Indo Islamic Heritage
Taj-ul-Masajid, located in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, is the largest mosque in India and one of the largest mosques in Asia. Known for its grand Mughal architecture, the mosque features impressive pink facades, towering minarets, and a spacious prayer hall. Construction began under Nawab Shah Jahan Begum in the 19th century and was completed in 1985.
The Taj-ul-Masajid is an iconic mosque situated in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India. With its stunning Mughal architecture, it holds the title of the largest mosque in India and ranks among the largest in Asia. The construction of the mosque was commissioned by Nawab Shah Jahan Begum of Bhopal in the newly developed walled suburb of Shahjahanabad, and it stands amidst three picturesque ponds: Munshi Hussain Talab, Noor Mahal Talab, and Motia Talab. Construction began in the mid-19th century, but it faced delays due to funding issues and the War of 1857. After the death of Shah Jahan Begum in 1901, her daughter Sultan Jahan Begum continued the work. Despite interruptions, the mosque's construction resumed in 1971 under the guidance of Allama Mohammad Imran Khan Nadwi Azhari and Maulana Sayed Hashmat Ali Sahab of Bhopal. The mosque was finally completed in 1985. The Taj-ul-Masajid features a striking pink facade with two towering 18-story high octagonal minarets, each crowned with marble domes. The grand entrance gate, renovated with ancient motifs from 1250 Syrian mosques, was financed by the Emir of Kuwait to honor his late wife. Inside, the mosque boasts a spacious prayer hall with massive pillars, 27 ceilings supported by squinted arches, and intricate petalled designs on 16 of the ceilings. The mosque also includes a zenana (women's gallery), a rarity for its time when women typically prayed from home. The main courtyard of Taj-ul-Masajid features a large ablution tank, and the prayer hall is adorned with nine cusped multifold openings. This architectural marvel, with its blend of Mughal design and modern elements, stands as a symbol of the rich cultural and religious heritage of Bhopal.
Year of Built: 1857 (Completed in 1985)
Address: NH 12, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
Country: India
State: Madhya Pradesh
District: Bhopal
Pincode: 462001
Longitude: 77.4126
Latitude: 23.2507