Kalan Masjid Explained

Religious Affiliation:Islam
Location:Delhi

Kalan Masjid, or Kalan Mosque is a 14th-century mosque in Delhi, India.[1] [2]

Etymology

The mosque is titled Kalan Masjid, meaning chief mosque. It is also known as Kali Masjid, or black mosque, although this may also be a corruption of the word Kalan.

History

The mosque was commissioned by Khan-i-Jahan during the reign of Firuz Shah Tughlaq.[3]

Description

The mosque is built out of sandstone. It is an oblong structure, measuring in length and in breadth. It has two stories, with a total height of .

A flight of steps leads to the doorway on the first story through which the mosque is to be entered. The doorway is surmounted by a low dome, which is flanked by two conical columns. Over the doorway is a marble slab on which there is an inscription in the Naskh script. The inscription describes the date of completion of the mosque, and that it was constructed by Khan Jahan during the reign of Firuz Shah.

The mosque has a square plan, and is divided into four quadrants.

Notes and References

  1. Book: Stephen, Carr . The Archæology and Monumental Remains of Delhi . 1862 . 149–154.
  2. Web site: Interior of the Kalan Masjid, in New Delhi's Nizamuddin district, India, 1965-2000 . 2023-10-24 . . en.
  3. Book: Sharp, Henry . Delhi, its story and buildings . 1921 . 62–63.