Jama Masjid

Vital Information for Visitors

Address:

Jama Masjid Road, Kinari Bazar, Hing ki Mandi, Mantola, Agra, Uttar Pradesh - 282003

Open & Close:

Open on all days: From sunrise to sunset From 06:00 AM to 08:00 PM

Entry Fees:

Free

Duration:

Approx 1 Hour

Three mosques were built within the Agra Fort but Agra's largest mosque, the Jama Masjid, stands in the centre of the old city and, since it was constructed, has been the most important centre of worship for local Muslims. Strangely, even though all four of Agra's mosques were designed during the first period of Mughal architecture, none are particularly successful compositions. It must be admitted, however, that before the British ran the railway track between the Jama Masjid and the Agra Fort, the Jama Masjid would have been much more impressive.

Not only did the iconoclastic British demolish the square and the Naubat Khana, they also destroyed the original main gateway of the Jama Masjid which was replaced with the present unexceptional structure. It is recorded that Shah Jahan built the Jama Masjid for his daughter Jahanara in 1648.

The mosque and its courtyard follow the normal practice of being raised on a plinth. An unusual zig-zag pattern of white marble bands give zest to three red sandstone domes. For some reason, the five archers of the prayers hall's screen were separated by unduly wide pillars and the ponderous appearance that has resulted is the chief reason for the mosque's lack of appeal.

The Jama Masjid of Agra is a building with rectangular open forecourt. It was constructed in 1648 A.D. by Shah Jahan’s daughter, Jahanara Begum in memory of the famous Sheikh Salim Chisti and his grandson Islam Khan. Of particular importance is its wonderful assimilation of Iranian architecture.