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| Jama Masjid Photo By Mohsin Javed |
The
internationally acclaimed, magnificent, Jama Masjid Delhi originally named Masjid-i-Jahan-Numa,
was built by Shahjahan, the Fifth Mughal Emperor of India. Shahjahan himself
laid its foundation stone on the strong basements of a hillock on Friday the 6th
of October 1650 AD corresponding to 10th Shawwal 1060 AH.
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| Dome of Jama Masjid Photo By Mohsin Javed |
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experts in the field of construction, best chiselers, sculptors, engineers,
best calligraphers and eminent artisans of the world assisted by six thousands labourer
took part in the construction of the magnificent Jama Masjid. They dedicatedly
worked for six continuous years. The Jama Masjid got ready in the year 1656 AD
(1066 AH).
In
those days when the daily wages of mason and a labourer were 2 paisa and 1 paisa
respectively of construction was 1 Million Rupees. Many nobles and nawabs of
that era gifted stones and other construction material to the emperor for the
mosque’s construction, which therefore are not included in its cost.
While
the Jama Masjid was under construction emperor Shahjahan received complaint of
its slow progress. The emperor therefore summoned Saadullah Khan, his minister
in charge of the construction, and sought explanation. Saadullah Khan informed
that the recital of a Holy Quran preceded the installation of every stone of
the interior walls of the Mosque including that of the pulpit (mimber) and the
Imam’s musalla (place from where the Imam leads the prayers) to consecrate it. This
pleased the emperor so much that he ordered the construction to continue that
way.
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| Dome and Minar of Jama Masjid Photo By Mohsin Javed |
During
construction, special care was taken to maintain the level of the pulpit of the
mosque above that of the royal throne (chaired by the emperor) in the Red Fort.
The simplicity in the structure was the chief aim in the construction of the
mosque. In fact, its beauty lies in its simplicity. The simplicity, which
thousands of colorful and gorgeous significance cannot withstand.