Mosques In India

Fatehpuri Masjid

Fathehpuri mosque is built in 17th century and is in west end of the oldest street in Delhi that is Chandni Chowk. On the other end of Chandni Chowk is Red fort and this Fathepuri mosque balances the Red fort on the other side of the chowk. This mosque is built by Fatehpur begum who is a wife of Shah Jahan. The masjid is named after her as she is from Fathepur.

History

British government auctioned the mosque in 1857 to Rai Lala Chunnamal for Rs 19,000. The descendents of this Chunnamal still live in Chandi Chowk and preserve their mosque. In 1877 it was taken by government in exchange with four villages and was given back to Muslims at Delhi Durbar when Muslims are back in Delhi. A mosque which is similar to this Fatehpuri mosque called as Akabarabadi mosque, built by Akbarabadi begum was destroyed British government. The Khari Baoli, a famous spice market in India is developed after the construction of mosque and this spice market is surrounded by the mosque.  All the festivals of Muslims are celebrated here with great energy.

Architecture

The whole masjid is constructed by using red stone and has dome on the top. This mosque is a beautiful example for the mughal architecture and has witnessed all the historical events from the mughal and British period till date. The prayer hall in this mosque has seven arched openings with the center arch the highest.

Fatehpuri Masjid has three gates one is in front of red fort in chandni chowk and the other two are in the north and south directions to the mosque. The mosque has single and double storied apartments on all the sides. The central dome i present with the three arches on each side. Khari Baoli is to the north end and Khara Baryan is to the south end of the mosque.

There are wide corridors to the south in the mosque and has large rooms on both right and left to it. A large water tank is present in the courtyard of the mosque. Previously this tank is filled up with water from the river but now it is being filled by the tap water.

The main hall is built on a three and a half foot platform and is high with large domes on both the sides. The main dome of the mosque is very large and is built in a way that from distance it looks like a marble dome with black and white strips on it. The domes are built with lime mortar. There are few graves in the mosque.

Significance

Fatehpuri mosque in Delhi is a beautiful and an age old mosque in Delhi. It is visited by thousands of people every day. As Delhi is one of the main tourist spot in India Fatehpuri mosque is visited by thousands of tourists daily.  Few came here and got settled down here and spent their rest of their life in offering prayers and died there. The graves of these people are built in the mosque and can be seen. It is said to be holy place for Muslims and want come here for worship. Everyone is allowed and no caste or religion is there.

Temperature

Average temperature here will be 32 degree centigrade

Minimum temperature is 3 to 4 degree

Maximum temperature will be 45 degree

How to teach there

Fatehpuri masjid is located in the busiest area in Delhi tat is chandni chowk. It is well connected from all parts in Delhi

Nearest station is chandni chowk metro station

Distance from old Delhi station to here is 1 km and from airport is 19 kms.

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