Ramadan 2024: 10 Oldest Mosques In India

Waquar Habib

Cheraman Juma Mosque, Kerala

Cheraman Juma Mosque, located in Kodungallur, is India's first mosque. Built in the 7th century, it beautifully blends Kerala and Arab architecture and represents the origin of Islam in the Indian subcontinent. Despite undergoing renovations and expansions, the mosque has preserved its essence.

Cheraman Juma Mosque of Kerala, built by Malik Deenar, a companion of Prophet Muhammad. | Shutterstock

Jama Masjid, Uttar Pradesh

Jama Masjid is North India's first mosque built in 1019 AD. It has an open courtyard, engravings, and floral motifs. Built by Hasan Mahdi, it reflects Meerut's cultural heritage. It was last renovated in the 18th century with the Nawab of Oudh's funding.

The Jama Masjid of Meerut | StudioDharma/Facebook

Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, Delhi

Built in 1192 AD by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, this mosque is an early example of Indo-Islamic architecture in India. It blends Hindu and Islamic elements, including pillars from demolished temples. Part of the Qutub Minar complex, it's a significant site in Delhi.

A surviving arch of the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque with Qutub Minar in the background | Shutterstock

Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra, Rajasthan

Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra is an ancient mosque in Ajmer. Commissioned by Qutb-ud-Din-Aibak in 1192 CE and designed by Abu Bakr of Herat, the mosque is an example of Indo-Islamic architecture. Alexander Cunningham described the building as the "Great Mosque of Ajmer."

The front screen wall of the Great Mosque of Ajmer | Shutterstock

Jami Masjid, Gujarat

Jami Masjid is a 14th-century mosque in Khambhat. It has an open courtyard with 100 columns and an enclosed facade with a screen of arches. The mosque's architecture is reminiscent of the Khalji dynasty, and the pillars inside the facade's archways are arranged in the Ajmer type of mosque style.

The entrance corridor area of Jami Masjid looking towards the eastern wall | Wikimedia Commons

Jama Masjid, Madhya Pradesh

Jami Masjid, or Great Mosque of Mandu, is a historic mosque in the heart of Mandu. It was built in the 15th century and is known for its grand courtyard, intricate domes, and beautiful arches that showcase a fusion of Hindu and Islamic styles.

Interior of Jama Masjid in Mandu, Madhya Pradesh | Shutterstock

Kabuli Bagh Mosque, Haryana

Kabuli Bagh Mosque in Panipat was built by Emperor Babur in 1527 to commemorate his victory over Sultan Ibrahim Lodhi. The mosque is named after Babur's wife, Kabuli Begum, and is the first Mughal monument in India.

The Kabuli Bagh Mosque of Panipat | Shutterstock

Jamali-Kamali Mosque, Delhi

Jamali-Kamali Mosque and Tomb is a 16th-century monument near the Qutub Minar in Mehrauli. It includes a mosque and two tombs. The mosque is made of red sandstone and marble. It has a large courtyard, prayer hall and five arches with a central dome.

Inner view of Jamali Kamali mosque in Mehrauli Archaeological Park, New Delhi | Shutterstock

Safa Shahouri Masjid, Goa

Safa Shahouri Masjid, also known as Safa Mosque, is Goa's oldest mosque. It was built in 1560 and has a simple design, surrounded by gardens and fountains. "Safa" means "clean, chaste, and pure" in Arabic.

Safa Shahouri Masjid is a mosque located in Ponda city | Shutterstock

Jama Masjid, Delhi

Jama Masjid is a mosque in Old Delhi, built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahān between 1650-1656. It is a notable example of Mughal architecture and the second-largest mosque on the Indian subcontinent.

The grand Jama Masjid of Shahjahanabad | Shutterstock

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