Architecture of the Khan-e-Jahan style: : context and influence

Abstract

The Architecture of the Khan.•.•.•ahan Style: Context and Influence Md. Ali Naqi For centuries the very fertile soil of 8engal has developed a number of independent styles in its deferent regions. Among them the Khan--e-Jahan style stands out with its own Identity in the southern Sunderban area. The ArcMectural out come of thiS Style In and around the Khalifatabad city, 8agerhat bears the semantic and symbolic inner structure of reasoning systems of the builder The austere ideals of a religious leader, the necessary functionality on a marshy frontier region, the Impressions of a jungle life and moreover the hostile nature of the climatic conditions ttlese are the determlnanls that defined the structure of these architectural monuments and its place in Bengal culture. The study reveals these underlying forces that constitute the Architecture of the Khan-e-Jahan Style, The style was nourished from the very conte>dualrealities that the builder has faced dunng his development endeavors, As a member of a fui! grown and independent Style these monuments are very sympathetic to its geo.dimatic context and have developed a number of unique techniques and systems to meet the situations. The extreme austere appearance of the bnck monuments, ttle relatively dwarf looking reduced lIOidsor openings on the facades and evolutionary development of independent to complex organization marks the identifying characters of this style Along with them the use of curved cornice. the placement of stone course at the base, the terracotta string-motifs and the water drainage system all these are directed towards a common goal, ttlatls to continue longer with minimum resource in a very antagonistic contextual setting, Through this struggie of existence the Style gained ~s strength not only to sustain but also to grow and Influence the later architectural developments In a considerable extent. The Influence of Architecture of Khan--e-JahanStyle is fell far beyond the boundaries of the 8agerhat area, Masjid Bari MOSQueat Patuakhali and Hammad's Mosque at Kumira are two finest examples of such influences The most mentionable and the noblest influence of this Style is the introduction of Choucha/a roof. The Pancharatna layout of Hindu temples drew its organizational Inspiration from the matured Ionns of Khan--e-JahanStyle. This study can also be considered as a guideline lor the conservation of the monumenls under the Khan-e-Jahan Style The guidelines are drawn not from the apparent outlooks but from the deeper meaning of the Archttecture of Khan--e-JahanStyle: meanings rooted in both spiritual and physical conceptualities,