Safa Mosque, Goa Explained

Safa Mosque
Image Upright:1.1
Map Type:India Goa#India
Map Size:265
Coordinates:15.4°N 74.02°W
Religious Affiliation:Islam
Location:Ponda, Goa, India
Architecture Type:Mosque
Architecture Style:Islamic Architecture

Safa Mosque or Safa Shahouri Mosque is a mosque located at Ponda within Goa, India.[1] It is a sixteenth century Islamic Monument. The mosque has a complex consisting of garden and fountains. The terracotta tile roof accommodates a rectangular prayer hall.[2] It is an ASI protected Monument of National Importance in Goa.

History

According to V.T. Gune, the mosque was built in 1560 by the Bijapuri ruler Ibrahim Adil Shah I about 2 km from center of Ponda.[3] The mosque may be datable to the Adil shah period or even earlier. However, as the mosque doesn't bear any inscription nor is there historical records that mention its construction, the exact date is unknown. During Portuguese rule over Goa, the mosque was damaged and burned by the Portuguese. The mosque was left in ruins until it was partially reconstructed in the 1980s.

Notes and References

  1. Book: Shokoohy, Mehrdad. Muslim Architecture of South India: The Sultanate of Ma'bar and the Traditions of the Maritime Settlers on the Malabar and Coromandel Coasts (Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Goa). Routledge. 2003. 978-0-415-30207-4. 253, 256. en.
  2. Web site: Government of Goa Safa Masjid. en-US. 2019-11-03.
  3. V.T.Gune, "Ancient shrines of Goa (A pictorial survey)", Department of information of Government of Goa. Panji 1965. page:965-988.