Jama Masjid, Aligarh Overview

Jama Masjid is the oldest historical monument located in the Upper Fort area of Aligarh, the highest point in the city. Described as Asia's highest gold mosque, its dome and minarets are made of pure gold, unlike any other mosque in Asia. It is also the first mosque in India housing tombs of the martyrs, also known as Ganj-e-Shaheedan (Martyrs' colony).

The founder of Aligarh Muslim University, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, started building the Jama Masjid within the foreground of the university in 1879. The masjid was commemorated in January 1915. Since then, it had begun the Muslim ritual of reading Namaz at 5:00 AM. The in-built capacity of the mosque is 5000 people. It attracts many tourists and locals for its Islamic architecture with three domes flanked with minarets on either of their sides.

Most of the Muslims attend the first namaz held at Jama Masjid every day at 5:00 AM. During the daytime, the multi-coloured glasses on doors interplay with sunlight from outside and leave a magnificent view for its visitors. At night, the exterior of the masjid flaunts with lights planted on it. There are inscribed psalms from the Quran on marbles written in calligraphy and gold floral patterns decorating the walls. The nearby attractions to the masjid include Maulana Azad Library and Aligarh Fort.

Architecture of Jama Masjid

The in-built capacity of the Jama Masjid is 5000 people. Its architectural style was borrowed from Shah Jahanbad’s Jama Masjid in Delhi. The Iwan – a gateway covered on three sides with one side open for entrance – is ornamented with white marbles having psalms from the Quran engraved upon it.
The exterior has three domes planted between two minarets with beautifully carved floral patterns. The interior was renovated with Araish plaster with calligraphic psalms from the Quran and vivified with floral designs using gold. Further, into the building, the walls are inscribed with Arabic inscriptions.
The many doors present have colourful glasses decorating them, reflecting the light of the sun during the day time embellishing the spiritual atmosphere further. The Mezzo Quinto arch provided an entry into this colourful and glistening doorway, with intricate wooden work.
The ceilings are bustling with a contrast of dark and light colour combination, leaving the spectator in awe. The latticed windows make its Islamic architecture more prominent.
During the night time, the lights placed on the exterior of the masjid provide an even more splendid view.
The masjid has six walls built within for its visitors to offer namaz.
Over a century old, this place has overborne the burden of time. Vegetation growth on the exterior of the building has led to algae development and peeling plaster walls. However, the concern has prompted the Aligarh University Conservation Committee to take some strict actions to revive the Islamic architecture preserved by the mosque.

How to Reach Jama Masjid Aligarh

Jama Masjid is located at a distance of 3.8 km from the city, and it should take 16 minutes to cover. The availability of autos, or tuk-tuks in colloquial language, makes the commutation easier.