Infrastructure: Tajul Masjid

The capital of Madhya Pradesh is a combination of old as well as new. It is beautiful in its own ways. One will never run short of places to visit in Bhopal with its stunning heritage sites and numerous cultural hubs. During the 19^th century, Bhopal was governed by a succession of Begums or women rulers who gave the city its Roads, Civic Institution and most important Mosques and Places. The older part of Bhopal still bears the stamp of the Nawabs, who ruled until independence. On the other hand it is also upcoming metropolis with modern markets, hotels and restaurants concentrated in its southern part. The heritage site which has attracted me the most in Bhopal is Jama Masjid. Jama Masjid officially known as taj-ul-masajid is a popular mosque in Bhopal. The largest mosque in India is not only a religious spot but also a tourist attraction too. The construction of the mosque was commissioned by the third rulers of Bhopal Nawab Shahjahan begum of Bhopal, wife of Baqi Mohammad khan during the reign of Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar. The construction continued by her daughter Sultan Jahan begum but could not complete it in her lifetime due to lack of funds and the war of 1857. Taj-ul-masajid is a reddish pink colored mosque with a stunning façade that is a flanked by  18 storey minarets with white marble domes. The mosque also has 3 enormous rounded domes, the main hallway including impressive pillars and marble flooring, looking like Mughal architecture of Delhi’s Jama Masjid and Lahore’s Badshahi mosque. The courtyard is huge and has a tank in the middle. The gateway is two stored, is flanked by 4 archways and 9 multifold leading to the main prayer hall. This hall has the Quibla wall which is beautifully carved 11 arches and screens of trellis work. The colossal pillars that hold the ceilings are adorned with ornate petal design. Bhopal is a beautiful place and there are many places out here which may surely grab a tourist’s attention. This unique architecture of Bhopal has grabbed my attention and I would surely recommend others to visit this place at least once.