Nagina Masjid, Champaner 2.86

Nagina Masjid is a mosque in Champaner, Gujarat state, western India. It was built during the time of Mahmud Begada, in the 15th century, as were several other masjids, such as the Kevada, Bawaman, Ek Minar, Jama, Khajuri, and Shahar Ki. It has minarets, globe-like domes, and narrow stairs. It is part of the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.GeographyThe masjid is about to the south of the citadel, and north of the Bhadr. The Kajuri Masjid is west of the Nagina and the Kevada is to the north-northwest. A small lake is situated considerably to the north. After James Burgess and Henry Cousens wrote descriptions of the Nagina, Kevada, and Jama Masjids, roads were built to reach them.ArchitectureThe masjid is a large monument built on a high-rise plinth with a large open courtyard in front. The building was constructed of pure white stone. At the main entrance, the masjid is marked by minarets, which have intricate and elegant carvings; as in other masjids, like Kevada Masjid, it has floral designs in its niches. Three large domes rise over the main prayer hall, above decorative columns and windows. The architecture also features a series of beautifully designed projecting corbels and a projecting cornice, and is decorated with geometric motifsm both inside and outside at the platform level. The main prayer hall rises two storeys and has a balcony.