Jamia Masjid Khudabad

Name of Monument: Jamia Masjid Khudabad

Location: Khudabad 

Province: Sindh

Period of Construction: Kalhora: 1700-1718

Materials of Construction and finishes: Bricks, Glazed tiles, fresco paintings

Brief Discussion

The Khudabad was built during the reign of Yar Muhammad Kalhoro between 1700 and 1718. It is an imposing building within a perimeter wall, with a fine gate and a main facade with three arched entrances once completely covered with splendid panels of white and blue tiles. While the three tall arched openings of the entrance were unmistakably designed to reflect a single storied volume of the prayer chamber, the external walls were divided into panels with blind arches, giving the structure a marked three-storey appearance. The central pishtaq consists of two receding pointed arches, beyond which the actual entrance opens up. The lateral archways, which are lower than those of the entrance, were highlighted by panels of tiles with beautiful patterns a flowering shoot of white lilies on a dark blue background which sprout from a central stem, surrounded by buds, laccolites leaves and large open flowers, all represented realistically and not at all conventionally. The façade, undoubtedly, displays one of the most beautiful tile decorations in all Sind. The lateral facades are divided into three storeys by panels containing blind arched niches, the extradoses and spandrels of which are also decorated with blue and white tiles. Similarly, the interior, covered by fine domes of moderate height, was dressed in panels of startling colors.