Description
This massive structure is centered around a courtyard measuring 52 x 11.2 m. The prayer chamber on the west is balanced on the east by another chamber of similar size. Both are covered with large domes. On the north and south two-aisled galleries open by means of arcades on the courtyard. Ninety-three domes cover the entire structure and are probably the cause of a remarkable echo which enables the sermon in the Mihrab to be heart in all parts of the mosque. The mosque contains the most elaborate display of tile-work. The two main chambers in particular are entirely covered with such tiles. The domes are exquisitely laid in a mosaic of radiating blue and white tiles to give an appearance of starry vault. Stylized floral patterns, akin to the seventeenth century kasha work of Irandecorate the spandrels of the main arches and elsewhere geometrical designs on square tiles. The construction of the mosque was completed by Nawab Abdul Baq Amir Khan on the orders of Shahjahan.
