“A mosque commanding a view of the world.” Can you imagine that? Right here before us stands Delhi’s Jama Masjid, also known as Masjid-i Jahanuma. This is not just a mosque. It is a symbol of Mughal grandeur and architectural brilliance.
Let’s take a step back in time. The fifth Mughal ruler of India, Shah Jahan, commissioned this mosque. Construction began in 1650 and took six years. It needed approximately one million Indian rupees. Five thousand hands worked tirelessly to complete this magnificent structure. In 1656, Imam Syed Abdul Ghafoor Shah Bukhari inaugurated it. He came from Bukhara, Uzbekistan. He was appointed as the first Imam of the Masjid.
Shah Jahan decided to make Delhi the capital of his empire in 1638. He moved from Agra to Delhi, then called Shahjahanabad. He built the Red Fort and placed this mosque about 500 meters west.
Notice how the Jama Masjid has two main parts. There is a main prayer hall and a large courtyard. The exterior was inspired by Akbar’s mosque at Fatehpur Sikri. The interior was moulded after the Friday Mosque at Agra.
The Jama Masjid is a 261-feet-tall structure. Its width measures 90 feet. A 30-metre-wide lawn surrounds it. It separates the mosque from the city. Being built on a hillock, it stands approximately 10 meters above the city level.
Look at the three archways. They are built using red sandstone. They provide access to the corridor and prayer hall. They are on the north, south, and east sides. The eastern gate has 35 steps. It was used by the royal family. The north and south gates have 39 and 33 steps respectively.
Now observe the two minarets. They are identical. Both are five storeys tall. They go as high as 130 feet. There are 130 steps inside each minaret. Both have protruding balconies.
Also, consider the floor. It takes its design from Agra’s Jama Masjid. There are 899 boxes designed on the floor. They are in white and black marble. They resemble a Muslim praying mat. The mosque complex has a square corridor. It measures approximately 115 meters square. The main shrine is located along the western edge of the corridor.
The Jama Masjid truly reflects Shah Jahan architecture. It was one of the greatest mosques constructed in its time. It uses red sandstone and white marbles. It follows Indo-Islamic and Mughal styles. The main structures include three arched gates. Three marble domes, four towers, and two towering minarets are worth seeing.
Did you know the mosque is open every day? The timings are somewhat limited. It is open from 7 am to 12 pm and from 1:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Tourists are not allowed during prayer hours. The minaret is open from 9 am to 5:30 pm.
Entry to the mosque is free. However, you must pay Rs 100 to visit the minaret. If you bring a camera, you will pay an extra Rs 300.
The Delhi Jama Masjid stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage. It is a symbol of Mughal architectural prowess. Its beauty and history continue to inspire awe. It reminds us of the intricate blend of cultures that shaped India. It’s more than just a mosque. It is a living, breathing piece of history.