Jama Masjid of Bijapur, Karnataka

,
Central hall.Jama Masjid of Bijapur, Karnataka. commons.wikimedia.org

Bijapur, a major city in Kanataka was the capital of the Ali Adil Shah Dynasty and the rulers were good administrators and patrons of arts and monumental buildings. Their buildings bring out their proper planning, execution and the beauty of Islamic architecture blended with Indian style.

Jama Masjid of Bijapur is a beautiful, well designed mosque in the Indian state of Karnatak. Also called as both Jamiya Masjid and Jumma Masjid, the mosque is one of the largest ones in South India. It is an architectural wonder built centuries ago before the arrival of British East India company in India.

It was built by Ali Adil Shah I (1558-1580) in the year 1578 as a mark of his victory over the mighty Vijaya Nagara ruler at the Battle of Rakkasagi – Tangadagi in Talikoti in 1565 - a crucial event in Indian history, heralding the Muslim rule in the southern part of India.

Jama Masjid of Bijapur, Karnataka, India.www.kamit.jp

Jama Masjid of Bijapur, Karnataka, India.www.flickr.com

Above image: Jama Masjid of Bijapur has numerous well defined wide arches supported by large pillars.

Jama Masjid of Bijapur, Karnataka, .www.snipview.com

Above image: On the western wall of the central Mihrab lines from the Holy Koran are inscribed above the prayer niche. Jama Masjid of Bijapur, Karnataka ..........

The basic design of the huge mosque is perfect square of 1,16,300 sq. ft., It has an impressive dome and a large prayer hall with fine aisles supported on massive pillars, thus accommodating 2250 to 2500 faithfuls to offer their Namaz at a stretch. Each space is meant for for one occupant to pray. Lines from the Holy Koran are inscribed on the western wall of the Central Mihrab.

The structure was incomplete as the two minarets on the both sides of eastern entrance were left unfinished for unknown reasons. It was Mogul emperor Aurangzeb who took so much pain to add an entrance gate way to the Masjid. The ornamental merlons above the parapet of the courtyard are also missing. The facade has nine large arches with five inner arches. Another striking feature is the 2250 inlaid rectangular tiles on the floor, substituting prayer rugs installed by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.

Ref:

https://www.ixigo.com/jami-masjid-bijapur-india-ne-1281104

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jama_Masjid,_Bijapur