"The little hill upon which it stands was originally a high conical point of rock; but no undertaking being too great for the architects of the days in which it was built, the upper part of the rock was cut away, and made serviceable in filling in below; and thus a large table surface was obtained, upon which the foundation of the present building was laid. This was executed in the year 1632 [sic], by order of Shah Jahan, then reigning, and the mosque itself, so deservedly admired by all, for its was exquisite symmetry, is said to have been the emperor's own design…"
It is history being made. It is a moment that is being etched in red sandstone in a magnificent façade. The arches and minarets will come alive for eternity as Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan lays the foundation stone of the finest mosque in the world.
It is believed that the day the foundation stone of the mosque was laid, people from all across
This mosque was later named the Jama Masjid (Al Masjidul Jami-lit), the collecting place for people to assemble for their Friday (Jumah) prayers. It was built under the supervision of Shah Jahan's Prime Minister Sadullah Khan and architect Fazil-mir-Saman. Over 5,000 labourers worked here daily for a period of six years, earning one pice per day.
Short History of Imams of Jama Masjid Delhi The magnificent Jama Masjid at Delhi with international frame, named as “Jama Masjid was built by Fifth Mughal Emperor of India Shahjahan who himself laid its foundation stone on the strong basements of the hillocks, on Friday, the 10th of Shawwal 1060 A.H. coinciding with 6th October 1650 A.D.
The pioneer architects, lithographers, sculptors, engineers, and calligraphists of the world, besides six thousand labors, were engaged in this edifice and worked continually for six years. The buildings was competed in the year 1066 A.H., coinciding with 1656 A.D. In those days when artisans were paid at the rate of 2 pice per day and the labor at one pice only, its cost came to Rs.10 lakhs (one million Rupees). The stones and the other materials were presented by the nobles of the country to the Emperor and their cost is not included in it. The simplicity in the structure was the chief aim in the construction of this mosque Jahan Numa.
Its simplicity is by itself a magnificent beauty and exquisite fascination. The simplicity to which thousands of colorful and gorgeous significance can not withstand.
It is history being made. It is a moment that is being etched in red sandstone in a magnificent façade. The arches and minarets will come alive for eternity as Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan lays the foundation stone of the finest mosque in the world.
Simplicity in structure was the intent. Artisans and sculptors, lithographers, calligraphers and engineers, brought their combined skills and talents to the creation of the wonder that is the Jama Masjid. The stone and other material used were donated by the nobles and the total cost incurred was rupees ten hundred thousand, fortune, indeed, in those days.
In building this mosque, Shah Jahan made an attempt to carry further the great tradition of Emperor Akbar's mosque at Fatehpur Sikri. The Jama Masjid resembles its prototype in shape with its triple domes on the sanctuary. After the completion of the mosque, Shah Jahan led a procession from Naqqar Khana of Red Fort, passing through the Delhi Gate, the principal street of the Faiz Bazaar and the Khas Bazaar, constructed during his rule. The entire route to the Jama Masjid was flanked by rows of elephants with gold and silver decorations. There were also a large number of horses, camels and musketeers, all adding to the revelries of that momentous day. The entire area had been decorated with chandeliers, prayer carpets and tapestries.
The monarch, with the accompanying
pomp and splendor, entered the house of Allah through the Royal Gate on the eastern side. He then held prayers led by Imam-ul-Sultan from
A majestic flight of steps leads you to the great mosque. Made of red sandstone, these take you to the shrine and to your first glimpse of the marvel that is the Jama Masjid.
The gate on the southern side, with its thirty-three steps, was meant for the general public and the Eastern Gate or the Royal Gate with thirty- five steps, the highest and largest one, was formally reserved for the use of the Mughal emperor. Even during the British period it was opened only to admit royal visitors and the Viceroy of India. The thirty-nine steps on the northern side lead to the Gate of Nobles.
The splendid structure stands on a rocky hill. It was covered with large hewn stones and brick masonry in lime mortar so as to smoothen its basement walls. The surface of the basement wall, which is 9.4 metres high, was adorned with false arches of red sandstone to give it a stately appearance.
Courtesy : http://www.jamamasjidplan.in
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