Part of: Jammu And Kashmir Gk set 21

A mosque in Kashmir; made of white marble; very sacred to the Muslims, for a hair of Prophet Muhammad is preserved here.

Category: Jammu And Kashmir Gk

Hint: Consider the religious significance and the material used in the construction.

Correct Answer: B) HAZRATBAL MOSQUE.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The Hazratbal Mosque, also known as the Mosque of the Noble Lady, is a significant religious site located in Srinagar, the capital city of Jammu and Kashmir. The mosque is renowned for its architectural beauty and its religious significance. It is constructed entirely of white marble, which gives it a striking appearance and makes it a prominent landmark in the city.

The mosque's primary religious significance lies in the fact that it houses a relic believed to be a hair of the Prophet Muhammad. This relic is kept in a gold-encased casket and is displayed to the public only on special occasions, such as the Urs festival, which is celebrated annually. The presence of this relic makes the Hazratbal Mosque a place of great reverence and pilgrimage for Muslims, particularly those from the Kashmir region.

The history of the Hazratbal Mosque dates back to the 17th century when it was built by a Muslim saint named Syed Ibrahim. The mosque has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, with the most significant being the construction of the present-day white marble structure in the 19th century. The mosque's architecture is a blend of Mughal and Kashmiri styles, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the region.

The Hazratbal Mosque is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of the cultural and religious diversity of Jammu and Kashmir. It attracts thousands of visitors and pilgrims every year, making it an important site for both religious and cultural tourism. The mosque's white marble construction and its religious significance make it a unique and important landmark in the region.

It is important to distinguish the Hazratbal Mosque from other significant mosques in India, such as the Jama Masjid in Delhi and the Fatehpur Sikri Mosque in Uttar Pradesh. While these mosques are also important religious and historical sites, they do not have the same religious significance as the Hazratbal Mosque due to the presence of the relic of the Prophet Muhammad.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: The Jama Masjid is a significant mosque in Delhi, not in Kashmir. It is not known for housing a relic of the Prophet Muhammad.
  • Option B: The Hazratbal Mosque is the correct answer. It is located in Srinagar, Kashmir, and is made of white marble. It is highly revered by Muslims as it houses a relic believed to be a hair of the Prophet Muhammad.
  • Option C: The Fatehpur Sikri Mosque is located in Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh, and is not in Kashmir. It is not known for housing a relic of the Prophet Muhammad.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect as the Hazratbal Mosque is a well-known and significant religious site in Kashmir.

Mnemonic: H for Hazratbal, H for Hair, H for Holy

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