Masjid-i-Ala, Islamic mosque in Srirangapatna, India
The Masjid-i-Ala stands within the fort walls and displays two prominent towers topped with shaped domes that rise above the surrounding buildings. The structure includes teaching spaces attached to the main prayer hall where Islamic learning takes place.
Construction began in 1786 under the direction of a local ruler who wanted to strengthen the fort's religious identity. The structure remained in use until the fort's control changed in 1799, after which its role transformed.
The mosque preserves inscriptions with religious names that reflect its spiritual purpose for the community. These carvings remain visible today and help visitors understand what the building meant to those who built and used it.
A national conservation body maintains the site today, ensuring visitors can walk through and see the buildings safely. The location sits within a historic fort, so plan to spend time exploring the surrounding area as well.
The design omits the large central dome found in many similar buildings, giving it an unusual silhouette when viewed from outside the fort. A clock was added to the structure during the early colonial period, making it one of few religious buildings with this practical feature from that time.
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