Marvelous Monuments

Stepwells are wells in which the water is reached by steps. They are most commonly found in western India especially Gujarat where over 120 such wells are reported. The origin of the stepwell may be traced to reservoirs of the cities of the Indus Valley Civilization such as Dholavira and Mohenjo-Daro. The stepwells were constructed in the south western region of Gujarat around 600 AD. From there they spread north to Rajasthan and subsequently to north and west India. Construction activities accelerated during the 10th to 13th century during the Chaulukya and Vaghela periods. The construction of these stepwells hit its peak during the 11th to 16th century. The Muslim rulers of the 13th to 16th century did not disrupt the culture that was practiced in these stepwells and encouraged the building of stepwells. The wells lost their significance in the 19th century due to introduction of water pumps and pipe-systems. The stepped well may have originated to ensure water during drough...

Jami Masjid (also known as, Jama Masjid; meaning "public mosque") in Champaner, Gujarat state, western India, is part of the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is among the 114 monuments there which are listed by the Baroda Heritage Trust. It is located about 150 feet (46 m) east of the city walls (Jahdnpandh), near the east gate. The mosque dates to 1513; construction was carried out over 25 years. It is one of the most notable monuments built by Sultan Mahmud Begada. The Mughal architecture is said to have drawn from the architecture of the Sultanates, which is a blend of Hindu religious connotations and workmanship with Muslim ethos; the large domes are indicative of such a mix. Restoration works were carried out in the 1890s.   It has a blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture, preserving the Islamic ethos, and is considered one of the finest mosques in Western India with its elegant interiors. The ornamentation of...

The Cenotaph of Jama Mosque is in the campus of Jama mosque in Panchmahal District of Gujarat, India. It is beautiful four wall structure, which is not the part of the mosque but is fascinating and stunning. This cenotaph is 50-60 feet tall, and the artwork done on its wall is one of the best Islamic architecture in India. Within the precincts of the Jama Masjid there are a few brick structures and step wells. An elegant domed mausoleum is situated on a high plinth in front of the mosque. This cenotaph has four wall openings on all four directions; its frontage, Facade as well as the columns and niches on the wall of the cenotaph are beautifully decorated and exquisitely carved with floral and geometrical designs.  A series of beautifully designed projecting corbels decorate the cornice, with geometric motifs at regular intervals. These motifs are repeated on the base, both inside and outside. The dome of cenotaph is missing. Picture Credit:  Parth...

Eidgah or Idgah, also Eid Gah or Id Gah is a term used in South Asian Islamic culture for the open-air enclosure usually outside the city (or at the outskirts) reserved for Eid Salah, Islamic prayer offered in the morning of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. It is usually a public place that isn't used for prayers at other times of the year. On the day of Eid, the first thing Muslims do in the morning is gather usually at a large open ground and offer special prayers, in accordance with the Sunnah (traditions of Muhammad). Although the term Eidgah is of Hindustani origin, due to lack of any specific Arabic word this term may be used for similar open spaces around the world where Muslims perform Eid prayers. Eidgah of bharuch was built up on the heights of limestones and bricks in 1326. An article of Mohammed Taghlakh era ‘Hijri San 726’ is written on a marble plate in Arabic language at Eidgah. Picture Credit: Parth Vaghela