Muslim Mosques

India's religious tolerance has made lots of religion flourish. The religious centers of Islam are not only a place of worship, but a center of learning too. There are tombs such as Taj Mahal that showcases the depth of undying love and Mughal Emperor Humayun's Tomb, which is considered the most perfectly planned octagonal building in the history of Indian Architecture.

Agra and Fatehpur Sikri are not mere rich legacies of Mughal History, they are the finest examples of architecture, which combined both Hindu and Muslim elements in it. The remains of seven cities in Delhi include the remnants of Shahjhanabad and Qutub Minar, which are worth a visit. Lucknow and Hyderabad's Nawabi legacy is still lurking in the monuments such a Bada Imambara and Charminar.

Famous Mosques in India

• Jama Masjid, Delhi
  Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques in India and the final architectural extravagance of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. It's also known as 'Masjid-i-Jahan Numa', 'Jahan' means 'World' and Numa means 'Visible'. It is situated some quarter of a mile from the Red Fort. It was designed as Emperor Shahjahan's principal mosque. The sprawling esplanade, which separates it from the arterial road is a fascinating leisure ground.
  A Religious Masterpiece
  The construction work continued for six years, ending in 1644. The structure was placed on a high platform so that its magnificent facade would be visible from all the adjoining areas. It's an austere, yet, a beautiful building. Just like other buildings of Shahjahanabad, this one was also built with red sandstone. White marble has also been used extensively, specially in the three domes and has been inlaid with stripes of black.
• Fatehpur Sikri
  Fatehpur Sikri is the best example of the culmination of Hindu and Muslim architecture. Fatehpur Sikri Mosque is said to be a copy of the mosque in Mecca and has designs, derived from the Persian & Hindu architecture.
  
  Fatehpur Sikri is one of the finest examples of Mughal architectural splendour at its height. Though the city is in ruins, it is a place to visit if one comes to Agra.But in real terms Fatehpur Sikri is a place where one should spend some time. The sunset over the ruins is sight to cherish.
• Ajmer Sharif
  The shrine is considered to be a place of wish fulfillment for those who pray with devout and pure hearts. It is said that Emperor Akbar sought blessings for his son at the Dargah.
  
• Haji Ali
  This mosque was built in the middle of the sea with only a narrow path leading to it giving it an ethereal look. As per the Muslim traditions separate praying rooms for ladies and gents are provided here to pay their respects.
• Hamayun Tomb
  The lofty mausoleum is located in the centre of the enclosure and rises from a podium faced with series of cells with arched openings. The central octagonal chamber containing the cenotaph is encompassed by octagonal chambers at the diagonals and arched lobbies on the sides, their openings closed with perforated screens.
• Taj Mahal, U.P.
  Taj Mahal is not just a fine specimen of beautiful art and excellent architecture, but a memorial of love and faith. It is a sublime experience of the greatest love story ever told. From studied awe to sheer ecstasy, people have literally competed to say the most beautiful things about the Taj Mahal. Some have admired its beauty; others have revealed the various activities that took place here.
  
  Shah Jahan's own composition in praise of the Tajis found in Badshah Nama: "…The sight of this mansion creates sorrowing sighs/And makes sun and moon shed tears from their eyes/In this world this edifice has been made/ to display thereby the Creator's glory."
• Qutub Minar, Delhi
  In 1199, Qutub-ud-Din raised the Qutub Minar either as a victory tower or as a minaret to the adjacent mosque. From a base of 14.32m it tapers to 2.75m at a height of 72.5m and a valid reason why it took two decades to complete this monument.
  
  Its a red sandstone tower covered with beautiful and striking carvings and is inscribed with verses from the holy Quran. Qutub Minar is still the highest stone tower in India as well as one of the finest Islamic structures ever raised and Delhi's recognised landmark. The sultan's successor and son-in-law, Iltutmish, completed it.
• Charminar, A.P.
  The most popular landmark of the city of Hyderabad is the Charminar, a historic monument with four graceful minarets. Built two years after the founding of the Hyderabad to mark the end of an epidemic in the city, it is often referred as the Arc of Triumph of the East.
• Sikandra, Agra
  A famous excursion of Agra city, is a glorious introduction to the city of Mughal wonders, Sikandra, the site of Akbar's Musoleum. Started by Akbar and completed by his son Jehangir in 1613 AD, Sikandra is an expression of a man's desire for serenity and dignity.
• Bada Imambara, U.P.
  Also called the Asafai Imambara this huge and elegant building is almost built like a fort. Nawab Asaf-ud-Daulla built this building in a famine relief program in 1784.
• Chota Imambara, U.P.
  The third Nawab of Avadh, Muhammad Ali Shah built this imposing structure of Chota Imambara in 1840. The real name of this structure is Husainabad Imambada.