Indo Islamic Heritage
Chhoti Jinnati Mosque, also known locally as a smaller variant or reference to the historic Jinnati Masjid (or Jinnaaton Wali Masjid/Jinnat Masjid), is a modest local mosque in Faizabad (now part of Ayodhya district), Uttar Pradesh. It serves as a place of worship for the local Muslim community in a region rich with Islamic heritage from the Nawabi era. While not a major tourist site, it reflects the everyday religious architecture amid Faizabad's numerous historic mosques and shrines.
Faizabad, historically the first capital of the Nawabs of Awadh in the 18th century, is dotted with Islamic architectural gems, including tombs, gardens, and mosques that showcase the region's Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb (syncretic culture). Among its lesser-known local mosques is the Chhoti Jinnati Mosque, located in or near the Angoori Bagh locality. This mosque is a smaller, community-oriented structure, often referred to in local contexts as "Chhoti" (small) to distinguish it from larger or more prominent ones bearing similar names, such as the Jinnati Masjid (also called Jinnaaton Wali Masjid or Jinnat Masjid). The Jinnati Masjid itself is one of the oldest mosques in the Faizabad-Ayodhya area, dating back to the 19th century during the period of the United Provinces (British India). It features typical Indo-Islamic architectural elements, including a prayer hall oriented towards Mecca, decorative stucco work, and contextual zoning that integrates with the surrounding urban fabric. Academic studies highlight its design concept, planning, and climatic adaptations, making it a representative example of 19th-century mosque architecture in northern India. The "Chhoti" variant likely refers to a nearby or associated smaller mosque serving local residents in Angoori Bagh, a residential locality known for its proximity to other neighborhoods like Rikabganj and Niyawan. Though not as grand as landmarks like the Moti Masjid or Gulab Bari, this local mosque contributes to Faizabad's identity as a city with over a hundred mosques, many following vegetarian codes out of respect for Hindu neighbors. It stands as a quiet testament to the enduring Islamic heritage in a city now more famously associated with Hindu pilgrimage sites.
Year of Built: Not Available
Address: Q4MX+WCJ, Unnamed Road, Angoori Bagh, Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh 224001
Country: India
State: Uttar Pradesh
District: Faizabad
Pincode: 224001
Longitude: 82.1417° E
Latitude: 26.7846° N