Jami Masjid At Mandu
Jami Masjid At Mandu
- Started by Hushang Shah and finished by Mahmud I in A.D. 1440.
- Mosque covers a square of 288' side, prolonged on eastern front by another 100' by a projecting domed entrance hall and a wide flight of steps.
- There are also two subsidiary entrances to the north, one for the priests and the other a private entrance for the zenana.
- Being raised on a high plinth, this enables the front side of the basement to contain a series of arcaded chambers to be used as a serai.
- The entrance hall bears traces of exquisitely coloured borders and panels in glazed tiles. The domed gatehouse responds to the three similar domes of the sanctuary on the opposite side of the courtyard.
- The courtyard is a square of 162' side, surrounded by arcaded aisles. Eleven openings on each side forming a facade for the pillared halls beyond.
- The pillared halls on the north and south are 3 aisles deep, that on the east is 2 aisles, while the western sanctuary is 5 aisles deep.
- In addition to the 3 large domes atop the sanctuary, the entire roof is covered with a symmetrical pattern of cylindrical cupolas, one over each bay of the interior, thus making 158 in all.
- Sculptured mihrabs are present at regular intervals in the qibla wall with an elegantly designed mimbar in the central bay.
- The overall design of the mosque gives an appearance of quiet solemnity, relying mainly upon the simple broad treatment of its constituent elements, eschewing ornamentation apart from the mihrabs and mimbar and some restrained colour decoration.