The Masjid


Delhi 12th to 15th Century II - Concepts
Class - 7th Foundation NTSE Subjects
 
 
Concept Explanation
 

The Masjid

The Masjid: A mosque is called a Masjid in Arabic, literally a place where a Muslim prostrates in reverence to Allah. During prayer, Muslims stand facing Mecca. In India this is to the west. This is called the qibla. The Delhi sultans built several mosques in cities all over the subcontinent. These demonstrated their claims to be protectors of Islam and Muslims. Mosques also helped to create the sense of a community of believers who shared a belief system and a code of conduct. It was necessary to reinforce this idea of a community because Muslims came from a variety of backgrounds.

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The coming of Muslim rulers to India saw the birth of a new style of art and architecture that came to be known as the Indo-Islamic style.  Indo -Islamic architecture was a blend of the local Indian style with the Islamic style. Since Islamic  art itself was a composite of various influences -Turkish,Afghan,Persian and Arabi -Indo Islamic architecture showcased a wide variety of styles .In Delhi Islamic influences dominated , while in the Deccan ,local styles were more prominent in the buildings.In Bengal , the local rulers practice of using bricks for building continued .Indo -Islamic architecture was also influenced by the fact that the Muslim rulers often had to use Indian craftsmen, who were trained in the local styles.Building were simple ,with symmetrical and beautiful lines. They now featured Islamic elements such as arches and domes. Islam discourages the depiction of human figures in art.

Some of the earliest buildings built by the Muslims in India were their place of worship,or mosques. These shapes were new to India .A mosque has a sihn, an open  rectangular courtyard at the center ,surrounded by Liwan, a pillared  cloister with several entrances.A domed prayer ball stands at the western end of courtyard . At the back of the prayer hall stands at western end of the courtyard. At the back of the prayer hall is the mihrab (a niche) which indicates the direction of mecca , for the faithful to face while praying. To the right of the mihrab is the mimbar (pulpit)  for the iman to conduct prayers. There is also the minar , a high  slender tower, from where the Mu'zzain (priest) ca;lls the faithful to prayer.

 
 
 


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