Fatehpuri Masjid, Delhi

In the year 1650, Fatehpuri Masjid was built by one of the Shah Jahan’s wife - Fatehpuri Begum. Located in Chandni Chowk, this mosque is a true specimen of the art of Mughal architecture, and thus, it stands out when it comes to the heritage attractions of Delhi. Buland Darwaza (Victory Gate) having a height of 54 m leads to the main entrance of the mosque. The gate was built to pay homage to the military victory of Akbar in Gujarat.

Inside the temple, there is a glorious white marble tomb of Shaikh Salim Chisti who was a great Sufi Saint. At the tomb, numerous threads on the jaalis (lattice screen) can be seen that are tied by the women who wish to have children. On the right of this tomb, there lie the tombstones of the family members of Shaikh Salim Chisti. Moreover, in its nearby, there is an entrance to the underground tunnel (now barred) which leads to the Agra Fort. Apart from this, the main mosque which is built on a three-and-a-half feet elevated platform is flanked by two imposing minarets.

History

Fatehpuri Masjid was built in 1650 by Fatehpuri Begum, one of emperor Shah Jahan's wives who was from Fatehpur Sikri The British had auctioned the mosque after the 1857 war to Rai Lala Chunnamal for Rs. 19,000(whose descendants still live in the Chunnamal haveli in Chandni Chowk, who preserved the mosque.

Later in 1877 it was acquired by the government in exchange for four villages and was restored to the Muslims at the Delhi Durbar when the British allowed the Muslims back in Old Delhi. A similar mosque, called Akbarabadi Masjid built by the Akbarabadi Begum was destroyed by the British. The Khari Baoli, which is today Asia's largest spice market, gradually developed after the construction of the mosque.

Architecture

The construction of this beautiful mosque in Delhi boasts Mughal architecture with an element of Persian and Indian design. The entire mosque is built with red sandstone which adds a unique charm to the grandeur of this beautiful tourist place in Delhi. Besides, the mosque has three gates; the first one is right in front of Red Fort, whereas, the other two are located on the north and south side.

The north end is Khari Baoli and the south end is Katra Baryan. They're also a courtyard located in the center of the mosque which is also laid with red sandstones. Moreover, the mosque complex also includes verandas with a height of 12 ft that are built on both sides of the arch. In the courtyard, there is a large tank that is now used for washing and cleansing. Furthermore, the pulpit of the mosque is made up of white marble.