Indo Islamic Heritage
The nearest airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport. The nearest railway station is Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station. The nearest bus stand is Hauz khaas. The nearest metro station is Green Park.
History of Nili Masjid, Delhi Nili Masjid, located in the Kharera village area of present-day Hauz Khas in South Delhi, is a modest yet historically significant mosque that dates back to the early 16th century. Built in 1505–06 CE during the reign of Sultan Sikandar Lodi of the Lodi Dynasty, this mosque stands as a fine example of the Sultanate style of architecture with distinct Persian and Afghan influences. Origins and Patronage An inscription over the central arch of the mosque reveals the details of its construction. It was built under the governorship of Khan-i-Azam Masnadi Ali Khwawas Khan, one of the powerful nobles of the time. What makes Nili Masjid particularly notable is its association with a woman named Kasumbhil, the nurse of Khanzada Miyan Fath Khan (son of Khwawas Khan), who funded its construction. This is a remarkable example of female patronage in Islamic architecture in India, a tradition that includes other prominent figures like Hamida Banu Begum, Maham Anga, and Qudsia Begum. Architectural Features Nili Masjid is constructed primarily of stone rubble, later covered in plaster. It consists of three bays and a central dome mounted on an octagonal drum — a typical Sultanate architectural feature. The mosque’s facade faces east and once featured a striking band of blue glazed tiles, from which the mosque derives its name — "Nili" meaning "blue" in Persian. At each of the structure's corners are small decorative minarets and conical buttresses supporting the rear. A small walled courtyard with low bastions marks the front of the mosque. While the blue tiles have mostly eroded over time, traces still survive, giving us a glimpse of its former brilliance. Contemporary Relevance Despite being over 500 years old, Nili Masjid is still a functioning mosque, making it one of the few such heritage structures under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). However, this dual role has created some tension between conservation efforts and practical utility. The addition of modern fixtures like air conditioning units, loudspeakers, and tube lights — although essential for its continued use — detracts from its architectural integrity. Nevertheless, the mosque maintains a quiet dignity, especially when seen from the serene, tree-lined surroundings. It remains a testimony not only to Delhi’s rich Islamic heritage but also to the often-overlooked role of women in the cultural and religious patronage of medieval India.
Year of Built: 15th Century
Address: Block A, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, Delhi
Country: India
State: Delhi
District: South West Delhi
Pincode: 110016
Longitude: 77.2031
Latitude: 28.5479