India » Delhi » Central Delhi » Kalan Masjid
Location: East of Nizamuddin Village, near the main enclosure of Nizamuddin’s tomb
Time to Visit: Open on all days
Preferred Timings: Sunrise to sunset
Admission Fee: Free and open to all
How to Reach: Tourists can either take local buses from various points within the city to reach this monument, which is located near the Mathura Road or they can hire auto-rickshaws and taxis or metro rail.
Photography charges: nil (but caretakers need to be tipped at least INR 20)
Nearest Railway Station: Nizamuddin Railway Station
Nearest Metro Station:
Functional Metro Station: Central Secretariat
Nearest International Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport
Time required for sightseeing: 1 hour
(All data as of August 2005)
A typical example of a Tughlaq mosque, Kalan Masjid is known for its good proportions and simple ornamentation. The tomb is located on the eastern periphery of the Nizamuddin Village. The Masjid is also known by the name of Kali Masjid. Khan-I-Jahan Junan Shah, who was the Prime Minister of Feroz Shah Tughlaq, built this mosque. It is one of seven mosques built by him during his reign. Built of rubble covered in plaster, the mosque’s unique feature is that it is one of the two closed mosques in northern India.
This extensive structure has the same design as that of the Khirki mosque. The courtyard has pillars and is divided into 25 squares with five on each side. Each square is further divided into nine smaller squares. A cluster of nine small low domes made in the Tughlaq pattern covers the following larger squares – the center square of the courtyard with two on the corners, three on each side and one in the middle. The four diagonal squares are left uncovered, through which sunlight finds its way into the inner sanctum of the mosque. The remaining squares are covered with flat roofs, thus making the mosque partly covered and partly uncovered.
The eastern gateway has an inscription, which records that Khan-I-Jahan Junan Shah built the mosque in 1370-71. Though not an often-visited monument, Kalan Masjid reflects the technical excellence of the artisans of the Tughlaq Period in Delhi.
Special Event / Annual Event: The Masjid is at its best during Muslim festivals of Id-ul-Fitr and Id-ul-Zuha
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Nizamuddin’s Shrine, Atgah Khan’s Tomb, Mirza Ghalib’s Tomb, Chaunsath Khamba, Nila Gumbad, Purana Qila, Delhi Zoo, Sabz Burz, Nili Chhatri, India Gate, Ashokan Rock Edict, Khairul Manzil Masjid.
Nearby Places to Eat: Karim’s at Nizamuddin is famous for kebabs and there are many roadside food stalls, which serve Islamic delicacies. Hotel Oberoi in the vicinity, Sweet Corner and Nathu’s in Sunder Nagar Market, Flavors in Defence colony, and Eatopia at Indian Habitat Center in Lodi Road are some popular eateries nearby.
Nearby Shopping Venues: Sunder Nagar Market (antiques, jewelry, brassware), Lajpat Nagar (one stop for all your needs, especially garments), Dilli Haat (handicrafts and ethnic items).
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