Kotla of Twelve Imams

Kotla of Twelve Imams

The remarkable mosque is called as Kotala of Bara Imams (fort of twelve saints). It was built by Burhan Nizam Shah in 1536 AD under the advice of his minister Shah Tahir when Burhan embraced the Shia faith. Burhan Shah presented the mosque to Shah Tahir and intended it as a charitable institution and college. The enclosure wall (91 x 91 m) is built of dressed trap stone and lime. It has two entrances on the east and south side. Kotala of twelve Imams is a typical example of Nizam Shahi architecture, which is famous for its carved decorative arch pier and arch recesses and parapet. It consists of a single prayer hall of three aisles, each having five bays deep, and it has flat roofed. It is very beautiful example of very well balance architecture, neat design, and fine workmanship.