Parts and Types of Mosques

Parts of a Mosque

• Minaret: A tower attached to the mosque, used for the muezzin to call Muslims to prayer.
• Iwan (or Liwan): A large vaulted portal opening to the central courtyard of a mosque.
• Mimbar (or Minbar): A pulpit from which the imam gives sermons.
• Qibla: A wall within a mosque where the mihrab is placed, facing Mecca.
• Mihrab: A niche or decorative panel within the qibla wall, oriented towards Mecca.

Types of Mosques

• Masjid: A general term for a mosque used for daily prayer by individuals or small groups, containing a mihrab but no minbar.
• Jami: A congregational or Friday mosque, used for weekly services; typically larger than a masjid and often includes a minbar.
• Madrasa: A teaching mosque.
• Idgah: A large open-air prayer area with a qibla wall and a mihrab.

Islamic Architecture Features

• Muqarnas: Decorative "stalactite" elements hanging from ceilings.
• Squinches: Supports under domes.
• Glazed tiles: Used on interior and exterior surfaces.

Islamic Architecture Elements

• Domes: Rounded roofs.
• Tunnel vaults: Vaults with an arched shape.
• Round and horseshoe arches: Arch shapes.

Hindu Temple Structures

• Gopuram: Grand entrance towers typical of South Indian temples; adorned with elaborate sculptures.
• Function: Mark the temple's boundaries and invite worshippers into the sacred space.
• Sikharas and Vimanas: Towers above Hindu temple sanctums; symbolize Mount Meru.

Parts of a Hindu Temple (Mandira)

• Lingam: A phallus, the symbol of Shiva in Hindu architecture.
• Garbhagriha: A womb chamber where the statue of the deity resides.
• Amalaka: A bulbous stone finial on a sikhara.
• Sikhara: A tower, usually tapered and capped by an amalaka.
• Gopuram: A monumental gateway tower, often ornate, in Hindu temples.
• Mandapa: A large porch, hall, used for religious dances and music.

Core Principles of Hindu Architecture

• Divine Geometry: Temples often based on precise mathematical and geometrical principles.
• Sacred Symbolism: Structures represent divine forms, motifs like the lotus, and the kalasha (sacred pot).
• Ritual Functionality: Designs accommodate rituals, processions, and offerings.
• Connection with Nature: Harmony with surroundings reflecting the unity between the divine and the natural.
• Mandala: A generic name for any plan or chart that symbolically represents the cosmos.

Core Concepts of Hinduism

• Belief in a Supreme Being and concepts like truth, dharma, karma, and reincarnation.
• Trimurti: Brahma (creator), Vishnu (preserver/protector), and Shiva (destroyer).

Buddhist Structures

• Stupa: A Buddhist memorial mound, often containing relics of Buddha and embodying a 'Dome shaped' structure.
• Chaitya Hall: A shrine carved from solid rock on a hillside, resembling an aisled basilica with a stupa at one end.
• Vihara: A monastery often carved from solid rock, providing communal spaces for study and meditation.
• Gompa: A Tibetan Buddhist monastery or nunnery.

Elements of a Buddhist Stupa

• Anda: Symbolizes the universe; Dome shape.
• Harmika: Represents enlightenment.
• Chattra: Denotes spiritual attainment; umbrella shapes.
• Torana: Elaborately carved, ceremonial gateways.
• Vedika: A railing enclosing the stupa.
• Medhi: A shallow stone berm around the base.
• Stambha: A freestanding memorial pillar bearing inscriptions.

Core Principles of Buddhist Architecture

• Encourage Spiritual Practices: Spaces designed for meditation and rituals.
• Symbolize Cosmology: Structures embodying the Buddhist cosmos, often depicted with Mount Meru.
• Foster Serenity: Materials and spatial design used to evoke peace and detachment from worldly concerns.
• Incorporate Nature: Designs harmonize with natural surroundings.

Core Concept of Buddhism

• Believing that releasing attachment to desires leads to Nirvana.
• Nirvana: A state of liberation from suffering, achieved through releasing attachments.

Additional Religious Structures

• Hamam: Traditional Islamic bathhouses, an integral part of Islamic architecture and tied to practical needs, spiritual practices and community values.
• Caravanserai: Historical roadside inns crucial for trade along paths like the Silk Road.
• Diwan-i-Kas: A Hall for private audiences.
• Diwan-i-Am: The Hall for Public audiences.

Mughal Architecture

• Indo-Islamic architecture blending Indian and Islamic traditions, especially during the Mughal period.
• Characterized by distinctive features such as:
  • Muqarnas
  • Pietra dura inlay techniques
  • Chahar bagh layouts
  • Domes
  • Arches

Moorish Architecture

• Islamic architecture of North Africa, particularly in Spain.
• Adapting structural systems and decorations from classical antiquity while blending with Islamic elements.
• Focus on large mosques and fortress-palaces.

Explore the fundamental components and various types of mosques in this quiz. Learn about features like the minaret, mihrab, and different mosque styles such as masjid and jami. This quiz will deepen your understanding of Islamic architecture and its significance.