Have you ever heard of a mosque built on a pond? Well, here we stand before the Juma Masjid, one of Mumbai’s oldest mosques, and it stands proudly on a large reservoir, a testament to a deal struck centuries ago. The Juma Masjid, also known as the Jumma Masjid, sits right in the heart of Kalbadevi near Crawford Market, Mumbai’s bustling commercial hub. It wasn’t always in this location. The mosque’s foundations were originally laid at Dongri, close to Crawford Market. But due to objections raised by the then-governor, William Hornby, the mosque was shifted to Esplanade Road outside the Fort walls. Again, objections were raised. Finally, it took 27 years from 1775 for the mosque to finally take its current form, near Crawford Market in Kalbadevi.
The original owner of the land, a prominent Konkani Muslim citizen named Mohammed Ali Roghay, insisted that the water tank needs to be preserved. Today, the water tank sits beneath the mosque, with 16 arches built on top to support the structure. The mosque has two floors and is constructed in a quadrangular shape using bricks and stone. The main gate, on the eastern side, leads you into a courtyard, where the open-air water tank awaits.
The Juma Masjid was initially just a single story building. This floor has a central prayer hall that is almost a sight to behold. It’s a vast space with multiple windows and a magnificent chandelier that hangs from the ceiling, a sight that will have you mesmerized. The walls and ceilings are adorned with intricate stucco works, and the marble floors are a delight to see. The pillars that support the roof are cast iron, and the brackets are gold-plated. There are wooden stands on the pillars that hold religious texts and prayer beads. The Qibla, the direction Muslims face during prayer, is beautifully marked on the western wall with a marble mihrab, a niche with verses inscribed in gold. This floor can hold more than 2000 worshippers.
There are two more prayer halls on the second floor. This floor is supported by a hanging ceiling. Again, with no pillars, it highlights the architectural brilliance of the mosque. These halls are similarly decorated with marble, stucco work, and chandeliers with carpets on the floors. The mosque, especially the central prayer hall, is a monument to the craftsmanship of the era. It is not just a place of worship but also a testament to the skills of the artisans who created it.
For history buffs, the Juma Masjid is one of the oldest mosques in Mumbai. Its construction was an arduous process that spanned over 27 years. But today, it stands as a symbol of the city’s rich history and multicultural heritage, a true architectural marvel, an oasis of serenity in the heart of the city’s chaotic energy. The Juma Masjid is a reminder that even in the midst of the hustle and bustle of city life, there is still a place for peace and reflection.