Difference between revisions of "Badshahi Mosque" - New World Encyclopedia

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[[Image:mosque minare amjad 2006.JPG|thumb|right|400px|View from Minto Park]]
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{{Infobox religious building
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|building_name=<font size=3>Badshahi Masjid</font>
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|image=Badshahi Mosque July 1 2005 pic32 by Ali Imran (1).jpg
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|caption=
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|location={{Flagicon|Pakistan}} [[Lahore]], [[Pakistan]]
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|geo={{coord|31.58847|74.313787|format=dms|region:PK_type:landmark}}
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|religious_affiliation=[[Islam]]
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|rite=
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|province=[[Punjab (Pakistan)|Punjab]]
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|district=[[Lahore]]
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|consecration_year=[[1671]]
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|status=[[Mosque]]
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|leadership= [[Aurangzeb Alamgir]]
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|website=
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|architect=
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|architecture_type=[[Mosque]]
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|architecture_style=[[Mughal architecture|Mughal]]
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|facade_direction=
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|year_completed=[[1673]]
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|construction_cost=
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|capacity=
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|length=
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|width=
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|width_nave=
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|height_max=
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|dome_quantity=3
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|dome_height_outer=
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|dome_height_inner=
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|dome_dia_outer=
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|dome_dia_inner=
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|minaret_quantity=
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}}
  
 
The '''Badshahi Mosque''' ([[Urdu]]: '''بادشاھی مسجد'''), or the 'Emperor's [[Mosque]]', was built in 1673 by the Mughal Emperor [[Aurangzeb]] in [[Lahore]], [[Pakistan]]. It is one of the city's best known landmarks, and a major tourist attraction epitomising the beauty and grandeur of the [[Mughal]] era.
 
The '''Badshahi Mosque''' ([[Urdu]]: '''بادشاھی مسجد'''), or the 'Emperor's [[Mosque]]', was built in 1673 by the Mughal Emperor [[Aurangzeb]] in [[Lahore]], [[Pakistan]]. It is one of the city's best known landmarks, and a major tourist attraction epitomising the beauty and grandeur of the [[Mughal]] era.
  
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Capable of accommodating over 55,000 worshippers, it is the second largest mosque in Pakistan, after the [[Faisal Mosque]] in [[Islamabad]]. The architecture and design of the Badshahi Masjid is closely related to the [[Jama Masjid, Delhi|Jama Masjid]] in [[Delhi]], [[India]], which was built in 1648 by Aurangzeb's father and predecessor, emperor [[Shah Jahan]].
+
Capable of accommodating over 55,000 worshipers, it is the second largest mosque in Pakistan, after the [[Faisal Mosque]] in [[Islamabad]]. The architecture and design of the Badshahi Masjid is closely related to the [[Jama Masjid, Delhi|Jama Masjid]] in [[Delhi]], [[India]], which was built in 1648 by Aurangzeb's father and predecessor, emperor [[Shah Jahan]].
  
−
Badshahi Masjid is one of the locations where [[Qari']] [[Abdul Basit]] recited the [[Qur'an]].<!--{{Fact|date=June 2007}}—>
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Badshahi Masjid is one of the locations where [[Qari']] [[Abdul Basit]] recited the [[Qur'an]].{{Fact|date=June 2007}} The Imam-e-Kaaba (Sheikh Abdur-Rahman Al-Sudais of Saudi Arabia) has also led prayers in this mosque in 2007.
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==History==
 
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[[Image:Badshahi Mosque July 1 2005 pic32 by Ali Imran.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Badshahi Masjid]]
 
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[[Image:Badshahi Masjid at night on July 20 2005.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Badshahi Masjid at night]]
 
  
 +
==History==v
 
The mosque was built under the patronage of the sixth [[Mughal]] Emperor, [[Aurangzeb|Aurangzeb Alamgir]]. It was completed in 1673 under the supervision of Aurangzeb's foster brother Muzaffar Hussain (also known as Fidaie Khan Koka) who was appointed governor of Lahore in May 1671 and held this post until 1675. He was also Master of Ordnance to the emperor. The construction of the mosque took about two years from May 1671 to April 1673. The mosque was built opposite the [[Lahore Fort]], illustrating its stature in the Mughal Empire. In conjunction with the building of the mosque, a new gate was built at the fort, named [[Alamgiri Gate]] after the Emperor.
 
