| Jami Masjid | |
|---|---|
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Islam(former) |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Mosque(former) |
| Status |
|
| Location | |
| Location | Champaner,Panchmahal,Gujarat |
| Country | India |
Location of the former mosque inGujarat | |
| Coordinates | 22°29′09″N73°32′14″E / 22.4859°N 73.5371°E /22.4859; 73.5371 |
| Architecture | |
| Type | Mosque architecture |
| Style | |
| Funded by | Mahmud Begada |
| Completed | 1513 |
| Specifications | |
| Dome | Twelve |
| Minaret | Two |
| Minaret height | 30 metres (98 ft) |
| Materials | Rubblemasonry |
| Official name | Jami Masjid, Champaner |
| Reference no. | N-GJ-91 |
| Official name | Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park |
| Criteria | Cultural: (iii), (iv), (v), (vi) |
| Designated | 2004 |
| Reference no. | 1101 |
TheJami Masjid, also known asJama Masjid; meaning "public mosque", is a formerFriday mosque, now a well-preserved heritage site,[1] located inChampaner, in the state ofGujarat,India. The mosque is aMonument of National Importance,[2] and, together with other structures, is part of theChampaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, aUNESCOWorld 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.
The mosque dates from 1513; and construction was carried out over 25 years.[4] It is one of the most notable monuments built by SultanMahmud Begada. TheMughal architecture is said to have drawn from the architecture of the Sultanates, which is a blend ofJain 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]


It has a blend ofJain[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 orJains. 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 theKoran.
The building is two-storied,[10] with both Islamic and Hindu styles of decoration.[4] The plan is similar to that of theSidi Saiyyed Mosque inAhmedabad; it is rectangular with the entrance on the east side. There is aportico which has a large dome built over a podium. There are steps to the mosque from northern and southern directions. Tall octagonalminarets 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 oforiel 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 stonejalis.
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 byjalis.[4][7][13] There is a doubleclerestory in one of the domes. Other interior features include anarcuatemaqsurah screen,trabeatehypostylelwan, double square side wings,zanana enclosure, and screened off northernmihrab.[14]
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] Anablutiontank of octagonalkund appearance[10] is near the building; it was used forrainwater harvesting and washing before prayer. The mosque has become a place of pilgrimage for those who seek blessings from thepir who is buried in one corner of the garden.[15]
There are several other mosques within the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, including theBawaman,Kevada,Lila Gumbaj Ki, andNagina mosques.
Media related toJami Masjid, Champaner at Wikimedia Commons