Provincial Architecture: Kashmir | History Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

Introduction

• Indo-Islamic architecture in Kashmir is renowned for its stunning woodwork and impressive construction. From beautiful gardens and museums to sacred mosques and shrines, each structure tells the story of the valley's glorious past.
• The best examples of Kashmir's wooden architecture include kadals(wooden bridges) and ziarats(wooden shrines), primarily made from deodar trees.
• During the 16th to 17th centuries, the Mughalsnot only refined Kashmir's wooden architecture but also sought to revive stone building techniques. Notable wooden structures from this period include:
  • Jami Masjid in Srinagar (built by Sikandar Butshikan in 1400 AD)
  • Fort of Hari Parbat
  • Shah Hamdan Mosque in Srinagar
  • Pattar Masjid(1623)
  • Akhun Mulla Shah’s Mosque(1649)
• Indo-Islamic architecture in Kashmir thrived under 14th-century Muslim rule, which brought cultural and physical transformation. The abundance of wood, its climate suitability, and the needs of the people made wooden construction prevalent. The technique involved laying logs parallel like brickwork.
• Wood was used not just for walls but also for piers and pillars, often made from single tree trunks, mainly cedar or deodar trees. The river Jhelum in Srinagar features many such log constructions, especially in bridges and kadals.
• Indo-Islamic architecture in Kashmir mainly includes mosques and tombs(ziarats), with similar architectural elements such as:
  • A lower cubical structure with a hall or chamber
  • A pyramidal roof
  • A slender tower
• For larger mosques, an open pavilion is added between the roof peak and tower base, used for the muezzin's call to prayer. Later additions include small subsidiary shrines and cloisters. The Shah Hamadan Mosque in Srinagar is a prime example of this architectural style.

Shah Hamadan mosque is situated in the bank of the Jhelum River.

• Foundation: The mosque stands on an irregular masonry foundation made from ancient temple materials. It has a square base, each side measuring 70 feet, and is two stories high.

• Roof and Tower: Above the main structure, there is a low pyramidal roof with an open area for the muezzin (the person who calls to prayer). Rising above this is a 125-foot tall tower topped with a finial (a decorative ornament). The tower's lower section is built from logs that are squared off and laid in alternating courses.

• Construction Material: The entire mosque is made of wood.

• Roof Design: The pyramidal roof projects in three tiers and is supported by beams covered with planks and turf, creating a roof garden. Beneath this roof garden, there are multiple layers of birch bark, which serve as a waterproof barrier against rain and snow.

• Interior Features: The interior of the mosque is simple, featuring eight-sided tapering pillars with decorative bases, an arched mihrab (a niche indicating the direction of prayer), and panelled walls stained a rich brown. The ceiling is painted, and the floor is covered with colourful prayer carpets.

Jami Masjid: A Historical Gem in Srinagar

• Architectural Significance: The Jami Masjid is a prime example of Kashmiri wooden architecture, founded by Sultan Sikandar Butshikan in 1400 AD and later expanded by his son Zain-ul-Abidin.
• Design Features: The mosque features Indo-Islamic architecture with a spacious courtyard and distinctive wooden pillars. Its design includes a blend of brickwork and extensive timber, characteristic of the Islamic period in Kashmir.
• Courtyard Layout: The square courtyard, approximately 240 feet in diameter, is surrounded by wide arcades and a tall exterior wall, creating a rectangular space of 285 feet. The courtyard is adorned with an arched arcade and a prominent pyramidal roof.
• Wooden Configurations: Each side of the mosque features structural wooden configurations called “ziarat.” These formations include entrance halls, with the western “ziarat” marking the nave of the sanctuary.
• Nave and Pillars: The nave, an open space flanked by tall wooden pillars, features an arched mihrab on the interior wall. The mosque is renowned for its numerous pillared aisles and cloisters, with pillar heights ranging from 25 to nearly 50 feet.
• Memorable Structure: The combination of its massive structure and traditional Muslim design makes the Jami Masjid a significant and memorable architectural landmark.

Indo Islamic Architecture in Kashmir during the Mughal Period:

• The Mughal period marked a significant evolution in Indo Islamic architecture in Kashmir. Early Islamic architecture had already established a unique style in the region.
• During the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, the Mughals introduced stone building techniques, which became a dominant feature of their architectural legacy. Notable structures from this period include:

Fort of Hari Parbat:

• Originally built by Mughal Emperor Akbar, the Fort of Hari Parbat underwent changes over time. The current structure mainly retains the walls of two gates: Kathi Darwaza and Sangin Darwaza.
• Kathi Darwaza, likely the main entrance, features a well-proportioned arched recess and stylish oriel windows.
• Sangin Darwaza, although more ornate and expensive, represents the Mughal style in its simplest form.

Pattar Masjid and Akhun Mulla Shah’s Mosque:

• The Pattar Masjid, commissioned by Nur Jahan in A.D. 1623, and Akhun Mulla Shah’s mosque, built in A.D. 1649, showcase distinct design methods and materials.
• Despite their differences, both mosques reflect high architectural quality comparable to structures in Mughal capital cities.
• The Akhun Mulla Shah’s mosque features a moderate style that contributes to the Indo Islamic architectural tradition in Kashmir. Its unique design includes a sanctuary separated from the main courtyard.

Shalimar Bagh and Pari Mahal:

• The Shalimar Bagh, built by Emperor Jahangir for his wife Nur Jahan, exemplifies Mughal garden architecture. It includes extensive landscaping, terraces, and a central canal.
• Pari Mahal, a garden established by Dara Shikoh, reflects the grandeur of Indo Islamic architecture and was designed for his Sufi teacher.

Legacy of Indo Islamic Architecture in Kashmir:

• The masonry buildings constructed in an indigenous style during the Mughal period were primarily intended to meet the needs of the rulers.
• Despite their utilitarian purpose, these structures, with their grandeur and majesty, stand as a testament to the rich legacy of Indo Islamic architecture in Kashmir.