The Jama Masjid, also known as Jumah Mosque or Jami' Masjid, is a stunning mosque in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. Built in 1424 during the reign of Ahmad Shah I, it was once the largest mosque in the Indian subcontinent .
The mosque is located in the heart of the old walled city, just outside the Bhadra Fort area. It's part of a larger urban design conceived by Sultan Ahmed Shah I. The northern wall of the mosque lies along a processional way that leads to the Teen Darwaza, a grand gateway with three arches.
One enters the Jama Masjid from the north using a staircase. The most striking feature of the mosque is the enormous, peaceful courtyard. The prayer hall itself is a marvel of Indo-Islamic architecture, with 260 columns supporting 15 principal domes at different elevations. Some of the domes feature lotus-like carvings, reflecting the influence of Hindu and Jain styles on the mosque’s design.
Here are some other interesting details to look for when you visit Jama Masjid:
- The central mihrab, a niche in the wall indicating the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca, has an inscription commemorating the inauguration of the mosque in 1424.
- To the east of the mosque lies the Badshah-ka-Hazira, also known as the Tomb of Ahmad Shah. This is the final resting place of Ahmad Shah I, his son, and grandson.
- A short walk away is Rani no Hajiro, the tombs of the queens and wives of the dynasty.
The Jama Masjid is a beautiful and historic mosque that is a must-see for any visitor to Ahmedabad.