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Quwwat ul Islam Mosque: Built by, History and Architectural Information

Delhi is the capital of India, which refers to an as cosmopolitan city with the modern as well as historic old Delhi. From the mesmerizing historical monuments to the crowded shopping malls, here you can explore multiple personalities. Undoubtedly, Delhi is known to be the city with a great heart. Among such historical places to visit in Delhi, Quwwat ul Islam mosque is one of such attractive plus a must visiting place for the tourists.

Overview of Quwwat ul Islam mosque

Quwwat ul Islam mosque refers to as Great Mosque of Delhi, which was commissioned by Qutb-ud-din Aibak. He was the founder of the Slave dynasty or Mamluk and had built the ruins of 27 Jain and Hindu temples. The mosque was built over the site of large temples, which is well-known to be located in the center of a citadel. After the Islamic conquest of India, the Quwwat ul Islam mosque was the first mosque built in Delhi. In addition to it, the mosque is the oldest surviving example of Ghurdis architecture among the Indian continent.

When you enter the mosque, you will get fascinated by looking at the intricately carved ceilings. The major attraction which is terrific to look at includes a beautiful courtyard lined by stunning pillars at either side of the mosque. Here you are going to find Hindu motifs such as leaves, tasseled ropes, bulls, cows, and tendrils.

The graceful arches, along with twisting curves and inscription of texts from the Quran, form the first indication of the Islamic character of Quwwat ul Islam mosque. The prayer hall at the Qutb-ud-din Aibak Delhi has eight arches. Quwwat ul Islam mosque is continuously attracting visitors every year. The tourists flock here to explore the history and view the geometrical patterns, corbelled arches, and floral motifs.

Quwwat ul Islam Mosque built by

Quwwat ul Islam Mosque built by

Qutb-ud-din Aibak built Quwwat ul Islam mosque in the 1180s. The mosque, which stands tall, reflects the Ghurids style of architecture majestically.

It is believed that many rules involving Alauddin Khalji and Illtutmish have contributed towards the expansion of the Quwwat ul Islam mosque.

The Quwwat ul Islam mosque built by Qutb-ud-din Aibak involved demolishing Jain temples and by using stoned. In the construction of Quwwat ul Islam mosque, brick, as well as mud, were used. After the death of Qutb, the Quwwat ul Islam mosque was expanded by Illtutmish.

During this period, Illtutmish has added three arches which are found to be more Islamic as compared with those constructed during the period of Qutb. Even he had built a tomb that has the characteristics of Hindu design. Later, Ala-ud-din Khalji has added a courtyard at the entrance of the Quwwat ul Islam mosque.

Qutub-ud-din had called the mosque as Jami Masjid, and it was stated that around twenty lacs of coins had been spent on the erection of the demolished temples. The Quwwat ul Islam mosque facts show that the western portion of the mosque’s courtyard occupies the original site of one of the destroyed temples.

On the eastern sides of the mosque, an intermediate story was raised to provide proper compartments for ladies. Anangpal had set up an iron pillar from the Vishnu temple of the fourth century stands in the front of the prayer hall of Quwwat ul Islam mosque. The mosque has several unique features to it, and that is why; it witnesses various visits, especially history lovers, never miss a chance to explore it.

Quwwat ul Islam Mosque History

Quwwat ul Islam Mosque History

After the annexation of Delhi by Mohammad Ghori, the making of Quwwat ul Islam mosque had started in 1193 AD. The construction of the mosque was started by Qutub-ud-din Aibak, who was the commander of Muhammad Ghori.

The magnificent monument, Quwwat ul Islam mosque in Delhi was built on the ruins of the edifice and Hindu temples, and it got completed by 1197 AD. After that, Illtutmish successor had added three more colonnades to the central prayer to Qutub-ud-din Aibak. After that time, during the rule of Alauddin Khilji, in 1300 AD, Alai Darwaza was also built. Along with it, a court was also made on the eastern side of the mosque.

After the completion of the Quwwat ul Islam mosque in 1198, a massive stone screen was erected in front of the prayer hall, which consists of a central arch which is 16m high and 6.7m wide. The Quwwat ul Islam mosque was enlarged by two later rulers, namely, Shamsu’d-Din Illtutmish, who was son-in-law, and successor of Qutub-ud-din.