The mosque was built under the patronage of the sixth [[Mughal]] Emperor, [[Aurangzeb|Aurangzeb Alamgir]]. It was completed in 1673 under the supervision of Aurangzeb's foster brother Muzaffar Hussain (also known as Fidaie Khan Koka) who was appointed governor of Lahore in May 1671 and held this post until 1675. He was also Master of Ordnance to the emperor. The construction of the mosque took about two years from May 1671 to April 1673. The mosque was built opposite the [[Lahore Fort]], illustrating its stature in the Mughal Empire. In conjunction with the building of the mosque, a new gate was built at the fort, named [[Alamgiri Gate]] after the Emperor.
  
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Badshahi Mosque was badly damaged and was misused during [[Sikh]] Rule {{Fact|date=November 2007}}. When the Sikhs ruled Lahore, they used the mosque for horse stables for the many horses, camels, and other animals that they used. They also would steal the jewels from the mosque, such as marble, rubies, gold, and other valuables. Muslims were not allowed to enter the mosque to worship; they were only given a small place outside the mosque where they could worship.
+
Badshahi Mosque was badly damaged and was misused during [[Sikh]] Rule. During the reign of [[Maharaja Ranjit Singh (Punjab)|Maharaja Ranjit Singh]], the mosque was used as a stable for the army's horses.<ref>[http://www.apcss.org/Publications/Edited%20Volumes/ReligiousRadicalism/PagesfromReligiousRadicalismandSecurityinSouthAsiach7.pdf Pakistan's Sectarian Violence]. Retrieved 2008-02-06</ref><ref>[http://www.australgurudwara.com.au/about.htm Sikh Mission Centre Austral Gurudwara),Sydney, NSW, Australia<!-- Bot generated title —>]</ref> They also would steal the jewels from the mosque, such as marble, rubies, gold, and other valuables. Muslims were not allowed to enter the mosque to worship; they were only given a small place outside the mosque where they could worship.
 +
[[Image:mosque minare amjad 2006.JPG|thumb|right|250px|View from Minto Park]]
  
−
Even when the British took control of India, they would use the mosque for their military practices by using the mosque for gun practices, cannons, etc. Even when they sensed Muslim hate for the British, they demolished a large portion of the wall of the mosque so the Muslims could not use it as a kind of "fort" for anti-British reasons. After a while, they finally returned it to the Muslims as a good will geusture even though it was in terrible condition. It was then given to Badshahi Mosque Authority to restore it to its original glory.
+
Even when the British took control of India, they would use the mosque for their military practices by using the mosque for gun practices, cannons, etc. Even when they sensed Muslim hate for the British, they demolished a large portion of the wall of the mosque so the Muslims could not use it as a kind of "fort" for anti-British reasons. After a while, they finally returned it to the Muslims as a good will gesture even though it was in terrible condition. It was then given to Badshahi Mosque Authority to restore it to its original glory.
  
 
From 1852 onwards, piecemeal repairs were carried out under the supervision of the Badshahi Mosque Authority. Extensive repairs were carried out from 1939 to 1960 at a cost of about 4.8 million rupees, which brought the mosque to its original shape and condition. The blueprint for the repairs was prepared by the late architect Nawab Zen Yar Jang Bahadur.
 
From 1852 onwards, piecemeal repairs were carried out under the supervision of the Badshahi Mosque Authority. Extensive repairs were carried out from 1939 to 1960 at a cost of about 4.8 million rupees, which brought the mosque to its original shape and condition. The blueprint for the repairs was prepared by the late architect Nawab Zen Yar Jang Bahadur.
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On the occasion of the second Islamic Summit held at Lahore on February 22, 1974, thirty-nine heads of Muslim states offered their Friday prayers in the Badshahi Masjid, led by Maulana Abdul Qadir Azad, the 'Khatib' of the mosque.
 
On the occasion of the second Islamic Summit held at Lahore on February 22, 1974, thirty-nine heads of Muslim states offered their Friday prayers in the Badshahi Masjid, led by Maulana Abdul Qadir Azad, the 'Khatib' of the mosque.
  
−
Recently a small museum has also been added to the mosque complex. It contains relics of [[Muhammad]], his cousin Hazrat Ali Razi allah Anho, and his daughter, Hazrat [[Fatima Zahra]]Hazi allah anha.
+
Recently a small museum has also been added to the mosque complex. It contains relics of [[Prophet Muhammad]], his cousin Hazrat Ali Razi allah Anho, and his daughter, Hazrat [[Fatima Zahra]] Razi allah anha.
  
 
==Design Characteristics==
 
==Design Characteristics==
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Like the character of its founder, the mosque is bold, vast and majestic in its expression. It was the largest mosque in the world for a long time.
 
Like the character of its founder, the mosque is bold, vast and majestic in its expression. It was the largest mosque in the world for a long time.
  
