BRIEF HISTORY : |
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.
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