Historical Solah Khamba Masjid, Bidar, Karnataka

Solah Khamba Masjid, Bidar.tourmyindia.com/blo

Solah Masjid or the Zenani Masjid or the sixteen-columned prayer hall, in Bidar is a well-known tourist destination. Built in 1423 AD by Qubil Sultani Prince Muhammad before shifting the capital to Bidar, this mosque is said to be the largest in India and the oldest Muslim structure in Bidar. This mosque is steeped in Islamic history as we learn that the Mogul ruler Aurangzeb, after the conquest of Bidar, held prayers in the mosque here to decree Mogul sovereignty. The gate opposite to the royal baths leads to the gardens of the old Lal Bagh and the ladies apartments - Zanana. Once this big garden had interesting water fountains and a series of water cascades, but now we are left with only remnants. Once you get to the top you will get a vista of the serene and panoramic surroundings around the old structure.

Inside. Solah Khamba Masjid,flickr.comSolah Khamb

The mosque has a large prayer hall divided into a large number of aisles by massive circular columns, the central one towards the western end being more spacious. Here, the faithfuls can do their Namaz comfortably as the hall is large. Yet another advantage is since the structure has a covered corridor all around, inside the mosque it is cool and in the summer time one can pray without sweating it out. The roof is topped by a majestic dome of fine shape, raised on a high clerestory with lattice -type windows with perforated screen-work in different geometrical patterns. A parapet of beautiful designs above the imposing arcade adds to its beauty. This impressive structure is a good example of the second phase of Deccani style. Solah Khamba Mosque is also known as the Zanana Masjid, This mosque is about 90 metres long and 24 metres wide. Behind the southern wall of this mosque, there is a large well. The massive structure has 16 pillars made of granite with lime mortar. Actually, it means the mosque has 16 gates to enter and they are resting on 15 Columns.
The mosque is located 2.8 kilometres from the Bidar railway station and is inside the historical Bidar fort. https://www.ixigo.com/solah-khamba-mosque-bidar-india-ne-1702108
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