Jama masjid: An architectural masterpiece

JAMA MASJID

an architectural masterpiece

Introduction • Jama masjid is the largest mosque in

India.

• Originally called Masjid-i-Jahanuma, or "mosque commanding view of the world“.

• It was based on the plan and design of Ostad Khalil .

• It can be called as the replica of Moti Masjid in Agra.

• It is one of the finest mosque in the world.

• It is a congregational mosque.

Location • Jama masjid is

about 500m west of the Red fort.

• Perpendicular to one of the two main urban axis.

• Strategic location as it was highest point on the rocky ridge Bho Jhala .

History

• Mughal emperor Shahjahan’s thirty years of reign has witness the construction of several glorious buildings that stand testimony to his vision of a grand empire, including the Jama masjid.

• After the death of his wife he shifted his capital to Delhi.

• And laid the foundation of shahjahanabad between 1638- 1648.

• After building the fortified city of shahjahanabad and his palace he felt the need of a large mosque.

• The foundation laid on 6th oct 1650.

• Five thousand workers has made it in six years. Their fees was 1 pice per day. Total cost of the project was 1 million rupees excluding Stone and marble.

• The chief cleric, Imam Bukhari, is the direct descendant of the Mullah who came from Bukhara to inaugurate the Jama Masjid.

Architectural features

Gates

• It has three entrance gates.

1. Southern gate

2. Northern gate and

3. Eastern gate or royal gate.

• Southern gate has 33 steps ment for genral public.

• Northern gate has 39 steps ment for nobles.

• Eastern gate has 35 steps it was formally reserved for the use of mughal emperors. Even during the British period opened only for royal visitors and the viceroy of India.

Eastern gate

Southern gate

Northern gate

• Eastern gate is octagonal in plan.

• Soffit of the roof is decorated with honeycomb carving.

• Parapet has 19 kan-guaras and above it 19 cupolas are there.

At each of it front angle there is a octagonal pinnacle bearing a marble pavilion with a marble dome.

• Its inner dimensions are

18.29X15.24m height is

15.4m.

• It has one large opening

with three arch way. On

adjacent sides.

• Projected balcony on

the other side of the gate

is of Bengali influence.

• Back façade of these gates are smaller than its front facades.

• Each side of the gate has seventeen arched openings.

• Southern and northern gates are smaller in size.They are also octagonal in plan but irregular.

• In the centre of this there

is an ablution tank, made up of marble. It measures 30.71X10.96m.

• In the centre of the tank there is a fountain.

• In the four of its corners marble kiosks are there.

•An open courtyard measuring 109.75X109.75M is there.

• Ablution tank is there for ritual ablutions which should have to be done before namaz.

• Waste water after ablution has been transported through these channels.

•Infront of the tank a sandstone platform for muazzin.

• At the central entrance to the mosque a grey sandstone pulpit for mukabbir.

• Two sun dials are there in the courtyard to indicate time of prayer.

•Three sides of the sahan is cloisters which is arcaded.

• Forth side of the sahan is the Ibadat-Khana (mosque).

• At the four corners of cloisters there are cupolas

• Both sides of the cloisters consisted of chajja projected outside.

• The basement wall 9.4m high and adorned with false arches to give it a stately appearance.

Ibadat-Khana

• To enter into the mosque eight stepped high maqsura screen is there.

• Five arched openings on either side of the main sanctuary or mosque hall.

• Area of the main mosque is comparatively less in proportion.

• Area is 79.5X27.4m.• Main entrance to this shrine is through an archway. The main arch is flanked by minarets surmounted by octagonal cupolas.

• On the spandrel of the central arch word ‘YA- HADI’ (one who shows the right path) is inscribed .

• Above five arched opening on either side of the main sanctuary tables or panels of white marble inlaid in black slate with inscription documenting history of the building and glorify virtue of reign of Shahjahan.

• The main shrine is divided into two halls one adjoining its main entrance hall and the other its interior portion.

• These are divided into seven bays of ornamental pillars.

• The rear wall is sunk in the centre with a mihrab.It is also flanked by mihrabs smaller in size three on each side.

• There is a pulpit near central mihrab can be reached by four steps.

• Made up of one piece of marble.

• The floor of the mosque is decorated with black marble.It is a thin black marble border.

• This is a mosalla (the praying carpet).

• 899 divisions of 3’ long and 1 ½ ‘ width is there in the shrine.

DOME

• Dome is an intrinsic feature of muslim architecture.

• A bulbous dome was introduced in this mosque.

• The inner and outer shell has sufficient space between them.

• It serves a dual purpose

1. Cool the interior.

2. Give dome a voluminous and elegant look.

• An important property of the dome is that it is fluted.

• Above every dome there is a copper gilt spike.

• The dome is supported by squinches. They are also working as decorative element.

• The square shape of the compartment below is united with the circular base of the dome above.

Minars • Minars contribute significantly

to its grandeur and beauty.• The minar consists of three

storey and 130 feet (40 m) high .

• Each storey is bisected by a projected gallery. With a balustrade railing around it.

• Octagonal in plan.

• Winding steps leads to the top of the minar.

• A cupola is there on the top of the minar. The views are just wonderful as one can see the whole Old Delhi from here.

• Way to the balcony of minar.

• Small openings are the source of light in the minar.

Material used

• Jama masjid is built in stone masonry. And the cladding is being done by mostly red sand stone. Marble, black marble etc has been used for ornamentation.

• Few things are made complete in marble.

• Doors are made up of wood and are ornamented with copper.

Ornamentation • Marble is used in bulk for ornamenting the

mosque.

• Lotus flower is a prime source of inspiration.

• Lotus motif is used at many places.

• All the ornamentation has been done through floral motifs or inscriptions. • Mosque has ornamented every

where abutment of arch, under arch, wall, under dome, on the columns, floor, mihrab etc.

• Multifoil arch has used somewhere.

Inscription & preserved relics • Calligraphic inscription used in the mosque is kufic it is used

for conveying massages as well as a decorative. element.• The mosque also houses several relics in a closet of

northeast corner, including a copy of the Quran written on deer skin of those times.

General information• Its easily approachable by bus, train, metro, or

any private vehicle. • Admission: Free (mosque); Rs10 to shoe

wallah; Rs10 (minaret) and Rs200 (for cameras).

• Opening hours: Daily dawn-dusk; closed during prayer times.

• Able to accommodate 25,000 worshippers.• Muslims and Non-Muslims both are expected

to wear proper clothes befitting the dignity of the Mosque.

Present day condition• Monument is loosing its identity

a) Unplanned growth

b) Encroachment

c) Chaotic traffic

d) Uncomfortable environment setup.

e) Mosque is being in bad physical condition.

Conclusion Jama Masjid in Delhi mirrors a fascinating

blend of white marble and red sandstone. It is an imposing building, and its position and architecture have been carefully considered so as to produce a pleasing effect and feeling of spacious elegance and well-balanced proportion of parts & if we want to pass this cultural heritage to our future generation then we must have to conserve it.