While India certainly has plenty of breathtaking natural attractions, the country also has no shortage of impressive human-made wonders. In the nation’s mosques, you can find some of them.
The architectural designs of some of the mosques, some of which are pretty old, just mesmerize the tourists. Nearly every city, town, and even small village in the nation is home to stunning mosques.
So, let’s have a look at some of the historical mosques in India right now.
List of the 10 Famous Historical Mosques in India:
1. Jama Masjid, Delhi
One of the world’s most visited Muslim religious places is the Delhi Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, with space for almost 25,000 visitors during prayer. This architectural spectacle was built in 1644 by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and is a significant feature of Delhi tourism.
Three massive gates, four commanding towers, and excellent design on the minarets, arches, domes, and gateways are all features of this wonderful masjid. The 40-meter-tall minarets are constructed of red sandstone and white marble. The mosque is roughly 90 feet (27 m) broad and 261 feet (80 m) long.
In order to create a parallel with the Jama Masjid in Agra, the ground of this mosque was tiled with white and black marble that was decorated with delicate patterns. The inside arches’ inlay detailing still looks amazing. The Delhi Jama Masjid’s northern gate has 39 steps, but the southern side only has 33.
2. Bara Imambara, Lucknow
The only unsupported structure in India, this architectural marvel is the largest in the world. The mosque, which can be found in the Uttar Pradesh city of Lucknow, is regarded as a work of engineering amazement worldwide. The fourth Nawab of Awadh constructed the mosque for a good cause.
The mosque is also called Asafi Imambara or Nawab Asaf-Ud-Dowhala Bara Imambara. This mosque was built for 14 years, starting in 1784, when it was completely finished. The building, which is composed entirely of unique little Lakhnawi bricks, has several curiously striking features.
There are no frames or beams supporting the enormous ceiling that forms the center hall’s arch. A labyrinth with 1000 corridors, several stairs that run up and down, and 489 similar doorways may also be found within the mosque complex.
3. Mecca Masjid, Hyderabad
One of the city’s earliest and most prominent mosques, Mecca Masjid, is located in Hyderabad. It was commissioned in 1614, and Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah worked to complete the construction, but it wasn’t until 1694 that it was fully finished.
Along with the Laad Bazaar, Chowmahalla Palace, and Charminar, the mosque is one of the four most significant heritage sites in the city. It is conveniently located near the iconic Charminar monument and is easily accessible from any section of the city.
The massive exterior of the Mecca Masjid is awe-inspiring, with a capacity to host up to 10,000 people at a time. The interiors serve as a monument to the splendour of the Quli dynasty emperors. Please be aware, nevertheless, that only devotees of the Islamic faith are now permitted entry to the mosque.
4. Jamali – Kamali Mosque, Delhi
This 16th-century structure is currently in almost complete ruin. The mosque may be found in Delhi’s Mehrauli area, close to the Qutub Minar. The mosque is a stunning building made of red sandstone with marble accents. The construction is unique from the Mughal era, displaying the distinctive Jharokha system of mosque architecture.
The mosque’s five arches are each crowned by a circular dome, including the great central arch. Two of Jamali and Kamali’s tombs have been preserved at the mosque. This building, which has a large prayer hall and a courtyard, and is situated in the heart of a lovely garden, is a historical landmark.
Another unusual thing about the mosque is that it doesn’t allow visitors after sundown because many people have reported paranormal activity there, including seeing apparitions, hearing strange noises, and having eerie feelings.
5. Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, Ahmedabad
The Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, also known as Sidi Saiyyed Ni Jaali, is one of Ahmedabad’s most well-known and stunning mosques. It was constructed in the year 1573. Due to the architectural splendour of the entire construction, this attraction has gained much admiration and popularity.
So there is no question that the location is a photographer’s and a history buff’s dream come true. This structure, which was finished in the final year of the Gujarat Sultanate’s rule before the Mughals arrived and destroyed them, is one of the last few mosques constructed during that period.
The mosque is particularly well-known for its ten stone latticework windows, known as Jalis, which are located on the side and back arches. The carved patterns on the stone slabs feature palm-inspired interlaced branches and greenery.
6. Taj-Ul Masjid, Bhopal
This huge mosque is located in Bhopal, the state capital of Madhya Pradesh, and its name, roughly translated, means “The crown of all mosques”. The mosque is regarded as one of Asia’s tallest structures. The fact that masjid, the plural of masjid, is used in the name of the structure is interesting to note.
