Miskhal Mosque
Mishkal Mosque is a medieval mosque situated in Calicut in the Indian province of Kerala. The mosque, one of the most seasoned in Malabar, is an essential social, recorded, and building landmark in Kerala. The mosque was built by a rich Arab vendor, Nakhooda Mishkal, in the 14th century. It is named "Mishkal Mosque" after him.
Mishkal Mosque is situated in Kuttichira, a piece of the Thekkepuram shoreline in Calicut. In 1510, the mosque was incompletely sung in a Portuguese assault. The best floors of the mosque still presentation a portion of that damage. Mishkal Mosque initially had five stories. It was recreated after the terminate in 1510 and now has four stories.
Typical for also matured mosques in Malabar, it has no domes and minarets and intensely utilizes timber. This wooden mosque is essentially stunning to see particularly from the opposite side of the tank. The enormous Kuttichira tank is connected to the mosque. The mosque has 47 entryways, 24 cut columns, and a major petition corridor that can oblige 400 individuals.
Vaults and minarets are by all accounts missing because the mosque is assembled like a sanctuary. The petition corridor is all around ventilated and there is a wooden mimbar with lovely themes.
History of Miskhal Mosque
Mishkal mosque, the four-storeyed mosque situated in Kuttichira, has a history of more than 650 years. It is named after Nakhooda Mishkal, an Arab trader who built this structure.
Made of timber, the Mishkal mosque was initially five-storeyed. But it was damaged in arson during an attack by the Portuguese in 1510. Though it still bears traces of the assault, the mosque stands today as the prime example of communal harmony, for it was the Zamorin, a Hindu king, who avenged his Muslim subjects by repairing the mosque.
Architecture of Miskhal Mosque
This wooden mosque is an edifice that has withstood the ravages of time. The Italian-tile-paved entrance, 24 engraved wooden pillars that support the entire structure, 47 carved doors, and the big prayer hall capable of accommodating around 300 people are some of the features that make this mosque a unique architectural marvel.
Unlike other mosques, the Mishkal mosque does not have cupolas and minarets. The intricate carvings on the walls and ceilings, and the Gopuram-style arches at the entrance show a noticeable resemblance to traditional temple architecture. The area inside the mosque is well-ventilated with Mihrab-style doors. During its renovation, a wooden Mimbar, or pulpit, with intricate motifs was added to the structure. Square and rectangular tanks, a few yards away from the famous Kuttichira pond, are attached to the mosque complex.
