Jama Masjid Ahmedabad: The Masterpiece Of Indo-Islamic Architecture

History Of Jama Masjid

Sultan Ahmed Shah was a deputy administrator for the Tughlaqs of the Delhi Sultanate. Then, he declared himself independent and established Gujarat along the west coast of India. Ahmedabad city was created in 1411 and declared its capital. Jama Masjid is a hollow shrine located in the centre of Ahmedabad, Gujarat. 

Jama Masjid served as the principal place of worship for the Muslim community members in the period of the Gujarat Sultanate and played a significant role in Islamic learning and cultural exchange. 

The Mosque has faced several challenges for centuries, such as natural disasters. It has been restored and maintained by different rulers and local authorities of Gujarat. It is one of the largest mosques in the Indian subcontinent, and it was built in the 15th century. During the earthquake, the prominent minarets of the central entrance of the Jama Masjid, Ahmedabad, collapsed in 1819; however, the lower portion survived.

Suggested Read: 15 Best Things To Do In Gujarat

Architecture of Jama Masjid

You must be thinking about the temple interior here. Well, during the period of the Gujarat Sultanate, the Hindu temples were often dismantled, and the architectural objects were adopted for the construction of mosques, this practice led to the formation of Indo-Islamic architecture.

Jama Masjid is a three-story building with balconies on the upper levels that are guarded by jails. Inside the Mosque, you will observe the qibla, also known as the prayer wall, designed with carved screens. The pillars of the mosques divide the space into 15 bays that look like a playground of sunlight and shadows.

Made out of yellow sandstone, the Mosque has a big courtyard with a rectangular tank in the centre. The three sides of the courtyard are designed with Arabic calligraphy on black walls, and the hall is located on the fourth side. Jama Masjid Ahmedabad has 15 domes on the roof that are carved in the form of lotus flowers, displaying the Hindu culture.

Places To Visit Near Jama Masjid

1. Manek Chowk

2. Bhadra Fort

3. Sidi Saiyyed Mosque

These jalis are one of the best examples of the Indo-Islamic style of architecture. However, the Mosque is relatively tiny in comparison to other mosques in the city. “The Tree of Life” design of the window has gained international recognition as one of the finest examples of carved windows.

4. Dada Harir Stepwell

The building represents the Indo-Islamic style of architecture, which was influenced by the stepwell traditions of the Solanki Dynasty. It is a five-story stepwell made to provide cool water and a place for relaxation during the summer season. You will be mesmerized by the octagonal shafts and stone columns that connect multiple levels of the house.

Best Time To Visit Jama Masjid

Timings of Jama Masjid

Suggested Read: Tourist Places In Gujarat India: Don’t Miss These Hotspots

Conclusion