Introduction:
Jami Masjid
Popularly also known as the Jami Masjid,
the Jama Masjid in Agra is perhaps the largest mosque in India.
It was constructed in 1571 A.D. during the reign of Emperor
Akbar and is one of the most sacred sites in Fatehpur Sikri.
The exterior is modest but the interior carries the most gorgeous
ornamentation in the floral arabesques and ingenious geometrical
patterns in brown, red, turquoise, black and white. The fact
the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri was built around the Jama
Masjid, which speaks volumes about its importance. The Jama
Masjid has been built at a great height and has a large courtyard
for prayers and is flanked by the Jammat Khana hall and the
Zenana Rauza (the tomb of the women of the royal household)
on both sides. The spacious courtyard adds a stately charm
to the place. It could accommodate ten thousand men at prayer.
Akbar was so enthusiastic about this mosque that he occasionally
swept the floor and gave azan (call for prayer).
On June 26, 1579, Akbar even read the khutba himself, a great
innovation, earlier attempted only the Timur and Mirza Ulugh
Beg.When you visit the Jama Masjid, you can also have a look
at the shrine of the Sufi religious leader Sheikh Salim Chisti,
which is an example of some very amazing workmanship. The
whole of Jama Masjid is exquisitely decorated with inscriptions,
inlaid geometric designs and colored tiles. Yet, the monument
manages to preserve its austerity.
All the bulbous domes have inverted lotus and kalash finials
on the top and have narrow zigzag courses of white marble
alternated by broad bands of red stone. There is a fountain
with four kiosks in its corners in the centre of the courtyard.
The interiors of the western wall have a beautiful mihrab
and pulpit in white marble. The Persian inscription in white
marble inlaid with black stone on the archway of the central
portal is in praise of Jahanara and Shah Jehan. The pristine
beauty of the mosque must have been awesome as indicated by
its comparison with Baitul-Mamur, the fabulous mosque of rubies
and pearls situated in the fourth sky. It is said that once
surrounded by a market place called Tripolia set in an octagonal
(Muthamman) Chowk that was built between the Delhi Gate and
the Jami Masjid. |
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