History of Architecture12th Sept, 2015

BENGAL ARCHITECTURE

ADINA MOSQUE

This gigantic Mosque built and completed by Sikandar Shah (c.1358-1390 AD) in 1369 AD is the most remarkable existing example of Muslim architecture of that period. It is a Quadrangular building, consisting of cloisters which surrounded a central area of the same form. It extends 507½ feet from north to south and 285½ feet from east to west. On the east side, through which the shrine is entered by an insignificant door, the cloisters are 38 feet wide and have 3 aisles. The total number of domes covering the cloisters was 306 in all. The upper chamber (Badshah-Ka-Takht) which is situated to the north of the Central hall, was apparently intended to provide separate accommodation for the King and his family during services. The prayer niches on this area in the west wall are embellished with beautiful ornamental Tughra inscriptions. To the northern half of the back wall of the mosque and west of the Badshah-Ka-Takht lies a roofless room, 42 feet square, known as Sikandar Shah's tomb.

Brief description:

CHAMKATTI MASJID

BRIEF HISTORY :

Erected possibly by Sultan Yusuf Shah this brick built Mosque (damaged) is resting on stone pillars up to the height of springing point of its single dome. The verandah in front, has three arched entrances and noted for use of glazed tiles lending a graceful appearance. Three doorways lead into the interior square hall.

Dakhil Darwaja

BRIEF HISTORY :

This impressive gateway built of brick was probably built by Sultan Barbak Shah (c.1459-74 AD) and served as the main entrance on north into the citadel of Gaur. It was also called 'Salami Gate' as salutes were fired from its sides. The facade of the gateway measures 73' 4" in breadth and rises to a height of 60'. The gateway represents the height of excellence that the brick masons of Bengal were capable of achieving. The archway which is 34' high up to the apex of the pointed arch, is flanked by a pylon like buttress, one on each side of the frontage and guarding the portal. The archway between the two pylons provides a deep and wide portico containing the arched opening, which leads into a central vaulted passage, with a guard room on each side. The entire structure has beautiful terracotta ornamentation and a guard example of the intermingling of Islamic thought and regional characteristic features.

Firoz Minar

BRIEF HISTORY :Alternately known as Firoza Minar or 'Blue Tower' this tower 25.60 m high with spiral staircase having 73 steps was probably constructed by Saifuddin Firoz an Abyssinian commander of the royal forces who became the Sultan by avenging the killing of Sultan Jalaluddin Fath Shah, the last ruler of the Iliyas Shahi dynasty. From the foot of the door the tower rises in three storeys of twelve sides, each storey demarcated by ornamental bands. The fourth and fifth storeys are circular with reduced diameter. The last storey originally an open arched room covered by a dome has been changed into an open flat roof by some restorer. This is considered as a victory tower as its builder is credited with many victories in battles. Scholars attribute it as a Bengali version of the Qutb Minar (1486 - 89 AD).

KOTWALI DARWAJA

BRIEF HISTORY :This magnificent arched gateway top part of which collapsed long back is the central gate in the south wall of the city of Gaur. The gateway had a brick arch 30 feet high and 16 feet vine metes span. There are battlements on the east and west sides. It approximates in style to Delhi architecture and was probably built between the date of the earliest Muslim inscription found in Gaur, 1235 i.e. the time of Iltutmish and the death of Alauddin Khalji in 1315 when the influence of Delhi was strong in Lakhnauti (Gaur). However, there is difference of opinion among scholars about its date.

Lottan Masjid

BRIEF HISTORY:The Mosque was probably built by Sultan Yusuf Shah (c.1474-81 AD) but traditionally ascribed to a Royal Courtesan without much ground. This is a single domed building with a square chamber and a corridor in front. There are three arched entrances on the east and sides. It was once covered with a enameled brick work of four colors, green, yellow, blue and white lending a colorful appearance.

Qadam Rasul Masjid

BRIEF HISTORY :It is a misnomer to call this a mosque, in actuality is a building to contain the prophet's foot prints in stone said to have been brought by a saint from Arabia. The building has a central square room with a wide verandah. The eastern facade is highly decorated. The central room is covered by a single dome, crowned with a lotus finial. There is no mihrab inside. An inscription over the front door records its erection by Sultan Nusrat Shah son of Husain Shah in AD 1531.

TANTIPARA MASJID

BRIEF HISTORY :This brick-built Mosque is an oblong building with stone columns in double aisles and was originally covered with 10 domes, 5 in each row. It has also bold floral panels on its surface. Its ornamentation is rich and effective, and the large decorated panels stand out in high relief against the plain walls. Tanti Para means the quarter for the weaver class. This mosque was probably built by Mirshad Khan in 1480 AD.

EKLAKHI MAUSOLEUM

BRIEF HISTORY :This brick built Mausoleum is the most beautiful building in this place. It forms a square roofed by a dome with a small turret at each corner. The inside plan of the structure is octagonal. The walls are exquisitely ornamented in the outer part by carved tiles and decorative motifs on bricks. Tradition runs that this construction cost 1 lakh rupees so the name. Amongst the three graves inside, one is regarded as tomb of Sultan Jalaluddin, son of Raja Khans, the other two of his wife and son Ahmad Shah. There is divergence of opinion among scholars about the identification and orientation of the graves. This structure was probably built in the early c.15th century AD.

Qutub Sahi Masjid

BRIEF HISTORY :This Masjid was built by Makhdum Sheikh in c.1582 AD. It was built of brick and stone and had ten domes. The roof has fell down, but the walls and pulpit are standing. It was called Qutub Shahi Masjid as a mark of respect to the Saint Noor Qutb Ul Alam.