Massive and impressive Taj ul Masjid, Bhopal.

Taj ul Masjid, Bhopal. cooesncuddles.wordpress.com

Taj ul Masjid, Bhopal. ibhopal.blogspot.com

Taj ul Masjid, which means the ‘Crown of Mosques’,  a benefaction from Sultan Shah Jahan Begum (1868-1901), is an embodiment of elegance and majesty.  The woman Muslim ruler was quite popular and brought out several reforms for the benefits of her people and she was held in great esteem by her subjects. Spread over an area of 23,312 square feet, the construction of the mosque was started by the ruler of Bhopal with a view to building the largest mosque in the world by 1877. The unique Mogul architecture and its mammoth  size make  it one of the most  prominent mosques in Asia.  Its construction, however, could not be completed on account of lack of funds and the interruption of the worst rebellion against the rule of the East India company in 1857.  After a pretty long hiatus,  the construction resumed in earnest in 1971 by the persistent efforts of authorities of this mosque,70 years after the death of Begum. Sultan Shah Jahan Begam's dream became a reality when the building work was completed in 1985. This place of veneration is being used as a Madrasa as well.

Taj ul Masjid, Bhopal. .www.indiamike.com

The mosque has  a pink facade  with towering terracotta walls, and  three glittering white domes, coupled with a pair of soaring pink minarets on either sides that are capped with white domes.  The hallway inside the structure has a marble floor which is similar to the one in Jama Masjid, Delhi in terms of shine and style.

Taj ul Masjid, interior stonework Bhopal mapio.net

A double storied gateway marks the entrance to Taj ul Masjid.  The spacious courtyard  has a large tank in the center. In the the prayer hall  there is the Quibla wall, carved with eleven deep set arches, complete with exquisite screens of trellis work. There are 27 ceilings by arches supported by monolithic pillars; many of the ceiling arches have ornate petals that make them impressive. Yet another feature that may be worth mentioning is the presence of a separate  prayer hall for women. The annual three-day Ijtima congregation held here is quite famous and attracts people from all over the country. 

interior stonework Taj ul Masjid, Bhopal.www.indiamike.com

Also present right across the road is the Dhai Seedi Ki Masjid, or ‘the Mosque of Two and a Half Steps’, that is one of the smallest mosques in Asia.

One of the most imposing mosques in India, a visit to this Mosque will enthrall the people interested in  buildings  with Islamic theme.
Ref:
http://www.mapsofindia.com/my-india/travel/moti-masjid-a-gorgeous-shrine-in-bhopal