He has doubled the size of the Quwwat ul Islam mosque in 1230 by extending its prayer hall outside the original enclosure and its colonnades. After that, Ala-ud-din Khilji had extended the mosque by enlarging the enclosure substantially. In addition to it, he had provided two gateways on the longer eastern side of the portals and one each on the south as well as the north side.

Quwwat ul Islam mosque history shows that it is one of the oldest surviving mosques in India, which was solely built to celebrate the triumph of the victory of Mohammed Ghuri on the Rajputs. Initially, this mosque was started by Qutub-ud-din Aibak as a token of respect for his mastery when he became the sultan.

When you enter the mosque, you will get fascinated by looking at the temple ceiling. The ceiling at Quwwat ul Islam mosque is well-designed, which attracts the attention of many tourists.

The picturesque courtyard of Quwwat ul Islam mosque is highly sequenced by the rows of intricately designed pillars that amaze the visitors visiting here. The breathtaking pointed arches boast the Islamic feature, which excellently flaunts the calligraphy of texts from the Quran in Arabic.

Quwwat ul Islam Mosque Architectural

Quwwat ul Islam Mosque Architectural

The technique, as well as the architectural features of the Quwwat ul Islam mosque, resembles the pattern or structure of other monuments that were built by the same ruler Ajmer Mosque and Adhai Din ka Jhopra. It is strongly believed that the entire Qutub Minar complex was established after demolishing Sanskrit schools as well as temples found at the spot. To construct the Quwwat ul Islam mosque, the destruction of twenty-seven Jain as well as Hindu temples, was furnished. Along with it, the mosque was initially built with grey quartz red sandstone and white marble.

There you can find enormous stone-made screens which stand perfectly in front of the prayer hall. The information about Quwwat ul Islam mosque includes two smaller arches along with a central dome, which shaped like an S like its company. After that, a large stone screen was built ahead of the prayer hall, which is accompanied by arches and is of S-shaped.

Along with, another example of Islamic and Hindu fusion is the prayer hall, which is of co shaped and consists of a central arch, which is approximately 6.15m in height. The prayer hall is further ornamented with out of the box decorations which reflect the excellent work finished by the architectures.

Quwwat ul Islam mosque is an exultant example of Indo-Islamic architecture, the dimensions of the mosque include a grand prayer hall and a central courtyard located to the west side of Quwwat ul Islam mosque. Along with it, you can find huge arcades made of greystone plus a total of bays about Quwwat ul Islam mosque.

The mosque also has an enormous central arch along with smaller side arches. Both the pillars and the screens are carved with religious texts as well as floral designs. The iron pillar of the mosque is located in the front. However, the famous monument in Delhi, Qutub Minar is situated to the west side of Quwwat ul Islam mosque.

The mausoleum is built with an ornate shaped entrance on an elevated platform that was borrowed from the Hindus temples. Quwwat ul Islam mosque is profoundly cherished as one of the most magnificent works of architecture in the entire world.

How to reach?

Quwwat ul Islam mosque in Delhi is well-situated with the Qutub Minar complex. The metro station is situated on the yellow line, which connects Huda City Center, and Samaypur Badli is nearer to the Qutub Minar complex.

You can get down there either at the metro station or bus stop. From there, you can hire battery auto-rickshaws or battery rickshaws to reach Quwwat ul Islam mosque.

  • Address: Qutub Minar Complex, Mehrauli, New Delhi, Delhi 110030
  • Timings: 7 am to 9 pm all days
  • Fee: Rs. 35 for Indian and Rs. 500 for others
  • Nearest metro station: Qutub Minar metro station in Yellow line.

Conclusion

If you want to explore the Mughal history as well as various historical monuments, then visiting Quwwat ul Islam mosque is the best decision. In Delhi, you can come across multiple historical monuments that make it the concentration of the country’s political power.

Quwwat ul Islam mosque is well-located inside the Qutub Minar complex and celebrated the Muslim conquest of India. The significance of this mosque is that it is the first mosque of India. In addition to it, the mosque is inspired by the iron “Pillar of the Law” and attracts many visitors over the entire world. So what are you waiting for? Go and plan a historical trip with your family and explore the history of the Quwwat ul Islam mosque.

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