RAJGAN MOSQUE
—All photos by the author
Date of Visit: - 29-03-2018
Masjid Rajgan, renowned for its name and historical significance, was constructed in 1872 by Raja Sultan Jehandad Khan, who happened to be the grandfather of the esteemed senior parliamentarian and former Chief Minister of NWFP, the late Raja Sikandar Zaman Khan. Raja Sultan Jehandad, also known as the founder of the old Khanpur Town, faced a challenging situation when the town was eventually submerged by the creation of Khanpur Lake in the late 70s, leading to the resettlement of its inhabitants in the newly established Khanpur and nearby areas.
According to the accounts of local elders and members of the Khan family, Jehandad Khan invited skilled architects specializing in Islamic Art from Delhi to undertake the construction of the mosque nestled in the picturesque valley. These architects skillfully employed bricks and exquisitely carved black stones in the construction process, lending the mosque its aesthetic allure. The wood used for the doors, cupboards, and roof was imported from the scenic Leepa Valley. The historic mosque, an emblem of ancient Islamic architecture, boasts two prominent minarets and two smaller ones, with a charming dome-shaped minaret gracing its center.
Four of the mosque's arched entrances, along with the main gate, bear striking resemblance to the Jamia Masjid in New Delhi, a masterpiece commissioned by Emperor Shah Jehan during the period of 1650-1656 AD. According to local elders, the finely chiseled black stones utilized in constructing the main boundary wall of Masjid Rajgan were imported from India. However, there are conflicting beliefs among some individuals who contend that the stones may have originated from the ancient city of Taxila, a renowned center of craftsmanship.
Initially designed to accommodate approximately 1,000 worshippers, the mosque now stands abandoned, witnessing the gradual deterioration of its walls with the passage of time. In its prime, the mosque served as a spiritual sanctuary for the local community, attracting devotees and scholars alike.
The palace associated with the mosque was a remarkable architectural marvel in its own right. Crafted with the same skill and precision, the palace featured intricately chiseled stones and timber sourced from the enchanting Leepa Valley. The windows were adorned with exquisite Belgian glass, while Italian tiles embellished the interiors, and French door knobs added a touch of elegance. The construction of this grand palace, complementing the magnificence of Masjid Rajgan, spanned ten years and incurred a total cost of Rs1.2 million in 1872.