−
The interior has rich embellishment in stucco tracery (Manbatkari) and panelling with a fresco touch, all in bold relief, as well as marble inlay.
+
The interior has rich embellishment in stucco tracery (Manbatkari) and paneling with a fresco touch, all in bold relief, as well as marble inlay.
  
 
The exterior is decorated with stone carving as well as marble inlay on red sandstone, specially of [[loti]] form motifs in bold relief. The embellishment has Indo-Greek, Central Asian and Indian architectural influence both in technique and motifs.
 
The exterior is decorated with stone carving as well as marble inlay on red sandstone, specially of [[loti]] form motifs in bold relief. The embellishment has Indo-Greek, Central Asian and Indian architectural influence both in technique and motifs.
  
 +
[[Image:Badshahi Masjid at night on July 20 2005.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Badshahi Masjid at night]]
 
[[Image:BadshahiMasjid Layout BluePrint Dec 9 2005.gif|thumb|right|250px|Layout of the mosque]]
 
[[Image:BadshahiMasjid Layout BluePrint Dec 9 2005.gif|thumb|right|250px|Layout of the mosque]]
  
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==Measurements==
 
==Measurements==
 
* '''Courtyard:''' 528'-8" x 528'-4" (Area: 278,784 ft<sup>2</sup>), divided into two levels: the upper and the lower. In the latter, funeral prayers can also be offered.
 
* '''Courtyard:''' 528'-8" x 528'-4" (Area: 278,784 ft<sup>2</sup>), divided into two levels: the upper and the lower. In the latter, funeral prayers can also be offered.
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* '''Prayer Chamber:''' 275'-8" x 83'-7" x 50'-6" high, with its main vault 37'-3" x 59'-4" high but with the meplons 74'-6." (Area: 22,825 ft<sup>2</sup>)
+
* '''Prayer Chamber:''' 275'-8" x 83'-7" x 50'-6" high, with its main vault 37'-3" x 59'-4" high but with the merlons 74'-6". (Area: 22,825 ft<sup>2</sup>)
 
* '''Corner Minars:''' 67' in circumference, 176'-4" high are in four stages and have a contained staircase with 204 steps.
 
* '''Corner Minars:''' 67' in circumference, 176'-4" high are in four stages and have a contained staircase with 204 steps.
 
* '''Central Dome:''' Diameter 65' at bottom (at bulging 70'-6"); height 49'; pinnacle 24 ft and neck 15 ft high.
 
* '''Central Dome:''' Diameter 65' at bottom (at bulging 70'-6"); height 49'; pinnacle 24 ft and neck 15 ft high.
 
* '''Side Domes:''' Diameter 51'-6" (at bulging 54'-2"); height 32 ft; pinnacle 19 ft; neck 9'-6" high.
 
* '''Side Domes:''' Diameter 51'-6" (at bulging 54'-2"); height 32 ft; pinnacle 19 ft; neck 9'-6" high.
 
* '''Gateway:''' 66'-7" x 62'-10" x 65 high including domelets; vault 21'-6" x 32'-6" high. Its three sided approach steps are 22 in number.
 
* '''Gateway:''' 66'-7" x 62'-10" x 65 high including domelets; vault 21'-6" x 32'-6" high. Its three sided approach steps are 22 in number.
−
* '''Side aisles (Dalans):''' 80 in number. Height above floor 23'-9"; plinth 2'-7."
+
* '''Side aisles (Dalans):''' 80 in number. Height above floor 23'-9"; plinth 2'-7".
 
* '''Central Tank:''' 50' x 50' x 3' deep (Area: 2,500 ft<sup>2</sup>)
 
* '''Central Tank:''' 50' x 50' x 3' deep (Area: 2,500 ft<sup>2</sup>)
  
 
== Gallery ==
 
== Gallery ==
 +
<center>
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
 +
 +
Image:Mosque amjad 2006.JPG|Entrance to main prayer hall
  
 
Image:Shahi_Mosque_1.jpg|Gateway to Masjid
 
Image:Shahi_Mosque_1.jpg|Gateway to Masjid
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</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 +
</center>
  
 
==See also==
 
==See also==
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*[http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Lahore&z=18&ll=31.58831,74.311062&spn=0.002148,0.005128&t=k Satellite image of Badshahi Mosque from Google Maps]
 
*[http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Lahore&z=18&ll=31.58831,74.311062&spn=0.002148,0.005128&t=k Satellite image of Badshahi Mosque from Google Maps]
  
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==References==
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{{reflist}}
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{{Mosques in Pakistan}}
 
{{Mughal}}
 
{{Mughal}}
  
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{{credits|173553889}}
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[[Category:]]
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{{credits|212161970}}