The mosque is one of the rare Mughal structures whose construction was overseen by a woman. The construction was initiated by the wife of Baqi Mohammad Khan, Nawab Shah Jahan Begum of Bhopal, who was succeeded by her daughter Sultan Jahan Begum.
However, due to a shortage of money, the construction of the mosque was halted, and it wasn’t until 1971 that Maulana Sayed Hashmat Ali Sahab of Bhopal and Allama Mohammad Imran Khan Nadwi Azhari resumed construction on the mosque.
7. Quwwat Ul Islam, Delhi
This one is one of the earliest mosques constructed in India following the initial Islamic rule. This mosque is a Jaami mosque or Friday mosque, and it is located in Delhi. It was built in 1193 AD. One of the few remaining examples of Ghurid’s architecture can be seen in India.
Qutub-uddin-Aibak, who commanded the garrison of Mohammed Ghori, started construction on the mosque. It is constructed on a high platform, measures 141 feet by 105 feet, and is enclosed by cloisters with pillars.
Later, after Aibak passed away, his descendants increased the mosque complex’s size, and today the Qutub Minar is also located within its grounds. The Minar was constructed to serve as the location where the muezzin would issue the adhan or call for prayer.
8. Toli Masjid, Hyderabad
Almost two kilometers from the Golconda fort, in the suburb of Karvan, is the magnificent mosque known as the Toli Masjid. The Masjid is only one of the numerous magnificent memorials that can be found in Hyderabad.
It is an incredibly stunning example of Qutb Shahi’s style of architecture. The Toli masjid is decorated with two minarets that are approximately 20 meters in height on either side of the structure. Mir Musa Khan Mahaldar, the well-known and celebrated architect of Qutb Shah, built it in 1671.
Five arches make up the front of the Toli Masjid, and each spandrel has lotus decorations. The central arch is a little broader and more ornamental. According to the records kept by the regal administration, the Toli Masjid is sometimes referred to as the Damdi Masjid.
9. Adhai Din ka Jhonpra Mosque, Ajmer
Adhai Din ka Jhonpra Mosque located outside of Ajmer, Rajasthan, is a famous mosque beyond Khwaja Muin-ud-din Chishti Rahmatullah Alaih’s Dargah. Muhammad Ghori is recognized for creating an extended wall around these incredible remains in just two and a half days, giving them their current shape.
This complex was originally constructed as a Sanskrit college with the purpose of promoting the development of the language; however, Ghori vandalized it, and in 1198, he transformed the construction into a mosque by extending a seven-arched wall around the structure.
In front of the hall’s pillars, this enlarged portion was ornamented with Islamic calligraphy. Arches built of yellow limestone may be seen on the entrance’s front wall. The interesting rectangular panels intricately carved into the prayer hall’s walls remind us of the architecture of Persian mosques.
10. Hazratbal Masjid, Srinagar
The most sacred mosque for Muslims in Kashmir is the Hazratbal Masjid in Srinagar, which the Dal Lake can find. The pearly-white mosque is home to the Moi-e-Muqqadas artifact, which is thought to be a sacred hair from the Prophet Muhammad’s beard.
The word Hazrat, which means “holy”, and the word bal, which means “place”, are both used in Kashmiri to give the Masjid its name. The Hazratbal Masjid, the only dome-shaped mosque in Srinagar, is a stunning building composed of white marble and is known by several names, including Assar-e-Sharief, Madinat-us-Sani, and Dargah Shari.
In the Hazratbal Masjid, women are only permitted up until the first floor. It offers a beautiful view of the lake and the mountains because it is situated on the Dal Lake’s shores, facing the Nishat Bagh. Every Friday, the Hazratbal Masjid holds its weekly prayers.
The Bottom Line
India is home to several historic mosques representing Islamic architecture’s rich and diverse history. These top 10 historical mosques in India have something to offer everyone, whether they are history buffs, photography enthusiasts, or those seeking serenity. Make plans to visit India soon so you can see these magnificent structures for yourself!
Additional Reading:
- Top 5 Most Popular Toy Trains in India
- 9 Most Scenic Routes to Travel By Vistadome Trains In India
- Top 5 Marine National Parks in India
- 12 Famous Cave Paintings in India
- Top 12 Jainism Pilgrimage Sites in India
- Discovering Hidden Gems: Little-Known Facts About India
- 11 Most Famous Eco Villages in India
- Top 10 Mysterious Temples in India
- 10 Most Popular Cleanest Rivers in India
- Top 10 Popular Coldest Places in India
- 18 Most Luxurious Hill Resorts in India
- 15 Most Popular Landmarks in India To Visit
