Jama Mosque, Fatehpur Sikri

The Jama Masjid is a 16th-century congregational mosque in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fatehpur Sikri in Uttar Pradesh, India.

Akbar commissioned the Jama Masjid as part of his new capital city of Fatehpur Sikri. The structure was one of the first sites constructed in the city, and was completed sometime between 1571 and 1574, according to its own inscriptions. The mosque was in honour of the Sufi Shaikh Salim Chishti, Akbar's spiritual advisor. It was also meant to serve as a khanqah (monastic school) for the Shaikh's descendants. In its time, it was extolled by various authors and travellers for its beauty and grandeur.

The mosque played a part in Akbar's religious designs. In 1579, he delivered the khutbah for a congregational prayer attended by the inhabitants of Fatehpur Sikri. While some of his ancestors had done this, the reading of the khutbah was typically reserved for religious leaders (such as an imam) and hence was perceived by the ulema as radical. Akbar also joined the population in their prayer, and was even seen sweeping the floors of the mosque. Kavuri-Bauer argues that all these actions were conscious moves on Akbar's part, using the mosque to portray himself as a divine sovereign rather than a regular ruler.

The Jama Masjid at Fatehpur Sikri remained a "symbol of Mughal heritage and pride" after Akbar's rule. The mosque was heavily admired by Akbar's son and successor Jahangir, who called it one of his father's greatest architectural achievements. Jahangir discussed the mosque complex at length with his son Khurram during a stay at Fatehpur Sikri in 1619. Khurram went on to become Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, and cited this mosque as the model for his own Jama Masjid at Delhi.

Approaching Jama Mosque.
Constructed by Mughal Emperor Akbar, it is one of the largest mosques in India.

It is the most sought after pilgrimage site by the devotees.
It is also one of the most visited tourist destinations in Agra district.
Some of the designs of the mosque reflect beautiful Iranian architecture.

Entering the mosque through the Imperial Gate (Badshahi Darwaza).
The mosque complex is entered via three gates.

The eastern gate, known as the Imperial Gate (Badshahi Darwaza), was used by Akbar to access the mosque.
It is decorated using cut mosaics.

Courtyard (Sahn).
The courtyard (sahn) is of dimensions 165 m by 130 m (541 ft by 426 ft).

An ablution tank lies in its centre.
The courtyard's northern, southern, and eastern sides are lined by arcades (dalans).
These are shaded by a continuous, projecting eave (chhajja), which is supported by corbels.
Chhatris top the parapets of these arcades.
The inner bay of the arcades is divided into cells (hujra), probably used as sleeping quarters for devotees.
Towards the northern side of the courtyard are the Tomb of Salim Chishti and the tomb of Islam Khan. The former is contrasted from the red sandstone of the Jama Masjid complex by its wholesale use of makrana marble.
Underground water reservoirs lie beneath the courtyard.

Visiting the High Gate (Buland Darwaza).
The northern and southern gates may have historically resembled each other - however, in 1573 the southern gate was rebuilt by Akbar as the High Gate (Buland Darwaza) to celebrate the success of his military campaign in Gujarat.

It is the most prominent gate and a monument in itself, featuring hallways and rooms over its many floors.
Asher says that it is more likely the gate was built to emphasise Akbar's relationship with the Chishti Order.

Prayer Hall.
The rectangular prayer hall (dimensions 89 m by 20 m, 291 ft by 65 ft) lies on the western end of the courtyard, facing Mecca in keeping with Islamic tradition.

Its facade is dominated by a grand pishtaq, which contains three arched entryways.
Three domes rise from the roof, corresponding to the three bays into which the hall is divided.
The central bay is square and richly decorated, featuring geometric marble inlays as well as polychrome floral paintings.
Its western wall bears ornate prayer niches (mihrabs), bordered by mosaics and glazed tile.
The two side bays are colonnaded halls, each containing a square chamber.
These halls contain their own decorated mihrabs, and are supported by Hindu-style pillars.
At the extremities of the prayer hall are women's galleries (zenanas).

Tomb of Salim Chishti (left) and tomb of Islam Khan (right).

Tomb of Salim Chishti.
The Tomb of Salim Chishti is a mausoleum locating within the quadrangle of the Jama Masjid.

It enshrines the burial place of the Sufi saint, Salim Chisti (1478 – 1572), a descendant of Baba Farid, and who lived in a cavern on the ridge at Sikri.
Considered one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture in India, the mausoleum was built during the years 1580 and 1581 by Akbar, along with the imperial complex at Fatehpur Sikri near Zenana Rauza.
It was constructed as a mark of his respect for Salim Chisti, who foretold the birth of Akbar's son (named Prince Salim after Salim Chisti), who succeeded Akbar to the throne of the Mughal Empire.