Beneath Delhi’s sprawling expanse lies a story etched in stone. It’s the story of the Begumpur Mosque. The Begumpur Mosque stands as a testament to the Tughluq dynasty’s vision. This former Friday mosque, also known as the Jamia Masjid of Jahanpanah, whispers tales of emperors. It tells of architects and a capital city now in partial ruins.
Imagine stepping back to the 14th century. Picture Jahanpanah. It means “the centre of the world.” Muhammad bin Tughluq ordered its construction in 1327 CE. His goal? To safeguard his sultanate from external threats.
The Begumpur Mosque became the heart of this new city. It served as a vital social hub. Within its walls, a madrasa thrived. Also, there was a treasury. This mosque wasn’t just a place of prayer. It was a center of learning and administration.
Two theories swirl around the Begumpur Mosque’s origins. One suggests Muhammad bin Tughluq built it in 1343 CE. Zahiruddin al-Juyush, an Iranian architect, guided the construction. He is also credited with the Khurramabad Palace. The other theory credits Khan-i Jahan Junan Shah. He was vizier of Firuz Shah Tughluq. According to this view, he built it as one of seven mosques under his patronage.
Measuring 94 by 90 metres, the Begumpur Mosque is a courtyard mosque of Timurid design. Enter through the eastern gate. You find yourself in a vast courtyard. Single-vaulted arcades flank the north, south, and east. The western side houses a deeper prayer hall facing Mecca.
The Begumpur Mosque once boasted 64 domes. One central dome reached a height of nine feet. The Begumpur Mosque is known as the first Indian example of the “Brhatmukhi” mosque type. A large arch stands out on its main facade. Massive tapering pylon-minarets flank it.
Over time, the Begumpur Mosque’s purpose evolved. In the early 20th century, villagers occupied its arcades. Herbert Charles Fanshawe noted in 1902 that English refugees hid here in 1857.
Today, the Archaeological Survey of India supervises the site. Though no longer a functioning mosque, its historical significance endures. The mosque walls display the Tughluq style. This features sloping walls of rubble masonry covered in thick stucco. Originally, blue-glazed tiles adorned the walls. Traces remain to hint at their past glory.
Inside, the four-iwan plan marks an early example of Indo-Islamic architecture. The main hall is covered by a large dome. Smaller domes sit over the bays of the colonnades. Two tapering turrets flank the iwan. They create a unique Tughluq architectural statement.
Red sandstone adds decorative touches. It is there in carved motifs and the jalis of the muluk khana. This royal loggia served as a private entrance and prayer hall for the royals. The main mihrab showcases a two-color palette. Red sandstone and white marble create a striking contrast.
Inscriptions invoking Allah grace the entrance and muluk khana. Quranic quotations adorn medallions above the central mihrab. These inscriptions are in classical thuluth script.
The Begumpur Mosque shares features with the Quwwat al-Islam Complex. Both have monumental approaches and cruciform plans. The bishtak of the Begumpur Mosque echoes the Timurid style of the Bibi-Khanym Mosque.
Sadly, the Begumpur Mosque is in a state of disrepair. Many domes have fallen. Roofs are broken. Yet, it remains a Monument of National Importance. There are currently no plans in place for the restoration to safeguard its historical significance. The echoes of its past grandeur still resonate within these walls.