📚 Part of: Delhi History And Ancient Indian Mcqs

NAME THE LARGEST MOSQUE, IN DELHI, BUILT BY SHAH JAHAN

Category: Delhi Gk

Correct Answer: C) JAMA MASJID.

Exam Relevance: Delhi GK, UPSC, Civil Services, State PSC, History Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes:

Jama Masjid, located in Old Delhi, is the largest mosque in India and was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. It is a significant example of Mughal architecture and is a major tourist attraction in Delhi.

Common Mistakes:
  • Confusing Jama Masjid with other historical mosques in Delhi.
  • Not knowing the specific contributions of Shah Jahan to Delhi's architecture.
  • Overlooking the size and historical significance of Jama Masjid.
Explanation:

Jama Masjid, located in Old Delhi, is the largest mosque in India and was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. It is a significant example of Mughal architecture and is a major tourist attraction in Delhi. The mosque was completed in 1656 and is known for its grandeur and historical importance.

Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal emperor, was known for his architectural contributions, including the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort. The construction of Jama Masjid began in 1650 and was completed in 1656. The mosque was built to commemorate the birth of Shah Jahan's third son, Muhammad Sultan, and to serve as a place of worship for the emperor and his court.

The mosque is situated on a hilltop and is accessible by a flight of steps. It is constructed of red sandstone and white marble and features three large gateways, four towers, and two 40-meter-high minarets. The main prayer hall can accommodate up to 25,000 worshippers, making it one of the largest mosques in the world.

The mosque's architecture is a blend of Islamic and Indian styles, with intricate carvings, calligraphy, and decorative elements. The mosque's courtyard is one of the largest in the world and is used for Friday prayers and other religious gatherings.

In addition to its religious significance, Jama Masjid is also an important historical and cultural landmark in Delhi. It has been the site of many historical events and continues to be a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world.

The other options provided in the question are incorrect. Moti Masjid, while also built by Shah Jahan, is a much smaller mosque located within the Red Fort complex. Hazratbal Mosque is located in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, and is not related to Shah Jahan's architectural contributions in Delhi. Therefore, the correct answer is Jama Masjid, which is the largest mosque in Delhi built by Shah Jahan.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Moti Masjid is incorrect. Moti Masjid, also known as Pearl Mosque, is a small mosque located within the Red Fort complex in Delhi. It was built by Emperor Shah Jahan, but it is not the largest mosque in Delhi. The misconception might arise due to the historical association with Shah Jahan, but its size and location make it distinct from the largest mosque.
  • Option B: Hazratbal Mosque is incorrect. Hazratbal Mosque is located in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, and not in Delhi. It is a significant mosque in Kashmir but has no connection to Shah Jahan's architectural contributions in Delhi. The confusion might arise from the historical significance of mosques in different parts of India.
  • Option C: Jama Masjid is correct. Jama Masjid, located in Old Delhi, is the largest mosque in India and was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. It is a significant example of Mughal architecture and is a major tourist attraction in Delhi. The mosque was completed in 1656 and is known for its grandeur and historical importance.
  • Option D: None of the above is incorrect. Since Jama Masjid is indeed the largest mosque in Delhi built by Shah Jahan, this option is not applicable. The misconception might arise if a student is not familiar with the specific details of Delhi's landmarks and their historical context.

Mnemonic: Jama Masjid: J for Jahan, M for Mughal, A for Architecture

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