Revision as of 00:40, 14 May 2008


Badshahi Masjid
Badshahi Mosque July 1 2005 pic32 by Ali Imran (1).jpg
Basic information
Location Flag of Pakistan Lahore, Pakistan
Geographic coordinates 31°35′19″N 74°18′50″E / 31.58847, 74.313787
Religious affiliation Islam
Province Punjab
District Lahore
Year consecrated 1671
Ecclesiastical status Mosque
Leadership Aurangzeb Alamgir
Architectural description
Architectural type Mosque
Architectural style Mughal
Year completed 1673
Specifications
Dome/s 3


The Badshahi Mosque (Urdu: بادشاھی مسجد), or the 'Emperor's Mosque', was built in 1673 by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in Lahore, Pakistan. It is one of the city's best known landmarks, and a major tourist attraction epitomising the beauty and grandeur of the Mughal era.

Capable of accommodating over 55,000 worshipers, it is the second largest mosque in Pakistan, after the Faisal Mosque in Islamabad. The architecture and design of the Badshahi Masjid is closely related to the Jama Masjid in Delhi, India, which was built in 1648 by Aurangzeb's father and predecessor, emperor Shah Jahan.

Badshahi Masjid is one of the locations where Qari' Abdul Basit recited the Qur'an.[citation needed] The Imam-e-Kaaba (Sheikh Abdur-Rahman Al-Sudais of Saudi Arabia) has also led prayers in this mosque in 2007.

==History==v The mosque was built under the patronage of the sixth Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb Alamgir. It was completed in 1673 under the supervision of Aurangzeb's foster brother Muzaffar Hussain (also known as Fidaie Khan Koka) who was appointed governor of Lahore in May 1671 and held this post until 1675. He was also Master of Ordnance to the emperor. The construction of the mosque took about two years from May 1671 to April 1673. The mosque was built opposite the Lahore Fort, illustrating its stature in the Mughal Empire. In conjunction with the building of the mosque, a new gate was built at the fort, named Alamgiri Gate after the Emperor.

Badshahi Mosque was badly damaged and was misused during Sikh Rule. During the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the mosque was used as a stable for the army's horses.[1][2] They also would steal the jewels from the mosque, such as marble, rubies, gold, and other valuables. Muslims were not allowed to enter the mosque to worship; they were only given a small place outside the mosque where they could worship.

File:Mosque minare amjad 2006.JPG
View from Minto Park

Even when the British took control of India, they would use the mosque for their military practices by using the mosque for gun practices, cannons, etc. Even when they sensed Muslim hate for the British, they demolished a large portion of the wall of the mosque so the Muslims could not use it as a kind of "fort" for anti-British reasons. After a while, they finally returned it to the Muslims as a good will gesture even though it was in terrible condition. It was then given to Badshahi Mosque Authority to restore it to its original glory.

From 1852 onwards, piecemeal repairs were carried out under the supervision of the Badshahi Mosque Authority. Extensive repairs were carried out from 1939 to 1960 at a cost of about 4.8 million rupees, which brought the mosque to its original shape and condition. The blueprint for the repairs was prepared by the late architect Nawab Zen Yar Jang Bahadur.

In 2000, the repair work of marble inlay in the main vault was repaired under the supervision of Saleem Anjum Qureshi.

On the occasion of the second Islamic Summit held at Lahore on February 22, 1974, thirty-nine heads of Muslim states offered their Friday prayers in the Badshahi Masjid, led by Maulana Abdul Qadir Azad, the 'Khatib' of the mosque.

Recently a small museum has also been added to the mosque complex. It contains relics of Prophet Muhammad, his cousin Hazrat Ali Razi allah Anho, and his daughter, Hazrat Fatima Zahra Razi allah anha.

Design Characteristics

Like the character of its founder, the mosque is bold, vast and majestic in its expression. It was the largest mosque in the world for a long time.

The interior has rich embellishment in stucco tracery (Manbatkari) and paneling with a fresco touch, all in bold relief, as well as marble inlay.

The exterior is decorated with stone carving as well as marble inlay on red sandstone, specially of loti form motifs in bold relief. The embellishment has Indo-Greek, Central Asian and Indian architectural influence both in technique and motifs.

Badshahi Masjid at night
Layout of the mosque

The skyline is furnished by beautiful ornamental merlons inlaid with marble lining adding grace to the perimeter of the mosque. In its various architectural features like the vast square courtyard, the side aisles (dalans), the four corner minars, the projecting central transept of the prayer chamber and the grand entrance gate, is summed up the history of development of mosque architecture of the Muslim world over the thousand years prior to its construction in 1673.

