Bawaman Mosque

Mosque in Champaner, Gujarat, India

22°29′09″N 73°32′14″E / 22.4859°N 73.5371°E / 22.4859; 73.5371ArchitectureTypeMosqueStyleBlend of Hindu-Muslim architectureCompleted15th centurySpecificationsDome(s)ThreeMinaret(s)OneMaterialsRubble 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.^[2] 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,^[2] three large domes, three mihrabs on the rear wall, and three arched entrances. There are also ablution tanks close to the building.^[1]

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Bawa Man's Mosque.

^ ^a ^b ^c ^d "World Heritage Sites - Champaner - Monuments". Archaeological Survey of India. Archived from the original on 1 May 2012. Retrieved 29 September 2012.
^ ^a ^b ^c Mānekshāh Sorābshāh Commissariat (1938). A History of Gujarat: From A. D. 1297-8 to A. D. 1573. Longmans, Green & Co., Ltd. p. 204. Retrieved 30 September 2012.
^ "Advisory Body Evaluation, Champaner-Pavagadh (India) No 1101" (pdf). United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. pp. 26–29. Retrieved 24 September 2012.
^ "United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Fact Sheet". United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Retrieved 24 September 2012.
^ Congress (2003). Proceedings of the Indian History Congress. Indian History Congress. p. 342. Retrieved 29 September 2012.
^ Archaeological Survey (1985). Indian archaeology, a review. Archaeological Survey of India. p. 198. Retrieved 30 September 2012.
^ "World heritage site Champaner-Pavagadh neglected". News Online. 11 November 2006. Retrieved 7 October 2012.
^ Śivānanda, Vi; Bhargava, Atul; Archaeological Survey of India (2009). Champaner Pavagadh. Archaeological Survey of India. pp. 82–83. ISBN 978-81-904866-2-0. Retrieved 30 September 2012.