Study of the Distinguishing Features of Mughal Mosque in Dhaka: A Case of Sat Gambuj Mosque

Authors

  • Shirajom Monira Khondker Faculty of Architecture and Planning, Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology (AUST) Dhaka

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15415/cs.2019.62007

Keywords:

Mughal Mosque, Dhaka city, Sat Gambuj Mosque, Architectural Features, Structure and Decoration, Distinguishing Features

Abstract

Mosque is the main focal point of Islamic spirit and accomplishments. All over the world in the Muslim settlements mosque becomes an edifice of distinct significance which is introduced by Prophet Muhammad (Sm.). Since the initial stage of Islam, Muslim architecture has been developed as the base point of mosque. Mosque architecture in medieval time uncovering clearly its sacred identity especially during the pre-Mughal and Mughal period in Bengal. Dhaka, the capital city of independent Bangladesh, is known as the city of mosques. The Mughal mosques of Dhaka are the exceptional example of mosque architecture wherever the ideas and used materials with distinguishing features have been successfully integrated in the medieval context of Bengal. In this research study, the author selected a unique historical as well as Dhaka’s most iconic Mughal era Mosque named “Sat Gambuj Mosque” (Seven Domed Mosque). The mosque, built in the 17th century, is a glowing illustration of Mughal Architecture with seven bulbous domes crowning the roof of the mosque, covering the main prayer area. It is undoubted that this magnificent ancient Mughal mosque is the material evidence of our glorious past with research worthy features and architectural details. This study is an attempt to identify the tangible distinguishing features of the Mughal mosque as well as the selected outstanding  historical Mughal mosque. The overall research study conducted here is focused on the accomplishment of the findings in order to relate those distinguishing features with the Mughal mosque characteristics based on the morphological character, architectural features, structure and decoration which will be represented own belief, historical values and cultural exclusivity to the architecture.

Search Keywords for This Page:

City of mosques Dhaka, Why is dhaka known as the city of mosques, Dhaka city of mosques, Features of a mosque, Main features of a mosque, Dhaka mosque, City of mosques Bangladesh, Mosque architecture in Bangladesh, Mughal masjid, Mumber of mosques in Dhaka, Sat gumbad mosque, Mosque in Dhaka, Mughal architecture features, Shat gombuj mosque banglapedia, Dhakaa, Saat gombuj mosque, Historical mosque in Bangladesh, Antiquities of dacca, Mughal architecture characteristics, Mosques in Dhaka, The city of mosques, Mughal mosque, Masjid gumbad design, Mosque architecture, Characteristics of a mosque, Prayer time dhaka islamic foundation, History of mosque architecture, How many mosque in Dhaka

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Ahmed, A. S. M. (2006), “Mosque Architecture in Bangladesh”, published by UNESCO. Ali, M.M. (1985), History of the Muslims of Bengal, volume IB.

Banglapedia, (2003), Mosque Architecture, Retrieved September 07, 2017, from The National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh, http://en.banglapedia.org/index.php?title=Mosque_ Architecture.

Chandan, M. S. K., Heritage, The Mosque of Mohammadpur, Retrieved September 09, 2017, from http://www.thedailystar.net/star-weekend/heritage/the-mosque-mohammadpur-1301617.

D’Oyly, Sir. C. (1823), Antiquities of Dacca, John Landseer, London.

Farooq, M.A.A. (2015), A journey through history-an approach to identity the heritage trail of old Dhaka, seminar report of B.Arch.

George, M. (1984), “The Islamic Heritage of Bengal”, published by UNESCO.

Haque, E., (1983, December), Islamic Art Heritage of Bangladesh, Bangladesh National Museum, Dhaka.

Haque, E., Introduction of “The Islamic Heritage of Bengal”, edited by George Michell.

Hasan, M. S. (1981, January), The City of Mosques, Islamic Foundation, Dhaka.

Hasan, S. M., Dacca: Gateway to the East, Dhaka.

Hossain, M.S. (2006), Conservation and management a concept paper for Bara Katra, Unpublished PGT report submitted at Lund University, Lund, Sweden.

Hossain, M. S. (2013), Strategies to integrate the Mughal settlements in Old Dhaka, Frontiers of Architectural Research, 2(4), pp: 420–434.

Imam, S. M. N. (2000, September), Mosque Architecture: Formulation of Design Criteria and Standards in the Context of Bangladesh, M.Arch. Thesis, department of architecture, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh.

Islam, H. (2014, June 15), Mughal architecture in Bangladesh, Retrieved September 09, 2017, from http://urp-bd.blogspot.de/2014/06/mughalarchitecture-inbangladesh.html.

Islam in Bangladesh, (2016, July 18), Retrieved September 07, 2017, from Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Islam_in_Bangladesh.

Karim, A. (1964), Dacca: The Mughal’ Capital, Dhaka, pp: 8–13.

Khan, F. (1997, September), Conservation Issues of Historic Mosques of Dhaka City Pre-Mughal and Mughal Periods, M.Arch. Thesis, department of architecture, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh.

Khan, G. R. (2015, October 15). Hidden gems of Sat Masjid Road. Retrieved September 07, 2017, from The Independent: http://www.theindependentbd.com/home/printnews/19400.

Mughal Mosques of Dhaka, Dhaka Guide Part 1. Dhaka: Tourism in Bangladesh.

Mughal Mosques of Dhaka, Dhaka Guide Part 2. Dhaka: Tourism in Bangladesh.

Qadir, M. A. (1993, December), “Conservation and Restoration of Historic Dhaka, Architectural Conservation, Bangladesh”, edited by Abu H. lmamuddin, The Asiatic Civil Military Press., Dhaka.

SaatGumbad Masjid, Dhaka, (2007, May 16), Retrieved September 09, 2017, from http://dhakadailyphoto.blogspot.com/2007/05/saat-gumbad-masjid-dhaka.html.

Sanyal, H. (1970), ‘Religious Architecture in Bengal (15th - 17th centuries) : a Study of the Major Trends’, Indian History Congress, Proceedings, 320d session, volume I.

Shamsuzzoha, A., & Islam, H. (2011). Structure, Decoration and Materials: Mughal Mosques of Medieval Dhaka. Journal of the Bangladesh Association of Young Researchers (JBAYR), 1 (1), pp: 93–107.

Sharmeen, J. (2016, October), Sustaining the Identity of Spiritual Mughal Monuments: Case of Sat Masjid Road Dhaka, Nakhara: Journal of Environmental Design & Planning, volume 12.

Taifoor, S.M. (1956), Glimpses of Old Dhaka, Pioneer Printing Press, Dhaka.

Wikipedia, Sat Gambuj Mosque, Retrieved September 07, 2017, from the free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sat_Gambuj_Mosque#Present_condition.

Downloads

Published

2019-01-08

Issue

Section

Articles