Qanati Mosque, Kalinjar Fort, Kalinjar, Madhya Pradesh, India.
Kalinjar Fort, which is an ancient and historical fort, which has many evidences of its glory. This grand and very strong fort is built on the flat land of high mountain. This fort was renovated and strengthened by the Chandela kings. The remains of monuments in this grand fort attest to all the dynasties that conquered this fort. There is an open mosque called Qanati Masjid built near Shanichar Talaiya and is one of the remains of the religious monuments located in the fort. It’s known as Qanati Mosque because it’s having walls as screens or may be due to its location close to the water body.
Qanati Mosque inside the fort reveals the main features of the architectural style prevalent during the reign of Tughlaq. It is a rectangular structure built on a raised platform. The western wall is the main Qibla wall with one mihrab on either side of the Main or central mihrab. The northern and southern walls have archways. There are four small towers like minarets which are projected above the walls and ended with domes built at the corners, domes were decorated with inverted lotuses and urns were attached.
Central arch is projected than the Western wall and above the wall on four circular bases are built to support the domes of same pattern as built at the corners in the same level. Inner is stuccoed with decorated motifs and exterior of the central Mihrab bears two peacocks. A rectangular stone tablet is fixed above the central Mihrab bears the Persian inscription which I couldn’t read. It reflects that this mosque was built during the reign of Tughlaq and was renovated during the reign of Emperor Janhagir. It does not bear any specific date or builder’s name.
It’s a historical monument and attraction for history buffs and architecture lovers.
