Jami Mosque, Khambhat, 13th century mosque in Khambhat, India.
Jami Mosque in Khambhat is a 13th-century building that features 100 pillars in its main sanctuary and displays intricate arches influenced by Khalji dynasty architecture. The structure weaves together Islamic design principles with local architectural traditions, creating a unified space where both styles intertwine.
The building started as Shakunika Vihar Jain Temple around 220 BCE but was transformed into a mosque in 1325 CE under the direction of Umar bin Ahmad al-Kazaruni. This conversion marked a major turning point in the site's use and purpose.
The mosque displays a blend of Islamic and local architectural elements, with decorated pillars featuring engrailed arches and temple-inspired decorative patterns.
When visiting, note that the building has separate prayer areas for men and women, with perforated screens providing privacy in the women's section. The best time to explore is during quieter hours of the day when fewer people are present.
The building preserves a traditional Hindu-style Mandap pavilion at its entrance and Toran carvings that retain elements from its earlier existence as a temple. These features show how the structure merges two different expressions of faith under one roof.
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