The north enclosure wall of the mosque was laid close to the Ravi River bank, so a majestic gateway could not be provided on that side and, to keep the symmetry the gate had to be omitted on the south wall as well. Thus a four aiwan plan like the earlier Delhi Jamia Masjid could not be adopted here.

The walls were built with small kiln-burnt bricks laid in kankar, lime mortar (a kind of hydraulic lime) but have a veneer of red sandstone. The steps leading to the prayer chamber and its plinth are in variegated marble.

The prayer chamber is very deep and is divided into seven compartments by rich engraved arches carried on very heavy piers. Out of the seven compartments, three double domes finished in marble have superb curvature, whilst the rest have curvilinear domes with a central rib in their interior and flat roof above. In the eastern front aisle, the ceiling of the compartment is flat (Qalamdani) with a curved border (ghalatan) at the cornice level.

The original floor of the courtyard was laid with small kiln-burnt bricks laid in the Mussalah pattern. The present red sandstone flooring was laid during the last thorough repairs (1939-60). Similarly, the original floor of the prayer chamber was in cut and dressed bricks with marble and Sang-i-Abri lining forming Mussalah and was also replaced by marble Mussalah during the last repairs.

There are only two inscriptions in the mosque:

  • one on the gateway
  • the other of Kalimah in the prayer chamber under the main high vault.

Measurements

  • Courtyard: 528'-8" x 528'-4" (Area: 278,784 ft2), divided into two levels: the upper and the lower. In the latter, funeral prayers can also be offered.
  • Prayer Chamber: 275'-8" x 83'-7" x 50'-6" high, with its main vault 37'-3" x 59'-4" high but with the merlons 74'-6". (Area: 22,825 ft2)
  • Corner Minars: 67' in circumference, 176'-4" high are in four stages and have a contained staircase with 204 steps.
  • Central Dome: Diameter 65' at bottom (at bulging 70'-6"); height 49'; pinnacle 24 ft and neck 15 ft high.
  • Side Domes: Diameter 51'-6" (at bulging 54'-2"); height 32 ft; pinnacle 19 ft; neck 9'-6" high.
  • Gateway: 66'-7" x 62'-10" x 65 high including domelets; vault 21'-6" x 32'-6" high. Its three sided approach steps are 22 in number.
  • Side aisles (Dalans): 80 in number. Height above floor 23'-9"; plinth 2'-7".
  • Central Tank: 50' x 50' x 3' deep (Area: 2,500 ft2)

Gallery

  • Mosque amjad 2006.JPG

    Entrance to main prayer hall

  • Gateway to Masjid

  • Hazuri Bagh Baradari in foreground

  • All architectural elements in harmony

  • Beautifully embellished main archway

  • View towards north-west

  • Cusped arch frames a minaret

  • Pietra dura trellis' in mihrab

  • Inlay detail

  • White marble inlay in red sandstone

  • Minar-e-Pakistan richly framed by an aisle arch

  • Samadhi of Ranjit Singh behind a minaret

  • Iqbal's mausoleum adjacent to gateway

  • Eid Prayers at the Badshahi Mosque.jpeg

    Eid prayers at the Badshahi Mosque

See also

  • Lahore Fort
  • Hazuri Bagh
  • Wazir Khan Mosque
  • List of famous mosques
  • Islamic architecture
  • Timeline of Islamic history
  • Islamic art
  • List of mosques

External links

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References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  1. ↑ Pakistan's Sectarian Violence. Retrieved 2008-02-06
  2. ↑ Sikh Mission Centre Austral Gurudwara),Sydney, NSW, Australia
Mosques in Pakistan
Shahi Mosque 3.jpg
Badshahi Mosque • Dai Anga Mosque • Data Durbar Complex • Faisal Mosque • Jamia Masjid Sialkot • Lal Masjid • Masjid e Tooba • Mohabbat Khan Mosque • Moti Masjid • Shahjahan Mosque • Suneri Mosque • Wazir Khan Mosque
Red Fort, Delhi by alexfurr (2).jpg      Mughal Empire (1526 - 1857)     Taj Mahal in March 2004.jpg
Emperors: Babur - Humayun - Akbar - Jahangir - Shah Jahan - Aurangzeb - Lesser Mughals
Events: First battle of Panipat - Second battle of Panipat - Third battle of Panipat
Architecture: Humayun's Tomb - Agra Fort - Badshahi Mosque - Lahore Fort - Red Fort - Taj Mahal - Shalimar Gardens - Pearl Mosque - Bibi Ka Maqbara - See also
Adversaries: Ibrahim Lodhi - Sher Shah Suri - Hemu - Shivaji - Guru Gobind Singh

[[Category:]]


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