Shahi Atala Masjid

The end of the 14th century was a troublesome time for the Muslim caliphate in India mainly due to the considerable increase in internal disputes and fighting between various princes and tribes composing its social fabric. Amidst this turmoil, Timur invaded Delhi in 1399 leading to the final downfall and the fragmentation of the Caliphate into independent provincial states including; Bengal 1336-1576, Kashmir 1346-1589, Deccan 1347-1527, Gujarat 1391-1583, Jaunpur 1394-1479, Malwar 1401-1531 and Bijapur 1490-1686. Timurid rule (15th and 16th centuries) brought with it the central Asian architectural and artistic traditions, thus shaping much of the 15th and 16th century architecture of this region [1]. Tile work, mostly green and blue, from central Asian centres such as Afghanistan, Samarkand and Bukhara became the main ingredient of decoration for most mosques, palaces and gateways in Punjab and in the Deccan (Bijapur). The other major element of this influence was the introduction of the four centred arch (known as Tudor or ogee arch) substituting the long established use of the pointed arch.

Jaunpur remained an eastern provincial state of the Sultanate of Delhi until late 14th century when Mohammed Thughlug granted the title of Malik-as-Sharq (King of the East) upon its governor Malik Sarvar. The governor gradually became independent and founded the Sharqi dynasty with Jaunpur being its capital. Jaunpur enjoyed a good deal of prosperity becoming an important cultural centre, thus numerous construction projects were undertaken in a patriotic fashion. Such endeavour can be seen in the towering portals which dominated their mosque facades. The city was later destroyed by Sikandar Lodhi, the Sultan of Delhi, when he conquered it in 1480 sparing only five of its mosques.