Indo Islamic Heritage
The Lal Masjid (literally "Red Mosque") of Delhi, also referred to as the Fakr-ul Masjid ("Pride of Mosques") or Sikandar Sahib's Masjid, is a historic mosque located in Bara Bazaar, Kashmiri Gate, in Old Delhi, India. The Nearest Bus Stand - CGS Indraprastha Univeristy, The Nearest Metro Station - Kashmiri Gate, Nearest Railway Station - New Delhi Railway Station Railway Station Nearest Airport- IGI
The Lal Masjid, also known as the Fakr-ul Masjid or Sikandar Sahib's Masjid, is a historic mosque situated in Bara Bazaar, near Kashmiri Gate in Old Delhi, India. Constructed in 1728, it was commissioned by Kaniz-i-Fatima, also known by her honorific title Fakr-i-Jahan, to honor the memory of her husband, Shujaat Khan, a distinguished nobleman in the court of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. While Colonel James Skinner later repaired the mosque, its construction is occasionally misattributed to him due to his association with its restoration. This mosque also finds mention in Sir Thomas Metcalfe's 1844 book, Reminiscences of Imperial Delhi, where it is both illustrated and described, underscoring its cultural and historical significance. Despite suffering damages during the Siege of Delhi in 1857, it has since been meticulously restored. Architecturally, the Lal Masjid stands out with its distinctive use of red sandstone paired with white marble, a combination that was relatively unusual for its time. The mosque is elevated on a plinth approximately 12 meters (40 feet) by 7.3 meters (24 feet) in size, rising 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) above the surrounding streets lined with shops. Its main structure comprises three chambers, each featuring an arched entryway, with the central arch flanked by striped towers. These are mirrored by the two minarets positioned at the rear corners of the mosque. Topping the structure are three intricately designed domes made of white and black marble, visible behind the decorated parapet on the roof. The architectural design reflects elements of prominent Mughal mosques of the era, drawing inspiration from iconic structures like the nearby Jama Masjid, while maintaining a unique identity through its red and white fa?ade and compact layout.
Year of Built: 18th Century
Address: Mehar Parwar St, Old Dariya Ganj, Daryaganj, New Delhi, Delhi,
Country: India
State: Delhi
District: Central Delhi
Pincode: 110006
Longitude: 77.229613
Latitude: 28.665186