Indo Islamic Heritage
Jama Masjid Shamsi, a historic Friday mosque in Budaun, Uttar Pradesh, was constructed in the early 13th century by Sultan Iltutmish of the Delhi Sultanate. Renowned for its Persian and Afghan architectural influences, it features eight domes, including the largest central dome in India, and three grand gates built from red sandstone and white marble. It remains one of the oldest active mosques in the country, accommodating up to 23,500 worshippers.
The Jama Masjid Shamsi, also known as the Great Mosque of Budaun or Jama Shamsi Shahi, stands as a testament to early Indo-Islamic architecture in northern India. Completed between 1210 and 1223 CE during the reign of Shams-ud-Din Iltutmish, the third ruler of the Mamluk dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate, it was erected as a congregational Friday mosque in the heart of Budaun, a city that served as an important provincial center under his rule. An inscription within the mosque confirms the construction date as 1223 CE, marking it as the third oldest surviving mosque in India and the seventh largest by area. Architecturally, the mosque exemplifies a fusion of Persian and Afghan styles, constructed primarily from red sandstone with intricate white marble inlays on the floors (known as Sange-e-MarMar). It boasts eight domes, with the central dome being the most prominent—measuring 11 meters in outer diameter and 10 meters in inner diameter—and recognized as the largest of its kind in any Indian mosque. The structure rises to a height of 47 meters, making it the tallest edifice in Budaun. Entry is facilitated through three imposing gates: the main gate, facing Shakeel Road and crafted from red marble, soars to 30 meters (100 feet) high; a second gate in Farshori Tola; and a third in Sotha Mohalla, where the mosque is elevated on a plinth for prominence. The complex includes a central hauz (ablution pond) and three wuzu khanas (ablution areas), supporting daily prayers for a congregation of up to 23,500. Flanking the mosque are residential quarters known as Jama Masjid Quarters, integrating it into the local community fabric. Designated a Monument of National Importance (N-UP-A118) and a National Heritage Site, the mosque is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. Its enduring functionality, with continuous prayers held since inception, underscores its role as a vital spiritual and cultural landmark in Uttar Pradesh.
Year of Built: Not Available
Address: 24QC+FMQ, Molvi Tola, Budaun, Uttar Pradesh 243601
Country: India
State: Uttar Pradesh
District: Bijnor
Pincode: 243601
Longitude: 79.1219°E
Latitude: 28.0387°N