Credit: Debosmita Ghosh
History
If you are visiting Mandu, you should not miss the opportunity to explore the Jami Masjid. Located at the heart of Mandu Bazaar, it stood next to Hosan Shah’s tomb. It was built during the reign of Hosang Shah and completed under Mahmud Khilji’s rule in 1454.
The mosque has a rich history that’s worth exploring. At its peak, the mosque was a center of prayer and spirituality. However, with the passage of time, the mosque lost its religious significance and became a relic of the past.
Architecture
The mosque’s entrance has an interesting inscription that gives insights about its construction. The message says the mosque was modeled on the mosque of Damascus.
Entry to the mosque is on the eastern side, which has an entrance hall that is further connected to the courtyard through a wide flight of steps. We see glimpses of Hindu structures, with the main doorway adorned with marble jambs and lintels. The presence of Hindu elements is a testament to the inclusive nature of Mugal rulers, who encouraged the blending of different cultures.
Jami Masjid, apart from the main entrance, has two other entrances. One is located on the northern side and is reserved for priests, while the other is a private entry for the audience. The mosque is designed in such a way that it caters to the needs of different communities.
On entering the mosque from the eastern side, a spacious courtyard interspersed with colonnaded verandas on three sides meets you. These pillared verandas provide shelter from the sun and rain and speak again to the climatic understanding of the architect.
The pillared verandas lead to the halls that are covered with 58 small domes and three large domes. Islamic calligraphy on the arches in the prayers is a sight to behold. The mihrab on the center altar is adorned with Quranic verses. The raised pulpit at the center is a work of art and has a miniature pulpit made of marble.
So If you are an avid history reader, then you should add this place to your itinerary whenever you visit Mandu.
Timing of Jami Masjid
8 am – 6 pm
Entry fees
India – Rs 25
Foreigner – Rs 100
How to reach Jami Masjid
The old mosque is part of the central group or the village group of monuments and is 500 meters from the Mandu bus stand.