Each begum (queen of nawab) of Bhopal built mosques. Moti Masjid was built by Begum Sikander Jahan, daughter of Qudsia, in 1860. Its name means Pearl Mosque, perhaps in reference to that of Agra. Architecturally, its style is strongly copied from the Jama Masjid of Delhi, with its facade in red ochre inlaid with white marble. This mosque was completed on 31st August 1862.
Shah Jahan Begum was a reformist and the mosque built reflects her modernity. The mosque has a modern appearance. Its facade, inspired by the Jama Masjid of Delhi, is in white marble and flanked by two black minarets topped with golden arrows.