While India has seen a fair amount of rule of the Mughals, it has also witnessed some of the greatest monuments that they have built. Though these structures are religious edifices and the magnificent compounds make it an experience to worship and surrender you to the lord above, these monuments are also a feast to the eyes for the onlookers. Whether it is the worshiping place for the Muslims, but the architecture of these mosques have made every individual irrespective of their caste, pause and admire the beauty of the place. Enlisted here are 6 mosques of India that will leave you spell-bound.
1. Jama Masjid, Delhi
Photo by Ashcoounter, CC BY-SA 3.0
Jama Masjid or the Masjid-i Jahān-Numā is one of the most prevalent mosques in India. Holding a capacity to house more than twenty five thousand people at a time, the mosque was constructed between 1644AD and 1656AD by Aurangzeb. While the architecture of the mosque resembles Peshawar’s Badshahi Masjid, the total costing of the mosque being 1 million rupees. The mosque encompasses two minars that rise 40 m from the ground level and the entire structure is constructed in white marble along with red sandstone. The masjid has been on the list for the tourists in Delhi, as it is one of the few places that one will surely want to visit while in the city, time and again.
2. Makkah Masjid, Hyderabad
Mecca Masjid, also known as the Makkah Masjid in Hyderabad is one of the largest mosques in the country. Also declared as a heritage site, the mosque is situated in the older parts of Hyderabad in close proximity to the Charminar. Built during the reign of Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah, the emperor made his representatives go to the Mecca, the sanctified place in Islam to get the stones from there, so as to proceed with the construction of the mosque. The arch of the mosque is built from the stones that were brought from Mecca and hence the mosque gets its name. The premises of Makkah masjid can accommodate as many as 10,000 people at a time.
3. Taj-ul-Masajid, Bhopal
Photo by Jean-Pierre Dalbéra, CC BY 2.0
Stealing the title for being the largest mosque in India, Taj-ul-Masajid literally translates to the crown of all mosques. Situated in Bhopal, the mosque resembles to the Jama Masjid situated in Delhi. The two minars that stand are 18 story high octagons and have domes at their tops are evident from a distance. While three central domes and impressive hallways are patent Mughal architectural designs that the mosque reflects.
4. Hazratbal Masjid, Jammu & Kashmir
Photo by Basharat Alam Shah, CC BY 2.0
Hazratbal Masjid or the Majestic place is situated in Srinagar on the left bank of the Dal Lake. The mosque is believed to be a special shrine for the Muslims as it is said that the heir of the Islamic prophet Mohammad is placed safely inside this edifice. The mosque is surrounded by a lush green garden and reflects in the tranquil waters of the Dal Lake. It is considered to be one of the holiest shrines in Jammu and Kashmir and people flock from the entire country to see the relic as it is on public display on special occasions.
5. Jamia Masjid, Srinagar
Photo by Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Being a fine example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, Jamia Masjid was built in the early fifteenth century by Sultan Sikandar. The mosque is one of the most beautiful mosques and has been a major tourist attraction in the itinerary of Srinagar. Standing beautifully on over 350 wooden pillars, the mosque has a spectacular hallway and is surrounded by a perfect square garden. The Jamia Masjid lies in the heart of the city of Srinagar and it is capable to accommodate more than 33,000 people to pray at a single instance.
6. Bara Imambara, Lucknow
Photo by Amritamitraghosh, CC BY-SA 3.0
Known for both its religious as well as architectural significance, Bara Imambara is situated in Lucknow. It is one of the major accomplishments on architectural front before any European methods of construction came into existence. The mosque holds the title to be one of the largest arched structures of the world. The specialty about this mosque is that the edifice’s architect is buried on under the same ceiling. The major feature of the mosque is the labyrinth and the steep-well that is in the same premises and attracts a lot of tourists that come to admire the structure.
While India is laden with monuments that reflect different religions, styles of architectures an also speak different stories, every structure has a glorious past that blends with the modern present. While holding roots back to the religion and holding it close to the heart of the people, these mosques have been style icons that have led the path for the rest to follow.
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Rohit Agarwal is an explorer who likes to learn about different cultures and traditions. Although he has traveled to several tourist destinations, he believes that every traveler should visit India once in their lifetime. He is a blogger at http://www.transindiatravels.com and has compiled various stories related to tourism.
