JoannaCostantino at 21:17, 8 December 2025

2025-12-08T21:17:58Z

New page

{{Short description|Mosque in Kaman, Rajasthan, India}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2025}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{Infobox religious building
| building_name = Chaurasi Khamba Mosque
| religious_affiliation = [[Sunni Islam]]
| image = Chaurasi_Khamba_Masjid_-_Courtyard_2.jpg
| image_upright = 1.4
| caption = The mosque courtyard (''[[sahn]]'')
| location = [[Kaman, Rajasthan|Kaman]], [[Rajasthan]]
| country = [[India]]
| coordinates = {{coord|27.65115|77.26586|format=dms|type:landmark_region:IN|display=it}}
| map_type = India Rajasthan
| map_size = 250
| map_relief = 1
| map_caption = Location of the mosque in [[Rajasthan]]
| status = [[Mosque]]
| functional_status = Active
| patron = Bahaa Al-Din Tughrul
| groundbreaking =
| year_completed = 13th century
| dome_quantity = 84 {{small|(estimate)}}
| materials = Stone
| architect =
| architecture_type = {{nowrap|[[Mosque architecture]]}}
| architecture_style = {{ubl|[[Indo-Islamic architecture|Indo-Islamic]]|[[Ghurid dynasty|Ghurid]]|[[Mughal architecture|Mughal]]}}
}}
The '''Chaurasi Khamba Mosque''', also known as the '''Kaman Mosque''', is a [[Sunni Islam|Sunni]] [[mosque]], located in [[Kaman, Rajasthan|Kaman]], in the state of [[Rajasthan]], India. The mosque was built in the 13th century on the site of what was believed to be a former [[Hindu temple]].

== Overview ==
Near the border of [[Mathura]] the mosque exemplifies [[syncretism]] by standing alongside Hindu temples and other historical monuments.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-08 |title=Exploring The Enigma Of Chaurasi Khamba In Kaman: A Mysterious Temple With A Unique History - EBNW Story |url=https://ebnw.net/travel-tourism/exploring-the-enigma-of-chaurasi-khamba-in-kaman-a-mysterious-temple-with-a-unique-history/ |access-date=2024-05-29 |language=en-US}}</ref> The mosque attracts tourists and history enthusiasts, and highlights the architecture of the [[Ghurid dynasty|Ghurid empire]] as a representation of India's culturally diverse legacy.<ref name="clarion">{{cite news |date=28 June 2024 |title=Religious Harmony: Hindu Caretaker Dedicates Life to Historic Varanasi Mosque |url=https://clarionindia.net/religious-harmony-hindu-caretaker-dedicates-life-to-historic-varanasi-mosque/ |access-date=31 January 2025 |work=Clarion India}}</ref>

== History ==
[[File:Chaurasi_Khamba_Masjid_-_Colonnade_2.jpg|thumb|A [[colonnade]] in the mosque]]
The Chaurasi Khamba Mosque ranks among the earliest royally-sanctioned mosques in [[North India|northern India]], dating from the late 12th century to the early 13th century (1190-1210 [[Common Era|CE]]). Constructed following the conquest of northern India by the forces of [[Muhammad of Ghor|Mohammad Ghouri]], it is believed to have been erected on the remnants of pre-existing Hindu temples.<ref name=Varunshiv>{{Cite web |last=Varunshiv |date=2011-10-01 |title=Four Ghurid Mosques |url=https://sarsonkekhet.in/2011/10/01/four-ghurid-mosques/ |access-date=2024-05-29 |website=Sarson ke Khet |language=en}}</ref> The Chaurasi Khamba Mosque was patronized by [[Bahauddin Tughril|Baha Al-Din Tughrul]].<ref name=Shokoohy>{{Cite book |last1=Shokoohy |first1=Mehrdad |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.3366/j.ctv2f4vj93 |title=Bayana: The Sources of Mughal Architecture |last2=Shokoohy |first2=Natalie H. |date=2020 |publisher=Edinburgh University Press |isbn=978-1-4744-6072-9 |jstor=10.3366/j.ctv2f4vj93 }}</ref> His support of the mosque aligns with his role in consolidating Muslim rule in northern India during this period.<ref name=Damle>{{Cite web |last=Damle |first=Himanshu |date=2023-04-24 |title=CHAURASI KHAMBA MOSQUE/TEMPLE, KAMAN, BHARATPUR DISTRICT, RAJASTHAN |url=https://hdheritagewalks.wordpress.com/2023/04/24/chaurasi-khamba-mosque-temple-kaman-bharatpur-district-rajasthan/ |access-date=2024-05-29 |website=Himanshu Damle |language=en}}</ref> Some features of this mosque suggest that it was significantly altered during [[Mughal Empire|Mughal times]], or possibly by the British, to give it a Mughal feel; it has a more "finished" and uncluttered appearance, and the wrap-around sloping canopy with small [[parapet]] above is a prominent [[Mughal architecture|Mughal-era design]] element.<ref name=Varunshiv/>

