Ruins of Chaukhambha Mosque

The ruins of Chaukhambha Mosque are situated in the city of Varanasi. The long Chaukhambha Street has also been named after the ancient mosque. It has four low massive pillars towards its north eastern extremity. These are carved in modern architectural type and can be seen standing in the lowermost storey of a lofty building.

There is a narrow court running out of this street that ends in a small enclosure. The mosque can be seen further towards this street. The entire enclosure looks very appealing and attractive. The mosque can be entered through a doorway that leads to a path with walls formed of blocks of stone. The wall is twenty feet long, thirteen feet high, and four feet thick. It has been constructed analytically. The stones of the mosque have been placed with much care one close to another. Over the doorway is an inscription written in Arabic language which proves the antiquity of this place. However, apart from the doorway and the castellated structure that surmounts the wall that structural design of the mosque does not relate to the architectural pattern of the Muslims.

The mosque and corridor adjoining have been supported by twenty-four pillars. Six of these pillars are double in form. The capitals of the mosque have been carved in the form of a cross. These have been designed with intricate designs and look stunning. Their external limbs are adorned with the small bell ornamentation. To the south of this building is a staircase leading up to the roof that have been built of heavy stones. Towards the southern side of the enclosure there is a low stone wall. It is almost six feet in height. An odd looking ledge is attached to it that is three feet from the ground. According to research work conducted here a similar wall is thought to exist on the north side but it is hidden from view.

Most of the pillars of the Chaukhambha Mosque once formed part of an ancient edifice. These old materials may have been brought from other places. However, there is a irregularity about the position of some of them. It can be said that for the archaeologists it is a place of huge interest.