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The Jama Masjid, Delhi
The Masjid-i Jahan-Namaa, commonly known as the Jama Masjid of Delhi, is the principal mosque of Old Delhi in India and the largest mosque in Asia. Commissioned
by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, builder of the Taj Mahal, and completed in the year 1656 AD, it is one of the largest and best-known mosques in India.
Fatehpur Sikri, India's Unesco World Heritage Site
The Jama Masjid of Fatehpur Sikri, also known as Jami Masjid, is one of the largest mosques in India. It was constructed in 1571 A.D. during the reign of Emperor
Akbar and is one of the most sacred sites in Fatehpur Sikri. The fact the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri was built around the Jama Masjid, which speaks volumes about its
importance.
 The quadrangular courtyard of Jama Masjid
To accommodate the multitude of worshippers, a massive quadrangle was built in front of the main building, and bordered by covered corridors. The mosque consists
of a central nave with a single dome, two colonnaded halls called Hujra on its left and right. These halls are crowned with domes as well, and is flanked by the Jammat
Khana hall and the Zenana Rauza (the tomb of the women of the royal household) on both sides.
♠ Hujra are cloistered prayer rooms that flank the main mosque of Fatehpur Sikri. The hujra has a flat roof pillared galleries and encircle the mosque complex.
 A corridor connects the central nave with the cloistered prayer chambers
The Jama Masjid, along with all the heritage buildings in Fatehpur Sikri, was recognised by Unesco in 1986 as a World Heritage Site.
 A massive wall surrounds the quadrangular courtyard
There are two entrances to the Jama Masjid. The main entrance is called Buland Darwaza,
♠ and is the biggest of the two. The other entrance, called Badshahi Darwaza
♠ is the royal entranceway used by Emperor Akbar to enter the mosque.
♠ Buland Darwaza, which means "Gate of Magnificence" is a massive gateway leading to the compound of the Jami Masjid in Fatehpur Sikri. It was
erected by Akbar in 1602, to commemorate his victory and conquest of Gujarat. Buland Darwaza stands 40 metres tall, and is approached by a grand staircase of 42 steps.
♠ Badshahi Darwaza, which means "Royal Door" is the gateway reserved for the emperor to enter the Jama Masjid of Fatehpur Sikri. It is located on the eastern
side of the Jama Masjid facing Agra. As the emperor enters, he will face the mosque right in front of him. The small entrance arch is decorated with lotus bud ornamentation.
The whole of Jama Masjid is exquisitely decorated with inscriptions, inlaid geometric designs and coloured tiles. Yet, the monument manages to preserve its austerity.
 The central nave with its domed ceiling
When you visit the Jama Masjid, you should also make the time for a look at the shrine of the Sufi religious leader Sheikh Salim Chisti, which is an example of
some very amazing workmanship.
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Asian Guides
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