Bawaman Mosque Explained

Building Name:Bawaman Mosque, Champaner
Map Type:India
Map Size:250
Location:India
Coordinates:22.4859°N 73.5371°W
Religious Affiliation:Islam
State:Gujarat
District:Panchmahal
Municipality:Champaner
Consecration Year:15th century
Status:Ruins
Functional Status:Part of UNESCO Heritage Park
Leadership:Mahmud Begada
Architecture:yes
Architecture Type:Mosque
Architecture Style:Blend of Hindu-Muslim architecture
Year Completed:15th century
Dome Quantity:Three
Minaret Quantity:One
Materials:Rubble Masonry

Bawaman Mosque (also, Bava Man's Masjid)[1] [2] is a mosque in Champaner, western India. It is situated on the western side of one of the ancient city's fort gates, within the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park of Gujarat.[1] [3] [4]

History

The mosque is named after Bawaman (or Bava Man), who was revered as a saint in Baroda. Bawaman was a follower of Sadan Shah,[1] whose tomb is enshrined within the Kalika Mata Temple at the summit of Pavagadh Hill, which is also within the Archaeological Park. The mosque was built during the time of Mahmud Begada, as were several other masjids in the area, such as the Jama, Kevada, Ek Minar, Khajuri, Nagina, and Shahar Ki.[5]

While many structural elements are worn or damaged, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) reported in 1985 that restoration work was in progress, such as removing dead lime concrete material from the roof, as well as resetting loose stones in the arches.[6] ASI reports of 2006 indicate that extensive restoration works of many heritage monuments were carried out at the Bawana Mosque and also at the Jami Masjid, fort walls, Kevada Masjid, Lila Gumbaj Ki Masjid, Sikandar Shah Tomb and Sikander tomb, which resulted in a slight increase in tourist traffic to the sites. ASI had already spent Rs 2.25 crores (about US$0.45 million) on the conservation activity in a four-year period and a further Rs 1.15 crores (US$0.23 million) was allotted for more restoration works at the sites.[7] A follow-up report in 2009 described extensive conservation work subsequent to earthquake damage.[8]

Architecture and fittings

Built on a raised platform with a high plinth, its features include a minaret which stands out above the trees, three large domes, three mihrabs on the rear wall, and three arched entrances. There are also ablution tanks close to the building.[1]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: World Heritage Sites - Champaner - Monuments. Archaeological Survey of India. 29 September 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120501151106/http://asi.nic.in/asi_monu_whs_champaner_monuments.asp. 1 May 2012. dead.
  2. Book: Mānekshāh Sorābshāh Commissariat. A History of Gujarat: From A. D. 1297-8 to A. D. 1573. 30 September 2012. 1938. Longmans, Green & Co., Ltd.. 204.
  3. Web site: Advisory Body Evaluation, Champaner-Pavagadh (India) No 1101. pdf. 24 September 2012. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. 26–29.
  4. Web site: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Fact Sheet. 24 September 2012. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
  5. Book: Congress. Proceedings of the Indian History Congress. 29 September 2012. 2003. Indian History Congress. 342.
  6. Book: Archaeological Survey. Indian archaeology, a review. 30 September 2012. 1985. Archaeological Survey of India. 198.
  7. Web site: World heritage site Champaner-Pavagadh neglected. 7 October 2012. 11 November 2006. News Online.
  8. Book: Śivānanda. Vi. Bhargava. Atul. Archaeological Survey of India. Champaner Pavagadh. 30 September 2012. 2009. Archaeological Survey of India. 978-81-904866-2-0. 82–83.