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Described by some as the most beautiful
mosque in India, Jumma Masjid is situated in the centre of the old city of
Ahmedabad
. The congregational mosque was built by the city's founder, Sultan Ahmed
Shah in 1423/1424 AD. Built in yellow sandstone, it combines the best of
Hindu and Muslim styles of architecture. It stands on pillars that support
domes at varying elevations. The mosque is located in the centre of the
old city.
AN
ARCHITECTURAL MARVEL
The vast paved courtyard is a rectangle about seventy-five metres by
sixty-six metres. The whole of the western chamber is a big hall. It
stands on 260 pillars all carved from Hindu and Jain traditions,
supporting 15 domes at varying elevations.
The central courtyard is accessible from the East, though there are three
ways on the other side too. The Eastern side entrance leads to another
enclosure containing the mausoleum of Sultan Ahmed Shah. The mosque is an
architectural triumph.
THE TOMBS
Also near the Eastern entrance stands the 'roja' or the tomb of the
Sultan Ahmed Shah. This tomb was a homage to the Sultan by his son
Mohammed Shah II. The tomb houses the graves of three of the greatest
rulers of Gujarat - Ahmed
Shah I, his son, Mohammed Shah and his grandson, Qutub-Ud-Din Ahmed Shah
II.
After a passage of 100 years, the tomb was repaired by a nobleman by the
name of Farhatul Maluk, who also got the walls of the mosque engraved.
Today after centuries of heat and rough weather, the Jumma Masjid of
Ahmedabad
stands unchallenged and serves as a prayer place for numerous Muslims
residing in the city.
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