It is thought the mosque sits on remains of a Hindu temple. The building contains several symbolic embellishments: 84 carved pillars, a symbolic number throughout Kaman: 84 ponds, 84 temples, and {{convert|84|ha}} split into 84 little water pools. The count of Chaurasi Khamba lends some mystery.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-08 |title=Exploring The Enigma Of Chaurasi Khamba In Kaman: A Mysterious Temple With A Unique History - EBNW Story |url=https://ebnw.net/travel-tourism/exploring-the-enigma-of-chaurasi-khamba-in-kaman-a-mysterious-temple-with-a-unique-history/ |access-date=2024-05-29 |language=en-US}}</ref> Its name translates to "84 pillars." This highlights the grid-like arrangement of pillars that form a stunning [[colonnade]] within the structure.<ref name=Damle/><ref>{{Cite web |title=Bahaa aldin tughrul |url=https://www.bing.com/search?q=bahaa+aldin+tughrul&form=ANNTH1&refig=e2ca9362caf14dcc85e3d7a5c760e14b&pc=ASTS |access-date=2024-05-29 |website=Bing |language=en}}{{better source|date=January 2025}}</ref> The mosque reflects the architectural typical of the [[Ghurid dynasty|Ghurid]] era, with its carvings, [[dome]]s, and arches. It also serves as a significant cultural and religious landmark.

== Architecture ==
The mosque consists of two [[floor plan]]s: the ground plan and the first plan (upper level). The mosque follows a [[hypostyle]] plan with 84 columns. Upon the main entrance gateway, there is a lobby with stairs leading to the upper floor level. The lobby leads to an open-to-sky courtyard (''[[sahn]]'') surrounded by [[portico]]s.<ref name=Shokoohy/> The ''[[Qibla]]'' wall with the domed ''[[mihrab]]'' is located opposite the lobby. The upper floor level has only a ''[[minbar]]'' for the mosque, in addition to a royal gallery with its own access stair, separate from the upper-level leading ones. The colonnade of the mosque is enclosed with thick stone walls on the western side and the southern side, in addition to the north-west corner of the northern wall to enclose the royal gallery and the prayer hall.<ref name=Shokoohy/>

[[File:Chaurasi_Khamba_Masjid_-_Entrance.jpg|thumb|Main entrance]]
The main entrance projects outwards, forming an entrance lobby. The entrance follows the skyline of the eastern [[façade]] which does not make it a ''[[pishtaq]]'' entrance. The upper part of the entrance lobby and the roof were added later to the mosque. They were designed forming two shallow centered arches (some historians date them to the late 16th or 17th century), which is considered an architectural characteristic of the Mughal Empire.<ref name=Shokoohy/>
[[File:Chaurasi_Khamba_Masjid_-_Entrance_2.jpg|left|thumb|Entrance]]
The entrance to the mosque is opposite to the entrance lobby with stonework decorating the area around the entrance. The stonework mentions [[Bahauddin Tughril|Baha al-din's name]]. Two reused monolithic slabs carved to form miniature [[shrine]]s adorn the mosque's doorway.<ref name=Shokoohy/>

[[File:Chaurasi_Khamba_Masjid_-_Ceiling_Detail.jpg|thumb|Ceiling detail]]
The southern walls of the mosque feature three rectangular-shaped [[Niche (architecture)|niches]] on the interior side. The eastern and northern sides feature unusual designs since they are placed at a higher level compared to the southern side due to a raised platform they share. Eave stones decorate the upper fragments of the walls with stone-clad panels covering the parapet and featuring carved battlements.<ref name=Shokoohy/>

