August 19, 2010

Jami Masjid

Strolling through Mandu, I find another group of monuments comprising of the Jami Masjid, the Tomb of Mahmud Khilji and Ashrafi Mahal and the Hoshang Shah’s Mausoleum.

The mosque in red sandstone that greets me in the center of the village of Mandu, on a huge raised plinth with rows of tiny arched chambers, is the Jami Masjid.

Built around 1454, it is alleged to be modelled on the famous Omayyed Mosque in Damascus.

The monumental entrance through a flight of steps from the East to a main arched doorway leads up to a large porch. Screens and bands of glaze tiles decorate the main doorway.

I find the mosque simplistic in design. In the huge courtyard is the huge Qibla, the prayer hall, with numerous rows of majestic arches and pillars which go to support the domes.

There is a pulpit and some finely carved inscriptions on it.

The courtyard is enclosed on all sides by huge colonnades.

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18 comments:

Unknown said...

A like the arch and dome architecture. Nice green courtyard and blue sky!

Sylvia K said...

Gorgeous captures of the mausoleum! Fascinating post for the day! And lovely skies for the perfect backdrop! Hope you have a wonderful weekend, Celine!

Sylvia

Anonymous said...

I really really would love to see India someday. Your blog rocks and inspires.

EG CameraGirl said...

The design may be simple but it's also elegant. :) I like all the shots but LOVE the second one.

Eaglesbrother said...

The sky is very nice...the archways are also very nice...
Looks like a very peaceful place for meditation and prayers.

Anonymous said...

Shrinking life to its real, its important size. Great pictures indeed. Please have a good Friday.

daily athens

D said...

Beautiful architecture! and to think of the age in which it was built. Grand indeed.

Lakshmi said...

loved the second pic..

Mridula said...

The more I see of Mandu the more it feels I should go there! The arch ways are so beautiful and beautifully captured.

Unknown said...

the arches and pillars are beautiful! gorgeous photos.

Rajesh said...

Mandu is a place which is a archeological treasure. You have captured it beautifully.

cyclopseven said...

A pictorial information. I am seeing the hidden hands behind the splendorous structure. Thanks for sharing.

Tania said...

Wonderful photos of great arcitechture! Lovely skies too:-)

Sue McGettigan said...

Very cool, I haven't seen a place with all those little domes along the walkways before, thanks.

HAREKRISHNAJI said...

So beautiful, I do not no how I missed it

magiceye said...

lovely perspectives!

indicaspecies said...

Luke,
Thank you. Dark clouds gathered in no time in that blue sky that evening, as you will note in my next post.


Sylvia,
Thank you for your kind words, and glad you liked it.


Ewok1993,
I hope your wish comes true, and thanks a lot for the encouraging words.


EGWow,
Thanks a lot, and glad you liked that particular shot.


Eaglesbrother,
Thanks. It was indeed very peaceful there, and in the same complex was the Mausoleum of Hoshang Shah.


Robert,
Thank you.


Diana (Di),
Thank you.
1454.....indeed!


Lakshmi,
Pleased to share.


Mridula,
Thank you. There is more to come of Mandu on this blog.


Luna Miranda,
Thanks a lot.


Rajesh,
Thank you.

Cyclopseven,
My pleasure.


Spidermama,
Glad you liked thse, and thank you for dropping by.


Sue McGettigan,
Pleasure to share, and thank you for passing by.


Harekrishnaji,
There is always a time to pass by again. I have already made 3 trips to Madhya Pradesh and there’s still more to see.


Magiceye,
Thanks Deepak.

AJEYA RAO said...

Great place! Great pics!