Mosques and Islamic Heritage of Karnataka

Karnataka has a long and varied Islamic heritage. Historic mosques, dargahs and Sufi shrines can be found across the state, sometimes standing within old forts and at other times in surprisingly remote hill settings.

The two places featured here could hardly be more different.

At Baba Budan Giri near Chikmagalur, the sacred site lies high in the Western Ghats and is associated with both Sufi and Hindu traditions. At Srirangapatna, the Jumma Masjid takes us into the world of Tipu Sultan and the former capital of the Mysore kingdom.

Chikmagalur

Baba Budan Giri

Baba Budan Giri is known for the cave shrine associated with the Sufi saint Dada Hayath Mir Khalandar, also linked with the name Baba Budan. The same sacred space is revered in Hindu tradition as Dattatreya Peetha.

The mist-covered hills, caves and religious associations give the place a character quite unlike a conventional urban dargah.

Srirangapatna

Jumma Masjid, Srirangapatna

Also known as Masjid-e-Ala, the Jumma Masjid was built by Tipu Sultan in 1784 within the historic Srirangapatna Fort.

Its two tall minarets dominate the structure. The mosque also has an open courtyard, prayer hall and inscriptions that include the ninety-nine names of Allah.

It remains one of the important monuments connected with Tipu Sultan's Srirangapatna.