell|first2=George|title=Indian Islamic Architecture: Forms and Typologies, Sites and Monuments|url=https://archive.org/details/dli.doa.186|accessdate=29 September 2012|year=2008|publisher=BRILL|isbn=978-90-04-16339-3|pages=[https://archive.org/details/dli.doa.186/page/n191 111]–}}</ref>
Multiple prayer halls are separated by almost 200 pillars.<ref name="Rough2011" /> 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''.<ref name="Singh2009" />{{sfn| Bombay |1879|pp=304-309}}<ref name=World>{{Cite web|url=http://www.worldheritagesite.org/sites/champaner.html|title=Champaner-Pavagadh|accessdate=23 September 2012|publisher=Worldheritagesite.org|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006154345/http://worldheritagesite.org/sites/champaner.html|archivedate=6 October 2012}}</ref> There is a double [[clerestory]] in one of the domes. Other interior features include an [[Arch|arcuate]] [[maqsurah]] screen, [[Post and lintel|trabeate]] [[hypostyle]] ''lwan'', double square side wings, ''zanana'' enclosure, and screened off northern ''[[mihrab]]''.<ref name="Burton-PageMichell2008">{{cite book|last1=Burton-Page|first1=John|author1-link=John Burton-Page|last2=Michell|first2=George|title=Indian Islamic Architecture: Forms and Typologies, Sites and Monuments|url=https://archive.org/details/dli.doa.186|accessdate=29 September 2012|year=2008|publisher=BRILL|isbn=978-90-04-16339-3|pages=[https://archive.org/details/dli.doa.186/page/n191 111]–}}</ref>


==Grounds==
=== 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.<ref name=Advisory>{{Cite web|url=https://whc.unesco.org/archive/advisory_body_evaluation/1101.pdf|title= Advisory Body Evaluation, Champaner-Pavagadh (India) No 1101|accessdate=24 September 2012|publisher= United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization|pages=26–29}}</ref> An [[ritual purification|ablution]] [[temple tank|tank]] of octagonal ''kund'' appearance<ref name="Desai2007" /> 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 (Sufism)|pir]] who is buried in one corner of the garden.<ref name="Patel2002">{{cite book|last=Patel|first=Geeta|title=Lyrical Movements, Historical Hauntings: On Gender, Colonialism, and Desire in Miraji's Urdu Poetry|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ztx1ZCneph4C&pg=PA38|accessdate=29 September 2012|date=31 January 2002|publisher=Stanford University Press|isbn=978-0-8047-3329-8|pages=38–}}</ref>
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.<ref name=Advisory>{{Cite web|url=https://whc.unesco.org/archive/advisory_body_evaluation/1101.pdf|title= Advisory Body Evaluation, Champaner-Pavagadh (India) No 1101|accessdate=24 September 2012|publisher= United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization|pages=26–29}}</ref> An [[ritual purification|ablution]] [[temple tank|tank]] of octagonal ''kund'' appearance<ref name="Desai2007" /> 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 (Sufism)|pir]] who is buried in one corner of the garden.<ref name="Patel2002">{{cite book|last=Patel|first=Geeta|title=Lyrical Movements, Historical Hauntings: On Gender, Colonialism, and Desire in Miraji's Urdu Poetry|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ztx1ZCneph4C&pg=PA38|accessdate=29 September 2012|date=31 January 2002|publisher=Stanford University Press|isbn=978-0-8047-3329-8|pages=38–}}</ref>
== Other mosques ==
There are several other mosques within the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, including the [[Bawaman Mosque|Bawaman]], [[Kevada Mosque|Kevada]], [[Lila Gumbaj Ki Mosque|Lila Gumbaj Ki]], and [[Nagina Mosque|Nagina]] mosques.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery class="center" mode="packed" heights="160" classes="center">
<gallery>
File:Ceiling Carvings Jami Masjid Champaner.JPG|Ceiling [[fractal]] carvings resemble to [[Kalpavriksha]] illustration in [[Dilwara Temples|Dilwara Jain Temple]]<ref>{{Cite book|last=Travel|first=D. K.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TTcnDwAAQBAJ&dq=pavagadh+jain&pg=PT66|title=DK Eyewitness Travel Guide India|date=2017-09-07|publisher=Dorling Kindersley Limited|isbn=978-0-241-32624-4|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=Dilwara Temples|date=2020-09-01|url=https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dilwara_Temples&oldid=976134537|work=Wikipedia|language=en|access-date=2020-09-12}}</ref>
Ceiling Carvings Jami Masjid Champaner.JPG|Ceiling [[fractal]] carvings resemble to [[Kalpavriksha]] illustration in [[Dilwara Temples|Dilwara Jain Temple]]<ref name="Travel"/><ref>{{Citation|title=Dilwara Temples|date=2020-09-01|url=https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dilwara_Temples&oldid=976134537|work=Wikipedia|language=en|access-date=2020-09-12}}</ref>
File:Support system Main Dome Jami Masjid.jpg|Sky light and supports of main dome
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
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
Two minars at front of main entrance of prayer hall.JPG|Minarets
File:Jami masjid Jarukha.jpg
Jami masjid Jarukha.jpg
File:Jami Masjid Champaner Open Roof.jpg|Open roof of the entry hall
Jami Masjid Champaner Open Roof.jpg|Open roof of the entry hall
</gallery>
</gallery>


==See also==
== See also ==
{{stack|{{portal|India|Islam|Architecture}}}}
* [[Islam in India]]
* [[List of mosques in India]]
* [[List of Monuments of National Importance in Gujarat]]
* [[Monuments of Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park]]
* [[Monuments of Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park]]


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{{Reflist|33em}}
{{Reflist|33em}}


