Monday, January 14, 2008

Iteri & Kamani

Not all monuments in Champaner-Pavagadh are in good condition. Two structures that I visited were in total disrepair and dilapidated condition, namely, Iteri Masjid and Kamani Masjid.



Iteri mosque was built on a high plinth and main construction material was brick while sand stone is observed as main building material in other similar structures. This gives us an insight into the period when this mosque was built.





Two styles of construction most notable in Champaner are, beam-column-dome system and arch-dome system. Kamani mosque falls under the latter category and is so called because of its pillared construction full of Kaman or arches .



Flower, Foliage motif and the Pot design element was seen in this mosque - as seen in various other structures - albeit in a bit dilapidate condition.



Also seen at one end of the Kamani complex is a minaret base like structure that probably was a full minaret sometime, but just one minaret? This gives rise to several questions and reminds me of another structure – not yet described here – Ek Minar ki Masjid.


The path that took me to Kamani mosque (similar paths take you to several other monuments at Champaner), was quite narrow and full of thorns.

However, my “Hero Honda Splendor” (two-wheeler) did not let me down and I hope to continue to cultivate many more impressions of this beautiful but forgotten city!
.

Monday, January 7, 2008

Shakar Khan na Rauza

Usually most of Rauza, Tomb or Cenotaph in Champaner are located adjacent to a Masjid or Mosque. However, Shakar Khan na Rauza is one such individual tomb structure that does not have a Mosque close by, it is a single room structure with openings in all cardinal directions. This structure is close to Pataal Talao or the Courtesan’s Tank.


Constructed on a low plinth, this structure is square in plan and is very symmetrical in shape. Infact it looks same from all directions with central arched doorway, flanked by two smaller arches and doors and has a huge central dome.




However, this Rauza does not have any grave or tombstone inside. An old well and some brick wall remains are seen in the surrounding area of this beautiful structure.


I tried to learn who Shakar Khan was, no details are available as of now; anyone out there, please update me if you have more details relevant to this post.

.