India is a country with a rich and diverse cultural heritage, and Islam has played a significant role in shaping its history. Mosques are an essential part of Islamic culture, and India is home to many magnificent and historically significant mosques. In this article, we will explore 10 most famous mosques in India.
Jama Masjid, Delhi Jama Masjid is one of the most iconic and largest mosques in India, located in the heart of Old Delhi. It was built in the mid-17th century by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, who is also known for building the Taj Mahal in Agra. The construction of the mosque began in 1650 and it took six years to complete, with around 5,000 craftsmen working on it.
Jama Masjid is made of red sandstone and white marble and has three gates, four towers, and two 40-meter high minarets. The mosque can hold up to 25,000 worshippers at once. The courtyard of the mosque is large enough to accommodate thousands of devotees during major festivals and events.
Apart from its architectural beauty, Jama Masjid is also renowned for its historical significance. It has witnessed several important events throughout history, including the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
Charminar, Hyderabad Charminar is a famous monument located in the heart of the old city of Hyderabad, Telangana. It was built in 1591 by the fifth ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, to commemorate the end of a deadly plague that had ravaged the city.
The Charminar is a grand and impressive structure made of granite and limestone, which stands tall at a height of 56 meters. It has four minarets, each measuring 20 meters in height, and a clock on the four cardinal directions. The monument has a square base of 20 meters on each side and has four arches facing each cardinal direction. The arches lead to a central space, which has a small mosque on the top floor.
Charminar is a symbol of the city's rich cultural heritage and is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Hyderabad. It is surrounded by a bustling bazaar, which sells everything from bangles, pearls, and traditional Indian clothes to street food and souvenirs. The monument also offers a panoramic view of the city from its top floor, which can be reached by climbing 149 winding steps.
Haji Ali Dargah, Mumbai: Haji Ali Dargah is a historic mosque and tomb located on an islet off the coast of Worli in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The dargah is dedicated to the memory of a wealthy Muslim merchant, Sayyed Peer Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, who gave up all his worldly possessions and took a pilgrimage to Mecca, where he died in the early 15th century. Legend has it that his body washed ashore on the islet where the dargah is now located.
The dargah is a beautiful example of Indo-Islamic architecture and is renowned for its distinctive white dome and minarets. It is built on a small island that is connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway, which is only accessible during low tide. The structure of the dargah is made of marble and is adorned with intricate carvings, glasswork, and Islamic calligraphy.
Haji Ali Dargah is an important pilgrimage site for Muslims and attracts devotees from all over India and beyond. The dargah is also a popular tourist destination and a symbol of Mumbai's rich cultural heritage. It offers a peaceful and spiritual respite from the bustling city life and offers panoramic views of the Arabian Sea.
Ajmer Sharif Dargah, Ajmer Ajmer Sharif Dargah is a popular Sufi shrine located in the city of Ajmer, Rajasthan. It is the tomb of the revered Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, who came to India from Persia in the 12th century and played an important role in spreading Sufism in the country.
The dargah is a beautiful example of Mughal architecture and is famous for its intricate carvings, domes, and minarets. The tomb of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti is covered with a canopy and is surrounded by a silver railing. The dargah also has a large courtyard where devotees gather to offer prayers and seek blessings.
The shrine is visited by millions of people every year, from all over India and the world. It is especially popular during the Urs festival, which is held every year to commemorate the death anniversary of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. During the festival, the dargah is adorned with flowers and lights, and Qawwali performances are held, creating a festive and spiritual atmosphere.
Fatehpur Sikri Mosque, Agra Fatehpur Sikri Mosque is a historic mosque located in the city of Fatehpur Sikri, near Agra in Uttar Pradesh. It was built by the Mughal emperor Akbar in the 16th century as a part of his capital city of Fatehpur Sikri.
