ADIL SHAHI MOSQUES IN KARNATAKA

Abstract

This paper concentrates on the mosques (masjids) of the period of the Adil Shahis, one of the Muslim dynasties which had Turkish origin that ruled Karnataka along with the other parts of the Deccan. A Mosque is primarily a religious building for the performance of the daily prayers for five times, one of the five pillars of Islam. It is thus, the most important building for Muslims. Mosques in Karnataka have a long history and tradition. The Adil Shahis constructed mosques in Maharastra, Andra Pradesh and other parts of Karnataka State. Karnataka “the priceless gift of indulgent nature” is a unique blend of glorious past and rich present, situated on the lower West Coast of South India. It was ruled by the Muslim dynasties from the middle of the 14th century to 18th century. The Adil Shahis ruled Karnataka from 1489 A.D., to 1686 A.D., and wielded a great political power over many parts of Karnataka. The founder Yusuf Adil Shah was the son of Ottoman Sultan Murad II of Turkey. In their period many secular and religious monuments were constructed. The Adil Shahi mosques were not only places of worship but also places for education and social activities. The paper examines the construction of the mosques by the Adil Shahis, their patrons and also the construction pattern, architects, features and its role in the society. At present, seventy-five Adil Shahi mosques are found in different areas of Karnataka. Almost all the state buildings of the Adil Shahis are adorned by the crescent moon which was the emblem of the Sultans of Turkey. Their mosques inspired the future generation to construct more and more mosques in Karnataka State

Keywords

• Adil Shahi, Mosques, Karnataka

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