Who is the founder of Jama Masjid?

The Jama Masjid of Ahmedabad city was built by Sultan Ahmed Shah I, and it was designed by the 15th century Ismail Khan. The construction of the mosque was under the supervision of Ahmed Shah’s first Prime Minister, Malik Sarang.

What is special about Jama Masjid?

The Jama Masjid of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, is known for its Indo-Islamic style of architecture. It stands as one of the oldest mosques and has historical significance.

Is Jama Masjid the largest mosque?

Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques in India. However, according to the reports, the largest mosque is the Jama Masjid in Delhi, which was built in 1656.

Jama Masjid Ahmedabad: Understanding The Different Perspective

Ramadan is here, and everyone is on their spiritual journey, and visiting the Mosque is one of the rituals. Speaking of Mosques, have you ever heard about Jama Masjid? It is located in the old region of Ahmedabad city and is known for its architectural beauty. Let’s learn more about the architectural brilliance and the history of Jama Masjid Ahmedabad.

History Of Jama Masjid

If we turn the pages of the history of Jama Masjid Ahmedabad, we will find that the Mosque was built by the emperor Ahmed Shah I in 1423. It was designed by the famous architect of the 15th century, Ismail Khan, taking about 13 years to establish, which was under the supervision of Ahmed Shah’s first Prime Minister, Malik Sarang.

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

The architectural aspect of the Jama Masjid displays a combination of Islamic, Hindu, and Jain styles of architecture. One of the most eye-catching features of this Mosque is the minaret and the carved columns. The column’s design shows the Hindu temple architecture. The Mosque is decorated with intricate geometric and floral designs. The Mosque consists of a big prayer hall with more than 200 columns with interiors of Hindu temples.

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

You fell in love while exploring the Indo-Islamic architecture of the Friday Mosque, and now you have ample time left. Here are some of the places that you can visit nearby

1. Manek Chowk

The best city square that you will find is in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The exciting part of Manek Chowk is in the morning, it is a vegetable market, and as it goes on, the market is converted into a jewellery market by renowned silver and gold merchants. In the evening, it is also the most prominent street food market, serving delicious local cuisine. Manek Chowk plays an important role in commercial and economic activities.

2. Bhadra Fort

After visiting the Mosque, you can also visit the Bhadra Fort located in Ahmedabad, which was again constructed by Sultan Ahamad Shah I in 1411 AD. The name Bhadra is derived from the “Bhadra Kali Temple” which is located on the premises of the fort. The fort structure consists of Islamic architecture, arches, balconies, and beautifully carved windows. The place holds several cultural activities during local festivals.

3. Sidi Saiyyed Mosque

If you are interested in learning more about the Mosque, you can always visit Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, also known as “Sidi Saiyyed ki Jali,” located in the heart of Ahmedabad. It was built by Sidi Saiyyed, who was the general of the last Sultan, Shams-ud-Din Muzaffar Shah III. The Sidi Saiyyed Mosque was constructed in 1573, which is said to be the last year of the Gujarat Sultanate. The Mosque is known for its carved latticework windows, “Jalis.”

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

As we are looking for heritage places, you can also visit Dada Harir Stepwell, which is situated near Jama Masjid. The Dada Harir Stepwell, also known as “Dada Hari ni Vav,” was built in the year 1501 during the reign of Mahmud Begada.

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

As the Mosque is located in Ahmedabad, it is suggested to visit between November and February because the climate is more relaxed and pleasant, with an average temperature of 12 degrees C to 28 degrees C, and it will help you to explore places without discomfort.

Timings of Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid’s hours are 6:00 am to 10:00 pm every day. However, it is essential to reevaluate the information before planning your visit, and there are no such entry fees for Jama Masjid, whether you are an adult or a child.

Conclusion

For the past 600 years, the Masjid, or Friday Mosque of Ahmedabad, has been a place of worship as well as a heritage place that is a symbol of Ahmedabad’s historical legacy, which attracts tourists from other parts of the country. So plan your visit and learn more about the Indo-Islamic architecture of this beautiful Mosque.

Jama Masjid Ahmedabad: The Masterpiece Of Indo-Islamic Architecture