Photos: Delhi’s forgotten ‘mosque of windows’ in Khirki Village | Hindustan Times
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Photos: Delhi’s forgotten ‘mosque of windows’ in Khirki Village

Updated On Jul 19, 2017 11:48 AM IST

In South Delhi's Khirki Village, the Khirki mosque or 'mosque of windows' is a Tughlaq-era mosque shrouded from view by the dense urban village, one of few remaining examples of the architectural styles of pre-Mughal Delhi dynasties.

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A stone’s throw away from Select Citywalk --one of Delhi’s most frequented shopping malls, in the narrow bylanes of Khirki village stands a Tuqhlaq-era structure, constructed in the 14th century to serve as a house of worship and also a fortress. Hidden from view and the city’s memory, this crumbling monument is the Khirki Masjid. (Abhirup Biswas / HT Photo) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Jul 19, 2017 11:48 AM IST

A stone’s throw away from Select Citywalk --one of Delhi’s most frequented shopping malls, in the narrow bylanes of Khirki village stands a Tuqhlaq-era structure, constructed in the 14th century to serve as a house of worship and also a fortress. Hidden from view and the city’s memory, this crumbling monument is the Khirki Masjid. (Abhirup Biswas / HT Photo)

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The Khirki Masjid was commissioned in the 1350s by Khan-i-Jahan Junan Shah, the Vazir or Prime Minister of Feroz Shah Tughlaq. The mosque derives its name from the rows of windows that surround the upper floor of this quadrangular structure built on a raised platform. (Abhirup Biswas / HT Photo) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Jul 19, 2017 11:48 AM IST

The Khirki Masjid was commissioned in the 1350s by Khan-i-Jahan Junan Shah, the Vazir or Prime Minister of Feroz Shah Tughlaq. The mosque derives its name from the rows of windows that surround the upper floor of this quadrangular structure built on a raised platform. (Abhirup Biswas / HT Photo)

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Unlike the lavish structures of the Mughals that followed the Sultanate dynasty, the Khirki Masjid is a far more elementary site in comparison. Built in the rubble masonry style with the exterior once plastered, the interiors lack embellishment or intricate carving, making do instead with exposed stone, save for the latticed windows that give the mosque its eponymous feature. (Abhirup Biswas / HT Photo) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Jul 19, 2017 11:48 AM IST

Unlike the lavish structures of the Mughals that followed the Sultanate dynasty, the Khirki Masjid is a far more elementary site in comparison. Built in the rubble masonry style with the exterior once plastered, the interiors lack embellishment or intricate carving, making do instead with exposed stone, save for the latticed windows that give the mosque its eponymous feature. (Abhirup Biswas / HT Photo)

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The site’s claimed dual-purpose is reflected in a number of architectural decisions that make the Khirki mosque stand apart. It is one of North India’s most unique mosques with a courtyard that is mostly covered and a roof embellished with 81 small domes instead of a large central structure. In place of minarets the mosque is flanked by tapering towers topped with turrets on all four sides as well as the entrances. (Abhirup Biswas / HT Photo) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Jul 19, 2017 11:48 AM IST

The site’s claimed dual-purpose is reflected in a number of architectural decisions that make the Khirki mosque stand apart. It is one of North India’s most unique mosques with a courtyard that is mostly covered and a roof embellished with 81 small domes instead of a large central structure. In place of minarets the mosque is flanked by tapering towers topped with turrets on all four sides as well as the entrances. (Abhirup Biswas / HT Photo)

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The open courts provide the mosque with light and ventilation to the prayer area. The mosque has an internal arcade consisting of 180 square stone columns which divide the building into aisles. (Abhirup Biswas / HT Photo) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Jul 19, 2017 11:48 AM IST

The open courts provide the mosque with light and ventilation to the prayer area. The mosque has an internal arcade consisting of 180 square stone columns which divide the building into aisles. (Abhirup Biswas / HT Photo)

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Just another ‘qila’ or fort in the minds of the few locals who seem aware of the monument’s existence, centuries of weathering has clearly taken a toll on the Khirki Masjid where the north-east section of the domed roof has caved in, leaving it further exposed to the elements. (Abhirup Biswas / HT Photo) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Jul 19, 2017 11:48 AM IST

Just another ‘qila’ or fort in the minds of the few locals who seem aware of the monument’s existence, centuries of weathering has clearly taken a toll on the Khirki Masjid where the north-east section of the domed roof has caved in, leaving it further exposed to the elements. (Abhirup Biswas / HT Photo)

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The mosque is slotted in ‘Grade A’ by the Delhi chapter of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) and was also in the list of 43 monuments listed for restoration by the ASI before the 2010 Commonwealth Games. Restoration work came to a halt after the lime plaster being used in the process began turning the monument pink instead. (Abhirup Biswas / HT Photo) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Jul 19, 2017 11:48 AM IST

The mosque is slotted in ‘Grade A’ by the Delhi chapter of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) and was also in the list of 43 monuments listed for restoration by the ASI before the 2010 Commonwealth Games. Restoration work came to a halt after the lime plaster being used in the process began turning the monument pink instead. (Abhirup Biswas / HT Photo)

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The current state of the Khirki Masjid, crept upon by dense foliage is one of obscurity. A fence has been put up to keep peole from adjacent buildings from throwing garbage into the compound. Once frequented by children from the neighbourhood, the monument now sits vacant apart from the ASI guard posted at the site. (Abhirup Biswas / HT Photo) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Jul 19, 2017 11:48 AM IST

The current state of the Khirki Masjid, crept upon by dense foliage is one of obscurity. A fence has been put up to keep peole from adjacent buildings from throwing garbage into the compound. Once frequented by children from the neighbourhood, the monument now sits vacant apart from the ASI guard posted at the site. (Abhirup Biswas / HT Photo)

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A remnant of the medieval Jahanpanah city, the Khirki Masjid, dwarfed by matchbox like buildings now jostles for space and attention from locals and visitors alike to the vibrant locality that surrounds this monument. (Abhirup Biswas / HT Photo) expand-icon View Photos in a new improved layout
Updated on Jul 19, 2017 11:48 AM IST

A remnant of the medieval Jahanpanah city, the Khirki Masjid, dwarfed by matchbox like buildings now jostles for space and attention from locals and visitors alike to the vibrant locality that surrounds this monument. (Abhirup Biswas / HT Photo)

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