Jama Masjid, located in Delhi, is one of India's largest and most important mosques, built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1650 and 1656. Initially named Masjid-i-Jahan-Numa, it was later known as Jama Masjid, meaning "Friday Mosque," signifying its role as a congregational mosque for Friday prayers. The mosque was a key part of Shah Jahan's grand vision for Shahjahanabad, his new capital. Construction and Design: Commissioned by: Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Construction Period: 1650-1656. Cost: Ten lakh (one million) rupees. Workforce: Approximately 5,000 workers from diverse backgrounds (Indians, Arabs, Persians, Turks, and Europeans). Supervision: Primarily by Sadullah Khan (Shah Jahan's prime minister) and Fazil Khan. Architectural Style: Mughal architecture, with influences from earlier mosques of various sultanates. Materials: Primarily red sandstone and white marble. Key Features: Three onion-shaped domes, two 130-foot minarets, a vast courtyard, and multiple gateways. Historical Significance: Royal Mosque: During the Mughal era, Jama Masjid served as the principal mosque of the Mughal Empire. Religious Importance: It houses relics like a hair from the Prophet's beard and a chapter of the Quran written by him. Symbol of Unity: Built at the highest point of Shahjahanabad, it was designed to reflect the glory and magnificence of the Mughal Empire. Symbol of Religious Tolerance: The mosque was inaugurated by Syed Abdul Ghafoor Shah Bukhari from Bukhara, Uzbekistan, highlighting the cosmopolitan nature of the Mughal court. Historical Landmark: Jama Masjid stands as a prominent historical and architectural landmark in Delhi, alongside other Mughal structures like the Red Fort. Post-Mughal Period: After the British seized the mosque in 1857, they intended to destroy it but ultimately did not carry out their plan. Jama Masjid continues to be a significant place of worship and a popular tourist destination in Delhi, attracting visitors with its grandeur and historical importance.