📚 Part of: Delhi History And Modern Initiatives Mcq Quiz

Which is the largest and grandest mosque in Delhi?

Category: Delhi Gk

Correct Answer: D) Juma Masjid.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes:

Juma Masjid, also known as Jama Masjid, is the largest mosque in Delhi and one of the most significant religious landmarks in the city. It was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and completed in 1656. The mosque is known for its grand architecture and historical significance, making it a prominent feature of Delhi's skyline.

Common Mistakes:
  • Confusing Juma Masjid with other historical mosques in Delhi.
  • Not recognizing the scale and historical importance of Juma Masjid compared to other mosques.
Explanation:

Juma Masjid, also known as Jama Masjid, is the largest mosque in Delhi and one of the most significant religious landmarks in the city. It was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and completed in 1656. The mosque is located in the heart of Old Delhi and is a prime example of Mughal architecture, featuring large red sandstone structures and white marble domes.

The mosque's grandeur is evident in its size and architectural details. It can accommodate up to 25,000 worshippers at a time, making it one of the largest mosques in India. The mosque's main prayer hall is supported by 260 pillars, and the central dome is surrounded by four smaller domes. The mosque also has two 40-meter-high minarets, each adorned with 130 steps leading to the top.

Juma Masjid's historical significance is not just limited to its architectural grandeur. It was built during the reign of Shah Jahan, who is also known for constructing the Taj Mahal. The mosque's construction involved the labor of over 5,000 workers and utilized materials from various parts of India, including red sandstone from Fatehpur Sikri and white marble from Makrana.

In contrast, other mosques in Delhi, such as the Sunheri Mosque and Begumpur Mosque, are significant in their own right but do not match the scale and historical importance of Juma Masjid. The Sunheri Mosque, located in Old Delhi, is known for its golden dome but is much smaller in size. The Begumpur Mosque, located in Mehrauli, is known for its intricate carvings and historical significance but is not as large or grand as Juma Masjid.

Therefore, Juma Masjid stands out as the largest and grandest mosque in Delhi, making it the correct answer to the question. Its historical and architectural significance makes it a prominent feature of Delhi's skyline and a major religious landmark in the city.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Sunheri Mosque is not the largest and grandest mosque in Delhi. It is a smaller mosque located in Old Delhi, known for its golden dome, but it does not match the scale and historical significance of Juma Masjid.
  • Option B: Begumpur Mosque, while historically significant, is not the largest or grandest mosque in Delhi. It is located in the Mehrauli area and is known for its intricate carvings and architecture, but it is much smaller in scale compared to Juma Masjid.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect as Juma Masjid is indeed the largest and grandest mosque in Delhi. It is a well-known landmark and a significant part of Delhi's historical and religious landscape.
  • Option D: Juma Masjid is the correct answer. It is the largest and grandest mosque in Delhi, built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and completed in 1656. Its grand architecture and historical significance make it a prominent feature of Delhi's skyline and a major religious landmark.

Mnemonic: J for Juma Masjid, J for Jumbo (indicating its grand size)

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