The mosque is a beautiful example of Mughal architecture, with a grand central courtyard and a large prayer hall. It is made of red sandstone and is adorned with intricate carvings and geometric patterns. The mosque has a beautiful central chamber with a mihrab, which indicates the direction of Mecca, and is flanked by two beautiful minarets. The mosque also has several other smaller chambers, which were used as meditation rooms by the emperor and his courtiers.
Mecca Masjid, Hyderabad Mecca Masjid is a historic mosque located in the old city area of Hyderabad, Telangana. It is one of the largest and oldest mosques in the country and is an important pilgrimage site for Muslims.
The mosque was commissioned by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the fifth sultan of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, in the late 16th century. It was built over a period of several decades and was completed during the reign of his son, Sultan Muhammad Qutb Shah. The mosque is named after the Holy City of Mecca, which is the holiest site in Islam.
Mecca Masjid is a beautiful example of Islamic architecture, with a grand central prayer hall and a beautiful courtyard. It is made of granite and is adorned with intricate carvings and calligraphy. The mosque has a large central arch that is flanked by two octagonal minarets, which rise to a height of over 67 meters. The mosque also has several smaller domes and minarets, which add to its beauty.
Moti Masjid, Agra Moti Masjid is a historic mosque located inside the Agra Fort complex in the city of Agra, Uttar Pradesh. It was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the mid-17th century as a private mosque for his personal use.
The mosque is a beautiful example of Mughal architecture, with a grand central prayer hall and a large courtyard. It is made of white marble and is adorned with intricate carvings and inlay work. The mosque has three domes, which are topped by golden spires, and several smaller domes and minarets.
Taj-ul-Masjid, Bhopal Taj-ul-Masjid is a grand mosque located in the city of Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the largest mosques in India and is an important pilgrimage site for Muslims.
The mosque was commissioned by the Begum Shah Jahan of Bhopal in the late 19th century, and construction continued under different rulers over several decades. It was completed in the early 20th century and is considered to be one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture in India.
Taj-ul-Masjid is a beautiful example of Mughal and Islamic architecture, with a grand central prayer hall and a large courtyard. It is made of red sandstone and marble and is adorned with intricate carvings and calligraphy. The mosque has three large domes, which are surrounded by several smaller domes and minarets.
Nizamuddin Dargah, Delhi Nizamuddin Dargah is a revered Sufi shrine located in the Nizamuddin West area of Delhi. It is the mausoleum of the famous Sufi saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, who lived in the 14th century and is regarded as one of the greatest Sufi saints of all time.
The dargah is a beautiful example of Mughal architecture, with a large marble dome and minarets. The interior of the dargah is adorned with intricate carvings, calligraphy, and chandeliers. It is also decorated with colorful fabrics and flowers, giving it a vibrant and lively atmosphere.
The dargah is an important pilgrimage site for Muslims and is visited by thousands of devotees every week. It is also a popular tourist attraction, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to learn about Sufi traditions and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
The dargah is also known for its Qawwali performances, which are held every Thursday evening and are attended by large crowds. Qawwali is a form of devotional music that originated in the Indian subcontinent and is an important part of Sufi culture.
Jama Masjid, Ahmedabad Jama Masjid in Ahmedabad is a historic mosque located in the old city area of Ahmedabad, Gujarat. It was built in the 15th century by Sultan Ahmed Shah I, who founded the city of Ahmedabad.
The mosque is a beautiful example of Indo-Islamic architecture, with a large central prayer hall and a spacious courtyard. It is made of yellow sandstone and is adorned with intricate carvings, calligraphy, and geometric patterns. The mosque has several domes and minarets, which are topped by marble and sandstone spires.
Jama Masjid is an important pilgrimage site for Muslims and is visited by devotees from all over the world. It is also a popular tourist attraction, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to admire its beauty and learn about its rich history.
The mosque is also known for its unique features, such as the exquisite perforated stone screens that adorn the entrance and the intricately designed marble pulpit. These features are a testament to the skill and creativity of the artisans and craftsmen who built the mosque.