18 Interesting Facts About Jama Masjid

India is home to numerous monuments, acting as a lens to the passage of time. From Agra’s famous Taj Mahal to Madhya Pradesh’s Khajuraho Temples, there is a lot to discover. Amidst these, the Jama Masjid stands as a true epitome of social equality. Built by Shah Jahan in around 1650, the monument can accommodate thousands of people at the same time. When we teach students about India’s rich cultural and historical heritage, we must also give them a glimpse of the country’s most important monuments. Here are 18 interesting facts about Jama Masjid for students to enrich their knowledge.  

Quick Facts About Jama Masjid 

1. Jama Masjid was constructed in 1650 – 1656 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. 

2. He built this monument in the city of Shahjahanabad, today known as Old Delhi. 

3. It is the second-largest mosque in the Indian subcontinent. 

4. The mosque was initially known as Masjid-i-Jahan Numa. This translates to “world reflecting mosque” or “world displaying mosque”. 

5. It is constructed using red sandstone and white marble.  

6. It took over twelve years to construct this monument. 

7. On 23rd July 1656, Abdul Ghafoor Shah Bukhari, Shah Jahan’s Imam, inaugurated the mosque. 

8. In Arabic language, the term Jama Masjid stands for “Friday Mosque”. Accordingly, hundreds of Muslims gather for their Friday communal prayer. 

9. The mosque was built by over 5,000 skilled workers under the supervision of Saadullah Khan, the Emperor’s Prime Minister. 

10. Jama Masjid is positioned towards the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. 

11. Its open courtyard can accommodate over 25,000 people. 

12. The prayer hall of Jama Masjid is the largest space, measuring up to 90 x 200 feet (27.4 x 60.96 metres). 

13. There are three arched gates, marble domes, four small minarets, and two giant minarets. Additionally, there are three entrances from South, East, and North.  

14. Jama Masjid contains numerous Persian inscriptions. 

15. In 2006, 13 people were injured in bomb blasts which happened in the courtyard of Jama Masjid. 

16. In 2010, two people were gravely wounded in an attack during firing on a tourist bus parked right outside the mosque. 

17. Jama Masjid features an Indo-Islamic architecture style. 

18. Some parts of Jama Masjid, especially the western side, showcase a blend of Jain and Hindu architecture styles. 

Hope you had fun reading these interesting facts about Jama Masjid. If you like reading about facts, you can visit our interesting facts page to read more such blogs.