Danaik's Enclosure Mosque

About this place

Inside the Danaik's Enclosure — the walled compound of a high military officer (a dandanayaka, or commander) — stand a small mosque and an adjoining tower, among the few Islamic-style religious buildings within the Hindu capital. The rectangular mosque has a flat roof carried on plain arches and a domed prayer chamber, while the tall neighbouring 'band tower' (naubat khana) is thought to have been used to sound ceremonial drums and music. Their presence reflects the many Muslim soldiers, cavalry officers and traders who served the Vijayanagara army, and the empire's pragmatic tolerance. Set among the ruins of the officer's quarters, it is a quiet, historically fascinating corner of the royal centre.