Jama Masjid Delhi

History

The Jama Masjid is one of the oldest and largest mosques in India flaunting the Mughal architectural finesse. It was built by Shah Jahan in 1658 to be employed as the emperor's primal worship site. Situated in old Delhi the Jama Masjid imposes the Mughal architectural artifice and introduces the tourists to a distinct expression of the Mughal era' and creates another spot of tourist attraction. The chief architect of the mosque was Ustad Khalil. Jama Masjid is familiarly known as - Masjid-i-Jahan Numa which quintessentially means ‘the mosque that commands a view of the world'. ‘ Jama' means Friday – the holy day for the Muslims and hence the name ‘ Jama Masjid' was coined.

Description

Jama Masjid stands on a raised platform and opens out to the city through the three double storied gates on the north, east and south which leads the tourists into the courtyard of the mosque. The eastern gate which is the largest was used by the royal family. Tourists are permitted to enter the mosque arena through the northern and the southern gates. The mosque is about 80 meters long and 27 meters wide and 130 feet in height. The Jama Masjid faces the west.

The roof of Jama Masjid is designed in white and black stripes of marble and the top is covered in gold. 25000 people can be accommodated in the 100 square meters courtyard.

The prayer hall is decorated with arched marble structures inscribed with detailed history of the mosque. The floor structure of Jama Masjid is similar to that of Moti Masjid in Agra. The northeast part of the mosque is considered to be very holy because of the elaboration of the Quran in deerskin and the relics of Muhammad – the prophet. The southern minaret offers a view of the entire expanse of old Delhi marking the locations of some of the very popular tourist attractions.