India is a country rich in various religions, cultures, customs and castes. You’ll see all major religions of the world here—Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Buddhists and Jains. This has also made it a country of many temples, mosques, arches, churches and monuments. Most of these were established in the ancient times and they work well to depict ancient India. Indian Government is also putting in tremendous efforts to safe guard them.

One such spectacular mosque established in Jammu and Kashmir in ancient times was Jamia Masjid. It was built in 1400 A.D. during the reign of Sultan Sikandar in Kashmir. This is located at the heart of old city Nowhatta, Srinagar. This spectacular mosque is famous for its beautiful construction. This mosque is considered as one of Srinagar’s tourist attractions. Visitors to this place have experienced peace and tranquillity. This Indo-Saracen architecture is designed with 370 wooden pillars and a splendid courtyard. This unique feature has attracted many visitors/tourists over the ages. Although Jamia Masjid is situated amidst busy markets, the architecture of this place leaves one surprised. Jamia Masjid is considered as one of sacred mosques of India.

Zain-ul-Abidin, the son of Sultan Sikandar later felt the need to extend this mosque to more people and he made way for a whooping number of 33,333 Muslim members to offer prayers. This mosque has existed since 1400 A.D. and it remains as glorified as till today.

Cultural Importance

Jamia Masjid in Jammu and Kashmir is a place where a number of Muslims within the country and across the globe visit often and offer prayers. They generally recite holy quotes from Islamic scripts/Quran at Jamia Masjid Mosque. Muslims believe that by offering prayers in this scared mosque, their sins are forgiven. From the reign of Sultan Sikandar to this age, cultural importance of this place is maintained and taken forward in order to showcase the significance of this beautiful shrine.

Historic Facts and Figures

• Built in 1400 A.D. by Sultan Sikandar
• Believed to be a sacred shrine for Muslims
• Construction is based on Indo-Saracenic architecture
• Extended premises by Sikandar’s Son Zain-ul-Abidin
• Construction was destructed by fire thrice in the years 1479, 1503 and 1674
• Last re-structured to retain original look of Indo-Saracenic design
• Maharaja Pratapsingh is remembered fondly due to his contribution towards re-construction of Jamia Masjid and his financial support to do so
• Fondly known as Jama Masjid
• Occupies a built up area of 384 ft by 381 ft.
• Jama masjid is surrounded by green luscious gardens and lanes to make it look elegant
• About 1 lakh people are seen offering prayers at this mosque during peak hours
• Tourists throng the place throughout the year.

After the extension of this mosque it was once destructed in 1479 due to fire and then re-built. But in 1503 during the supremacy of Mughal Emperor Jehangir, the mosque faced another fatal destruction caused because of fire. Again, this was re-constructed by an architect based in Kashmir who was also a historian named Malik HaiderChaudara. Now, this was the third time the mosque had to face an unfortunate destruction caused fire. This was during the rule of Aurangzeb. However, lastly these were repaired to reflect original architecture and to retain historic value of this mosque that is carried through centuries.

Rich Heritage

The fact that this mosque was built in 1400 A.D. proves the ancient heritage of this mosque. This mosque is reflective of Islamic art along with cultural history, both of which add to its charm. The mosque is proud testimony to legacy of architecture in India. It also showcases the rich culture of Islamic religion.

This mosque has a fountain at the entrance and it is built in a square shape. A green park surrounding the main shrine adds to the beauty of this mosque. The four cornered minars, pyramidal roofs and pinnacles add to the spectacular view of Jamia Masjid mosque in Kashmir.

How to Reach

One should reach Srinagar and follow the route to Nowhattain the centre of the old city to reach Jama Masjid mosque. Airways and railways are routed to Srinagar from all the metropolitan and cosmopolitan cities of India. Once you reach Jammu from any of the two means mentioned above, it is just about 290 km to reach Srinagar. Delhi international airport acts as an en-route to all International travellers to reach Srinagar.