What comes to your mind when I say the words Jama Masjid Delhi? Is it history, architecture, religion, or something else?
I think of religion and architecture. See, in India; you will not be bored. Most of the places have a rich history behind them. It does not matter whether you are looking at grand architecture or a simple statue.
The stories behind them change the entire perspective. To put it in simple words, have you ever been to a historic place without knowing anything about it?
Yes? How did it feel? It was nothing special, right? Now compare it with visiting a place, and this time, you know what happened here. Goosebumps, right?
This is the power of knowledge. So, which facts do you like about this historical place? Is it the Mughal empire or the attacks?
I know I am confusing you. To begin with, I can tell you that Jama Masjid has a very long history.
It has been through several changes, and this Masjid has seen various changes in society, politics, people, religion, and many more.
When I visited the place, I felt like it had a soul of its own.
Jama Masjid’s Creation & the Following Events
Jama Masjid’s creation was unforgettable. It is one of the Islamic architectural wonders. The Mughal emperor Shah-Jahan built the masjid as a symbol of the great Mughal empire. I know; he was quite good at it. Taj Mahal, Jama Masjid, all these creations are just so perfect.
The construction started in 1644 and ended in 1656. Moreover, it took more than a million dollars to build Jama Masjid. Yes, I’m talking about that time period.
So, it is pretty evident that it took a lot of money. Everything was good. Muslims appreciated it, and it became the most prominent worship place in Delhi.
Even now, the grace of this masjid is there.
But after a while, the golden era was gone. Why? The British took over. Though they gave the Mughal emperor the right to maintain the place and perform religious activities, the authority was still in their hands.
The 1857 revolt made things worse. Yes, it was a great protest against British rule, but it also created religious turmoil.
However, things settled down after a while. Did you know it was the place from where APJ Abul Kalam gave his speech about India being the motherland for the Muslim population?
Yes, some parts of the Masjid had been damaged, but the remaining is under strict maintenance.
You can visit the place anytime. No entry fees are required.
Final Words
You just need to take the Delhi metro to Jama Masjid. Yes, it has its own metro station now. You can also take the metro to Chawri Bazaar. It will take a few minutes from there.
Chandni Chowk, Sarojini Nagar market, everything about Delhi just reminds me of the larger-than-life people who once ruled India. Isn’t it fascinating that we live in a country where every wall has a story to tell?
Indeed it gives goosebumps.