{{commonscat|Jami Masjid, Champaner}}
== External links ==
{{commons category-inline|Jami Masjid, Champaner}}
 
{{Mosques in India}}


[[Category:Buildings and structures completed in 1513]]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Champaner, Jama Mosque}}
[[Category:16th-century mosques in India]]
[[Category:Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park|Jama Mosque]]
[[Category:Grand mosques]]
[[Category:Gujarat Sultanate mosques]]
[[Category:Monuments of National Importance in Gujarat]]
[[Category:Mosque buildings with domes in India]]
[[Category:Mosque buildings with minarets in India]]
[[Category:Mosque ruins in India]]
[[Category:Mosques completed in the 1510s]]
[[Category:Mosques in Champaner]]
[[Category:Mosques in Champaner]]
[[Category:Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park]]
[[Category:Religious buildings and structures completed in 1513]]
[[Category:Grand mosques|Champaner]]

Latest revision as of 15:20, 15 February 2026


For similarly named mosques, see List of grand mosques.
Jami Masjid
Religion
AffiliationIslam (former)
Mosque (former)
Status
  • Abandoned;
  • Preserved
    (good condition[1])
Location
LocationChampaner, Panchmahal, Gujarat
CountryIndia
Coordinates22°29′09″N 73°32′14″E / 22.4859°N 73.5371°E / 22.4859; 73.5371
Architecture
TypeMosque architecture
Style
Funded byMahmud Begada
Completed1513
Specifications
DomeTwelve
MinaretTwo
Minaret height
30 metres (98 ft)
MaterialsRubble masonry
Template:Infobox designation list/entry
Template:Infobox designation list/entry

The Jami Masjid, also known as Jama Masjid; meaning "public mosque", is a former Friday mosque, now a well-preserved heritage site,[1] located in Champaner, in the state of Gujarat, India. The mosque is a Monument of National Importance,[2] and, together with other structures, 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.[3] The mosque is located approximately 46 metres (150 ft) east of the city walls (Jahdnpandh), near the east gate.

History[edit | edit source]

The mosque dates from 1513; and construction was carried out over 25 years.[4] 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.[5][6][1][7] Restoration works were carried out in the 1890s.[8]

Architecture[edit | edit source]

Central dome of the mosque
Interior pillars of the mosque

It has a blend of Jain[9] and Muslim architecture, preserving the Islamic ethos, and is considered one of the finest mosques in Western India with its elegant interiors.[1] 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,[10] with both Islamic and Hindu styles of decoration.[4] 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 30 metres (98 ft) in height are situated on both sides of the main carved[4][11] entrance.[12] One of the two minarets were damaged by an intentional gun firing in 1812 by Patankar, a Scindia Governor.[1] A typical Gujarat style of architecture is seen in the form of oriel windows with distinctive carvings on the outer surface.[11] The carved roof contains several domes,[12] and the courtyard is large.[4] 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.[12] 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.[4][7][13] 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.[14]

Grounds[edit | edit source]

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.[6] An ablution tank of octagonal kund appearance[10] 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.[15]

Other mosques[edit | edit source]

There are several other mosques within the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, including the Bawaman, Kevada, Lila Gumbaj Ki, and Nagina mosques.

Gallery[edit | edit source]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Ruggles, D. Fairchild; Silverman, Helaine (2009). Intangible Heritage Embodied. Springer. pp. 91–93, 96–97. ISBN 9781441900715. Retrieved 23 September 2012.
  2. ↑ "List of Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains of Gujarat". Archaeological Survey of India. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
  3. ↑ Bombay (India: State) (1879). Gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency: Kaira and Panch Maháls (Public domain ed.). Government Central Press. pp. 308–. Retrieved 29 September 2012.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Sarina Singh (1 September 2009). India. LP. pp. 742–. ISBN 978-1-74179-151-8. Retrieved 29 September 2012.
  5. ↑ "United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Fact Sheet". United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Retrieved 24 September 2012.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Advisory Body Evaluation, Champaner-Pavagadh (India) No 1101" (PDF). United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. pp. 26–29. Retrieved 24 September 2012.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Bombay 1879, pp. 304-309.
  8. ↑ Bombay India General Dept (1897). Archaeology, Progress Report. Bombay: Archaeological Survey of India. Western Circle. p. 8. Retrieved 1 October 2012.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Travel, D. K. (7 September 2017). DK Eyewitness Travel Guide India. Dorling Kindersley Limited. ISBN 978-0-241-32624-4.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Desai, Anjali H. (2007). India Guide Gujarat. India Guide Publications. pp. 178–. ISBN 978-0-9789517-0-2. Retrieved 29 September 2012.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 "Champaner: Central mehrab in the Jama mosque". Onlinegallery, British Library, UK. Archived from the original on 5 October 2023. Retrieved 29 September 2012.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 The Rough Guide to India. Penguin. 20 January 2011. pp. 1225–. ISBN 978-1-4053-8849-8. Retrieved 29 September 2012.
  13. ↑ "Champaner-Pavagadh". Worldheritagesite.org. Archived from the original on 6 October 2012. Retrieved 23 September 2012.
  14. ↑ Burton-Page, John; Michell, George (2008). Indian Islamic Architecture: Forms and Typologies, Sites and Monuments. BRILL. pp. 111–. ISBN 978-90-04-16339-3. Retrieved 29 September 2012.
  15. ↑ Patel, Geeta (31 January 2002). Lyrical Movements, Historical Hauntings: On Gender, Colonialism, and Desire in Miraji's Urdu Poetry. Stanford University Press. pp. 38–. ISBN 978-0-8047-3329-8. Retrieved 29 September 2012.
  16. ↑ "Dilwara Temples", Wikipedia, 1 September 2020, retrieved 12 September 2020

External links[edit | edit source]

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