Jami Masjid
Jami Masjid:
Built in Mughal style of architecture, the construction of Jami Masjid was started by
Hoshang Shah and completed by Mahmud Khalji in 1454.
The fort is one of the finest examples of Afghan architecture in India.
The main entrance of the mosque is through the eastern entrance.
The entire area of the mosque is 7,744 square meters (83,360 sq ft).
The inscriptions on the eastern doorway to the porch indicate that the mosque was
modeled on the basis of Mosque of Damascus.
Architectural/Prominent features-
The mosque stands on an elevated plinth of height 4.6 m and covers a square area of
sides measuring 97.4 m.
The Masjid has three large domes, a courtyard, 54 smaller domes and colonnade of
pillared halls.
The Jami Masjid is approached by a flight of about 30 steps through a porch on the
eastern wall, which is crowned with a gigantic dome.
The doorway consists of decorated marble jamb along with a decorative archway.
Interior-
The interiors consist of a beautiful courtyard with manicured lawns with a central path
way. Straight on the western side is the main prayer hall crowned with 58 small domes,
which are dominated by three gigantic domes.
The prayer hall feels like an enchanting forest of pillars under the shadows of arches and
domes. It presents a stark but lyrical symmetry.
The western wall contains 17 arched niches of Mihrab, decorated with blue tiles. The
central Mihrab is larger and more decorative than the rest.
Located next to the central mihrab is a white marble pulpit approach by a flight of stairs.
The pulpit is crowned with a small dome, surrounded on four sides by battlement like
structures. The pulpit served as the seat of the Imam, who led the prayers.
On the northern and southern side of the courtyard are arched passage ways similar to
those of the main prayer hall. These passageways numbering three on each side does
have a similar enchanting effect of the main prayer hall.
The northern wall of Jami Masjid has two small gateways. One leads to the courtyard,
while the other leads straight to the prayer hall on the west. The northern wall of the
prayer hall also consists of beautiful Jali works.
Hindola Mahal
Hindola Mahal –
Meaning Swing palace is so named due to its sloping side walls.
The Hindola Mahal might have been constructed during the reign of Hushang Shah
about 1425 C.E. but may date to the end of the 15th century during the reign of Ghiyas
al-Din.
It is one of a set buildings making up the royal palace complex at Mandu, which consists
of the Jahaz Mahal, the Hindola Mahal, the Taveli Mahal, and the Nahar Jharokha.
The Hindola Mahal may have been used as an audience chamber.
There is a replica of this palace in the Warangal Fort, possibly constructed under the
direction of the architect responsible for the Hindola Maha.
Architectural/Prominent features-
The Hindola Mahal represents the characteristic elements of the architectural style of
the Malwa period (1400–1550): simplicity, boldness, and well-proportioned.
The Hindola Mahal emphasizes its architectural simplicity with minimal ornamentation
and stands out boldly through massive inclined buttresses.
These elements make the Hindola Mahal a unique exaggerated example of the Malwa
style.
In addition, the pointed arches on the building’s interior reflect how Malwa architecture
was influenced by the Delhi styles. [1]
The outer walls or the buttresses are sloping walls inclined at an impressive 77 degrees,
giving the palace its name.
Wall also neutralizes the outward force of five massive ogee arches that once supported
the large flat roof of the main hall.
The Mahal was constructed from sandstone.
The exterior of the temple too is neatly chiselled and is simple.
Hindol Mahal is now used as an audience hall or an open-air theatre.
Interior-
The building is T-shaped and has a main hall with a transverse projection towards
the north. The 'T' shaped projection was added later on as a guard for the king.
The interior of the Mahal is in the form of a cross by the main passage leading all
the way into the hall and with an arm crossing at the correct angle.
It has exquisitely carved columns with the provision of hot and cold water
connected with the rooms situated underground.
There are six arched openings on both the sides of the hall above which there are
windows with beautiful tracery work to allow the light and air inside.
The roof has a huge arch which supports the huge ceiling above.
The upper floor, which is divided into two rooms, looks onto the main hall through an
arched opening.
The ground floor consists of a cruciform gallery with arms that extend to another
entrance to the building and an arch to the main hall.
