2-982-541 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Shah Hamadan's Musjid, Cashmere - drawn by W. Carpenter, Jun., 1858. 'It is seldom that Europeans have an opportunity of witnessing the Mohammedan worship on any days of particular sanctity; but in Cashmere [ie Kashmir], where the ruler is a Hindoo, they dare not resent the intrusion of Christians, and advantage was taken of it to sketch this interesting scene. The mosque itself is very different from those of India, and much more picturesque, being square, built entirely of wood, panelled and carved, and ornamented with painting and gilding, four massive carved pillars, each a single deodar or Himalaya cedar, supporting the roof. On this occasion it was hung with rich brocades of Cashmere shawls, presented by the devout worshippers, many of whom prayed with great fervency, casting their turbans on the ground before them. They relieved one another in quick succession, the buildings being crowded from morning till night'. From "Illustrated London News", 1858.