Indo Islamic Heritage
Badey Wali Masjid, also known as the Bhikampur Mosque, is a local historical mosque located in Bhikampura, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh. Built in the 18th century by the Sherwani rulers, it represents the architectural and spiritual legacy of the Bhikampur and Datawali principality.
The mosque is intrinsically linked to the history of the Bhikampur and Datawali principality, established in 1703 by the Sherwani clan—descendants of Pathan warriors from Jalalabad, Afghanistan. For nearly four centuries, the Sherwanis exercised semi-independent rule amid the declining Mughal Empire, Maratha incursions, and eventual British dominance. The principality's rulers were known for patronizing Islamic architecture and learning, and the Badey Wali Masjid was erected as a center for worship and community gatherings. While the exact year of construction is not precisely documented in historical records, it is believed to date back to the 18th century, during the height of Sherwani influence. This period saw the building of structures that symbolized resilience and cultural continuity, with the mosque featuring intricate designs typical of the era, including domes and minarets that echo Mughal aesthetics. Situated approximately 6 km west of Aligarh city, the mosque stands as a testament to the region's turbulent history, surviving the shifts from Mughal suzerainty to British colonial rule. Today, it attracts visitors interested in lesser-known Islamic heritage sites, offering a glimpse into the spiritual life of local communities. The surrounding area, part of the Lodha Block, retains vestiges of the principality's forts and gates, some of which were later donated to institutions like Aligarh Muslim University. As a local mosque, it continues to serve daily prayers and festivals, preserving the legacy of its founders.
Year of Built: Not Available
Address: 9HWM+W6Q, Bhikampura, Farrukhabad, Uttar Pradesh 209625
Country: India
State: Uttar Pradesh
District: Farrukhabad
Pincode: 209625
Longitude: 78.02° E
Latitude: 27.88° N