The ‘Masjid-I Jahan-Numa’ or Jama Masjid in Delhi is the largest mosque in India built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. The mosque hosts thousands of pilgrims each year on the holy occasion of Eid to offer special Namaz in the morning. With a capacity of twenty-five thousand people in the courtyard, Jama Masjid extends for about 1200 square meters in area with three gateways, four towers and two minarets which are forty meters high. Syed Abdul Ghafoor Shah Bukhari, an Imam from Uzbekistan, inaugurated the mosque. Unfortunately, non-Muslims are not allowed inside the Masjid during Namaz offerings.

Jama Masjid is situated in the older part of Delhi, now called Chandni Chowk and surrounded by beautiful Mughal structures. It took a huge construction cost of one million rupees at the time, five thousand workers and six years (1650-1656) to complete. To reach the entrance one needs to climb 121 steps which are filled with food and bookstalls in the evening. The massive central dome is an outstanding example of Islamic architecture. J Sadaullah Khan who was the Wazir (prime minister) during Shah Jahan’s rule supervised the construction of the mosque. Literally meaning “World Reflecting Mosque.”, the mosque was the last of Shah Jahan’s impressive collection of architectural undertakings, after the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort.

One of the oldest markets in Old Delhi, Chandni Chowk is Old Delhi’s main thoroughfare which is a chaotic wholesale market lined by hawkers and porters offering full medieval bazaar experience. It is an important historical site renowned for the availability of every kind of goods as well as food. It was constructed in the 17th-century b the Mughal ruler of India Shah Jahan. It is situated opposite the Red Fort and provides a view of the Fatehpuri Mosque.

Chandni Chowk, Delhi

Crisscrossed by narrow streets with shops jostling for space, Chandi Chowk gives a feel of old Delhi shopping. Since the 17th-century era, this places is rightly called a “shoppers paradise” in Delhi. During the reign of Shah Jahan, there was a tree-lined canal running through its centre, reflecting the moon. Hence, the name “Chandni Chowk” came to being which means “moonlight place”. Shopping at Chandni Chowk is fun as the market is distributed in several streets and these narrow streets are inundated with vibrant varieties of clothes, perfumes, electronic items, jewellery, candles, idols of deities and lifestyle goods.

The market deals in everything that shoppers might think to buy for oneself and as well as for home. As this is a wholesale market, one can get huge discounts on most of the items. These shopping streets is heaven for retailers too. Apart from shopping, this place is equally famous for its eateries, street food, and Indian snacks. It has been aptly said for this barrage of noise, colour and smell, “Are janaab Dilli aae aur chandni chowk nahi dekha to kya dekha?”

Fatehpuri Masjid, Delhi Overview