A historical getaway from Indore: Burhanpur's best kept secret, Jama Masjid

From history to mystery, these medieval marvels always tends to make one curious about the fact surrounding these old cities. Burhanpur, centuries ago, served as a secondary capital for the Mughals is now home to some of the greatest pieces of history. Despite having such a great historical context, the city lacks in attracting tourism. Located about 200 km away from Indore, Burhanpur is a small city on the bank of the river Tapti. One notable piece of history in the city happens to be Jama Masjid on Qila Road, Monin Pura.

An assertion of India’s secularism with inscriptions in 2 languages

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Built by Faruqi ruler, Raja Ali Khan in 1589, the mosque represents the secular fabric of India and is the only one in India that has bilingual inscriptions. The mosque is crucially known for its inscriptions and architectural design. The engravings on the walls of the mosque happen to be bilingual in Arabic and Sanskrit language, towards the south end of the prayer hall. These engraved inscriptions mention the patron of the mosque and the date and duration of its completion.

Construction and architecture

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The mosque is a beautiful roofless structure with intersecting symmetrical arches. There are 15 such arches and two 36 metres high minarets flanking the structure. The black stone used for building the mosque was sourced from Mandu. A wall of the mosque also has 17 Mihrab (prayer) niches marking the direction of Mecca. A true medieval marvel describing the true colours of India.

Burhanpur was initially, considered to be the preferred location for the Taj Mahal, however, due to several regional disputes during that era, the plan to construct the Taj Mahal in Burhanpur was halted. Apart from Jama Masjid, other medieval structures include a Hammam built for Mumtaz Mahal, a Dargah made in honour of a saint, Kala Taj Mahal, multiple forts, etc. The Jama Masjid of Burhanpur almost stands an example of coexistence without conflict. In addition to the beauty of Mughal architecture that it proudly eludes, it gives out an even more important message, harmony.