Begumpur Mosque — Attraction in Delhi

Begumpuri Mosque @ Begumpur Village, Malviya Nagar Located in the village of Begumpur, just off the main Ring Road near the Hauz Khas Metro Station. The building is vast and historically one of the most important surviving remnants of the Tughlaq era, yet it is probably one of the most under-visited of Delhi’s ancient monuments. Raised high above the surrounding ground, the imposing structure stands out in stark contrast to the urban buildings of surrounding Begumpur, a village that probably came up when the area around the mosque was cleared for conservation purposes in the early-19th century. Much confusion surrounds the date of the construction of this magnificent building. Some say that it was the main mosque of Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq’s newly founded city of Jahanpanah. Unfortunately, there are very few historical references to the mosque from the reign of the Tughlaq Sultan to prove this. Even Ibn Batutah, the famous Moroccan traveller who lived in Delhi from 1333 to 1341 and chronicled in detail the reign of Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq, fails to mention it, leading some scholars to believe that it was built slightly later (in about mid-14th century) and is one of the seven great mosques built by Firoz Shah’s Prime Minister Khan Junan Jahan Shah. It must have been an impressive structure at the time of its construction and it is said that when Timur attacked Delhi in 1398, he was so impressed by the mosque that he took with him to Persia, Indian craftsmen and artisans to build a similar mosque for him in Samarqand. The building continued to be used as a mosque well into the 17th century, till increasing anarchy led many of Jahanpanah’s residents to either escape to Shahjahanabad or take shelter even within the mosque itself. A flight of steps lead to a domed gateway through which is accessed the large courtyard of the mosque. The courtyard is surrounded on all sides with colonnaded arcades that have square domed chambers in their centre. Each bay of the arcade is topped with a flat dome. Originally these domes, now weathered black like the rest of the mosque structure, must have once been covered in lime plaster and paint, creating a spectacular sight. As with all mosques, to the west of the courtyard is the prayer hall. The large central chamber of the prayer hall is entered through a tall elegantly proportioned structure gateway with tapering minarets on both its visible corners, and is the most prominent feature of the mosque. The tall 'aiwan' (a rectangular hall walled on three sides with one side entirely open) of the gateway has three arched doorways, the central one being considerably larger and more dominating than the two flanking it. Within the southern structure of this gateway is a narrow winding staircase, as wide as a grown man’s shoulders, that takes you to the top of the structure from where one can get a fantastic view of the village and open area around the mosque and the city beyond. The rest of the prayer hall takes the form of two eight bay by three bay halls flanking it on both sides. The entire roof of the hall to the north of the prayer chamber has collapsed over the years. The interior of the mosque is only scantily decorated and some carving can be seen in the main prayer hall. The main 'mehrab' or prayer arch is clad in red sandstone and...

Visiting the Begumpur Mosque in Delhi was a captivating journey through time and a true testament to the rich architectural heritage of the city. Stepping into the mosque's premises, I was immediately struck by its grandeur and serene ambiance.

The Begumpur Mosque, located in the Mehrauli area of Delhi, is a magnificent structure that dates back to the 14th century. As I explored its vast courtyard and intricate architecture, I couldn't help but marvel at the mastery and craftsmanship that went into its construction.

The mosque's defining feature is its imposing rectangular prayer hall, adorned with beautiful arched entrances and soaring domes. The intricately carved stone walls, adorned with intricate patterns and calligraphy, added a touch of timeless elegance to the surroundings. It was a sight to behold, truly showcasing the architectural brilliance of the bygone era.

Walking through the halls and corridors, I could feel the weight of history and spirituality that resonated within the mosque's walls. The tranquility of the space, coupled with the gentle echoes of prayers, created a serene and contemplative atmosphere that enveloped me.

One of the highlights of my visit was ascending the minaret, which offered a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding area. From this vantage point, I could see the sprawling cityscape of Delhi, a fusion of ancient and modern, seamlessly blending together.

I was also impressed by the meticulous preservation efforts that have been undertaken to maintain the mosque's authenticity. Despite its age, the Begumpur Mosque stands as a proud symbol of Delhi's architectural legacy and serves as a reminder of the city's rich cultural heritage.

Visiting the Begumpur Mosque was a truly enriching experience. It provided a glimpse into the past, allowing me to appreciate the architectural brilliance and cultural significance that it represents. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a serene space for contemplation, the Begumpur Mosque is a must-visit destination in Delhi. It offers a glimpse into the city's glorious past and invites visitors to immerse themselves in its...

Holey abandoned mosque Batman 🤯🌇🤩🕌💜🦇

Found this B-E-A-utiful place by total and complete accident looking for a completely different ruin 🥳🔥🤙

I was wondering around this lovely lil neighborhood on the hunt for a small tomb that a friend told me about when I stumbled upon this absolutely maaaassive once great place of worship 🙏🌌🫠

This ole mosque was significantly larger than the famous Jama Masjid mosque in old Delhi... Like literally double the size but without one single soul inside of her..... As opposed to tripping over hundreds of people left and right as you try to make your way into the tourist trap of a functional mosque downtown 🪤 😜🙈

If I'm honest exploring this once grand place at sunset was an absolute treat!!! Simply incredible watching the golden hour come in full swing behind these incredible domes while painting these pillars with enchanted light 👌🌞👌🧡👌📸

The courtyard is larger than any sports stadium that I have ever visited and is still somehow covered completely in stone 🪨😃🏟️

The outlying hallways were super long and full of nooks and cranny's to explore. What was impressive to me was just how insanely precise all the geometric shapes that adorn these long corridors full of gigantic hand carved columns were... Staggering honestly 💠🏛️📐🔍

While exploring I managed to find a room completely full of bats! Literally 100's of these fantastic winged mammals hanging out (ooooooo yes I said it) getting ready for their nightly flight into the abyss 🚀🌃🤙

I find it amazing that this entire neighborhood is built around this ginormous ancient wonder... That in itself is pretty freakin' cool y'all! Just to see these new apartment complexes built directly next to something 600 years old..... You simply just don't get to see that everyday fam 🤘

In the most literal sense this is the textbook definition of a hidden gem...