Nestled in the heart of bustling Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi, the Jama Masjid stands as one of India’s most magnificent and historically significant monuments. Built in the 17th century by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, who also commissioned the Taj Mahal and much of Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi), this mosque remains an enduring symbol of Islamic architecture and cultural heritage in the Indian subcontinent.
Historical Context and Significance
The Jama Masjid, also known by its grand name Masjid-i Jahān Numā, meaning “World-Reflecting Mosque,” was constructed between 1650 and 1656 CE under Shah Jahan’s patronage. Located close to the Red Fort, it was built as part of the new capital city Shahjahanabad and designed to be the principal congregational mosque of the empire. At the time of its completion, it was the largest mosque in India, capable of hosting tens of thousands of worshippers in its expansive courtyard.
Jama Masjid has since remained an essential center of religious life in Delhi. It has witnessed centuries of history — from the height of the Mughal Empire to colonial times and into modern India — serving not only as a place of worship but also as a gathering point for major events and celebrations within the Muslim community.
Architectural Splendor
The mosque stands as a sublime example of Mughal architecture, blending grandeur, symmetry, and intricate artistry. Constructed primarily of red sandstone with extensive use of white marble, the structure reflects a harmony of form and function that defines Mughal architectural aesthetics.
One of the mosque’s defining features is its elevated plinth, reached by climbing more than 30 steps from the street level. This not only gives the mosque a commanding presence over the surrounding cityscape but also symbolically elevates it above the everyday bustle of Chandni Chowk.
Four towers and two towering minarets, each rising approximately 40 meters (130 feet), flank the main prayer hall. These slender minarets, adorned with alternating bands of red sandstone and white marble, offer panoramic views of Old Delhi for those who climb them — a vivid contrast to the labyrinthine streets below.
The Courtyard and Prayer Hall
At the heart of Jama Masjid is an immense open courtyard — one of the largest in any mosque in India — capable of accommodating approximately 25,000 worshippers. The courtyard is paved with red sandstone and includes a central marble ablution tank used for ritual purification before prayer.
The main prayer hall lies on the western side of the courtyard, oriented toward Mecca, the holiest city in Islam. The hall’s façade features a majestic central gateway (iwan) flanked by five smaller cusped arches on either side, all featuring exquisite calligraphy and geometric motifs. Inside, the floor is laid with white and black marble, arranged in patterns reminiscent of traditional prayer mats, encouraging orderly and reverent worship.
Above the prayer hall rise three graceful marble domes, each crowned with gilded finials. These domes — the central one larger and more imposing than the flanking pair — are emblematic of the mosque and visible from afar.
Entrance Gates and Design Elements
Jama Masjid features three grand entrance gates:
- Eastern Gate – Historically reserved for the royal family and offering direct access from the Red Fort side.
- Northern Gate – Opens toward the old city lanes near Chandni Chowk.
- Southern Gate – Leads into the busy neighborhoods and markets that surround the mosque.
These gateways are framed by towering arches and embellished with Arabic and Persian inscriptions, a hallmark of Islamic sacred architecture. Such inscriptions not only beautify the structure but also serve as spiritual reminders drawn from the Quran.
Cultural and Religious Importance
Beyond its architectural majesty, Jama Masjid holds deep cultural and spiritual meaning. It continues to serve as an active place of worship where daily prayers are held, and the call to prayer (adhan) resonates five times a day. During major festivals like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, the courtyard fills with thousands of devotees united in prayer, reflecting the mosque’s enduring role in community life.
The mosque also houses a collection of relics traditionally associated with Prophet Muhammad near the north gate — a unique aspect that draws visitors interested in both history and spirituality.
Chandni Chowk: The Vibrant Surroundings
Jama Masjid’s location in Chandni Chowk — one of Delhi’s oldest and busiest markets — adds another layer of richness to its identity. Founded in the 17th century as part of Shah Jahan’s capital, Chandni Chowk has grown into a labyrinth of narrow lanes packed with shops selling textiles, jewelry, spices, street food, and more.
The area around the mosque pulsates with energy — a sensory feast of sights, sounds, and smells. Visitors to Jama Masjid often pair their spiritual visits with explorations of local eateries and street stalls serving traditional Mughlai cuisine, such as kebabs, biryanis, and sweets.
Legacy and Visitor Experience
For scholars, photographers, devotees, and history enthusiasts alike, Jama Masjid is more than just an architectural landmark — it is a living testament to Delhi’s layered history. Its stone walls have borne witness to centuries of change, from imperial splendour to colonial turbulence and the vibrant democracy of modern India.
Whether you approach it for solace, study, or sightseeing, Jama Masjid offers a transcendent experience. Climbing the minarets, walking through its vast courtyard, and observing the interplay of light through its ornate arches evoke not just admiration of human craft but also a profound sense of continuity with the past.
In the midst of Chandni Chowk’s chaotic charm, Jama Masjid stands as a serene sanctuary — a sacred space that bridges centuries, cultures, and communities, inviting all who enter to reflect on beauty, faith, and history.
Meleyrs 
Suman Gupta