[[File:Chaurasi_Khamba_Masjid_-_Column_Detail.jpg|thumb|Column detail]]
Columns in the Chaurasi Khamba Mosque were reused from former Hindu temples. Accordingly, they feature defaced-human figures and decorations related to the Hindu culture.<ref name=Shokoohy/> The reused columns support the mosque after the human figures had been defaced to respect Islamic traditions and match the context. The reused [[column]]s were placed differently in Kaman mosque; initially, the figures at one end of the columns were towards the capitals of the columns, however, the columns were flipped in Kaman mosque, and the figures were placed at the base of the columns.<ref name=Shokoohy/> The columns’ bases feature animal figures like elephants.<ref name="Shokoohy" />

=== Mihrabs ===
[[File:Chaurasi_Khamba_Masjid_-_Mihrab_Niche_2.jpg|thumb|Mihrab niche]]
; Main mihrab
The main ''mihrab'' is centred on the ''Qibla'' wall. The mihrab is surrounded by an inscription band featuring the opening verses of [[Al-Fath|Surat Al-fath]], framing a two-centered arch in the middle of the mihrab. Given that the mosque was constructed in the early period of the conquest, Surat Al-Fath was highlighting the victory of the conquest. The vase-shaped capitals that were resting on pillars supported the two-centered arch, which was carved with a border with a perforated scroll design (the pillars are no longer there).<ref name=Shokoohy/> ''[[Shahada]]'' is engraved on the [[spandrel]]s on the upper side of the two-centered arch. The mihrab's stones have been sculpted to resemble an arch with [[pilaster]]s and a fringe with piercings. The carvings of the mihrab were original and specifically designed for it, which makes the mihrab the focal point of the prayer hall.<ref name=Shokoohy/>

; Mezzanine mihrab
One small auxiliary ''mihrab'' is located on the upper level. The adoption of the practice of placing a single ''mihrab'' in the ''Qibla'' wall was common in western [[Khurasan]] and Iran, as evidenced by the remnants of previous mosque construction in [[Central Asia]]. During this time, Northern India's lone ''mihrab'' mosques had clear connections to [[Persian architecture|Persian]] design.

==Gallery==
<gallery>
Chaurasi Khamba Masjid - Courtyard.jpg|Courtyard
Chaurasi Khamba Masjid - Mihrab Niche.jpg|''Mihrab'' niche
Chaurasi Khamba Masjid - Column Detail 3.jpg|Column detail
Chaurasi Khamba Masjid - Column Capital Detail.jpg|Column [[Capital (architecture)|capital]] detail
Chaurasi Khamba Masjid - Colonnade.jpg|Colonnade
Chaurasi Khamba Masjid - Minbar and Raised Platfrom.jpg|''Minbar'' and raised platform
Chaurasi Khamba Masjid - Threshold Detail.jpg|Threshold detail
Chaurasi Khamba Masjid - Column Detail 2.jpg|Column detail
Chaurasi Khamba Masjid - Entrance to Plinth.jpg|Entrance to the raised platform
Chaurasi Khamba Masjid - Pilaster Detail.jpg|[[Pilaster]] detail
Chaurasi Khamba Masjid - Doorway to Plinth.jpg|Doorway to the raised platform
Chaurasi Khamba Masjid - Column Base Detail.jpg|Column base detail
</gallery>

== See also ==
{{stack|{{portal|India|Islam}}}}
* [[Islam in India]]
* [[List of mosques in India]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{commons cat-inline|Chaurasi Khamba Masjid}}

{{Mosques in India}}

[[Category:13th-century religious buildings and structures in India]]
[[Category:Ghurid dynasty]]
[[Category:Indo-Islamic mosques]]
[[Category:Mosque buildings with domes in India]]
[[Category:Mosques in Rajasthan]]
[[Category:Mughal mosques]]
[[Category:Sunni mosques in India]]
[[Category:Wikipedia Student Program]]
[[Category:Mosques converted from Hindu temples]]
[[Category:Former Hindu temples in India]]
[[Category:13th-century Hindu temples]]
[[Category:Hindu temples in Rajasthan]]

Chaurasi Khamba Mosque - Revision history

JoannaCostantino at 21:17, 8 December 2025