Indo Islamic Heritage
Route / How to Reach: Approximately 600 meters from Kashmere Gate Metro Station Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport Railway Station: Old Delhi Railway Station Bus Station: Kashmere Gate Bus Stand
The Shia Jama Masjid, established by Nawab Hamid Ali Khan—who served as the Prime Minister to Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah II—is a significant religious and historical site. It serves as the starting point for the annual Muharram procession and regularly hosts religious sermons (majlis), Friday prayers, and Eid celebrations, making it a vital center for the Shia Muslim community. Architecturally, the mosque is designed in the Indo-Persian style, characteristic of the late Mughal period. It is accessed through a grand and majestic gateway, which leads to a flight of stairs ascending to a spacious courtyard. The entrance of the gateway features a central multi-cusped arch flanked by smaller arched openings, adorned with floral patterns on the spandrels. Above the central arch is a typical Rajasthani-style jharokha, and the parapet is decorated with traditional Kangoora motifs. Flanking the central arch are two minarets, and on either side are two imposing turrets crowned with domed pavilions. The mosque stands on a high rectangular platform and includes a modest yet elegant prayer hall. The courtyard, which features marble flooring added during later renovations, enhances the serene ambiance. The facade of the mosque itself includes multi-cusped arches and various ornamental elements such as domes, pavilions, chhatris, fluted and decorated columns, alcoves, latticed screens, and intricate geometric and floral engravings. These elements blend harmoniously to reflect a distinctive fusion of Mughal influences, making the mosque a remarkable example of late Mughal architecture. In terms of materials, the facade is constructed from white marble, while the main structure uses bricks plastered with cement. The dome and roof are made of red sandstone, and the interior walls are finished with tiles and distemper paint. This thoughtful combination of materials and decorative elements underscores the historical and cultural significance of the mosque.
Year of Built: 18th - 19th Century
Address: Mori-gate entrance on the west. 2725 Hamilton road
Country: India
State: Delhi
District: Central Delhi
Pincode: 110006
Longitude: 28 39 45
Latitude: 77 13 53