Khirki Masjid Delhi :- Complete History and Architecture
Khirki Masjid is one of the most unique and historic monuments in Delhi. Located in Khirki Village near Malviya Nagar, this mosque is a living example of the peerless architecture of the Tughlaq period. While Islamic architecture generally prioritizes open courtyards and large gateways, this mosque is designed with a completely covered structure and features beautiful perforated windows for light and ventilation, which gives it the name ‘Khirki Masjid’ (Mosque of Windows).
Detailed History
The construction of Khirki Masjid took place in the 14th century (around 1375-1380 AD) during the reign of Sultan Firoz Shah Tughlaq of the Tughlaq dynasty. This historic mosque was built by Firoz Shah Tughlaq’s Prime Minister (Wazir), Khan-e-Jahan Juna Shah. Juna Shah is credited with the construction of several beautiful and unique mosques in Delhi, including the Kali Masjid and Kalan Masjid.
During that era, the threat of Mongol invasions was always looming. For this reason, this mosque was designed not just as a place of worship, but also as a protective fortress. It was built within the city of Jahanpanah (one of the seven cities of Delhi), with the primary objective of providing both safety and a religious space to the local residents.
Detailed Architecture
The architecture of Khirki Masjid is completely distinct and wonderful compared to traditional mosques. The detailed description of its exterior and interior structure is as follows.
Exterior Architecture
- Fortress-like Structure :– When viewed from the outside, the mosque resembles a strong fortress or citadel. Its walls are quite thick and are constructed using local dull brown granite stones (local quartzite) and lime mortar.
- Sturdy Bastions :– Massive circular bastions (Towers) are built at all four corners of the mosque, which is a signature element of the Tughlaq style and gives it a military fort appearance.
- Main Entrance Gates :– There are three massive gateways to enter the mosque, out of which the eastern gate is considered the main entrance. These gateways feature magnificent sloping walls (battered walls).
- Windows and Jali Work :– The greatest feature of the mosque is the beautiful stone screens (Jalis) and windows built on the upper storey of the walls. These windows, carved out of heavy stones, keep the mosque well-ventilated and create a unique play of light inside.
Interior Architecture
- Completely Covered Roof :– Khirki Masjid is a double-storeyed building with a completely covered roof. It is one of the very rare mosques in India built on a completely closed (Cruciform plan) pattern.
- Grid of Domes :– The roof of the mosque features a total of 85 small domes. The interior space is divided into several corridors by a grid of pillars.
- Open Courtyards :– Despite the mosque being mostly covered, 4 small open square courtyards are left inside to ensure interior light and ventilation. These courtyards serve as the main source of sunlight inside the mosque.
- Arches and Pillars :– There are over a hundred sturdy pillars inside the mosque supporting the arches. The western section features beautiful carved arches indicating the direction of Mecca (Qibla).
Travel Guide & Routes
If you are planning a visit to Khirki Masjid, here is the complete information regarding tickets, timings, and routes to reach the place.
- Ticket (Entry Fee) :– Entry to Khirki Masjid is completely Free. There is no ticket fee for either Indian or foreign tourists.
- Visiting Time :– The mosque remains open from sunrise to sunset (6:00 AM to 6:30 PM). A duration of 1 to 2 hours is sufficient to explore the place.
- Opening and Closing Days :– It remains open on all seven days of the week.
- Photography Spots :– The sunlight filtering through the pillars and arches in the interior of the mosque creates stunning shadows and beams. Apart from this, the small domes on the roof and the stone jalis on the exterior walls serve as excellent photography spots.
- Local Food :– The mosque is located near Saket and Malviya Nagar. In the Malviya Nagar market, you can relish excellent street food, Chole Bhature, Chaat, and Mughlai delicacies like Kebabs and Korma. The nearby Select CITYWALK mall in Saket also houses various national and international food outlets.
- Nearby Markets :– Just opposite the locality lie the Saket District Centre and Select CITYWALK Mall. Apart from these, the Malviya Nagar Market is highly popular for shopping for clothes, footwear, and electronic goods.
How to Reach :-
- By Metro :– The nearest metro stations to Khirki Masjid are ‘Malviya Nagar’ and ‘Saket’ (Yellow Line). The mosque is just about 1 to 1.5 kilometers away from these stations. You can easily take an e-rickshaw or an auto-rickshaw from the metro station to reach the mosque.
- By Bus :– All buses heading towards Malviya Nagar or Saket Court can drop you near Khirki Village.
- By Air :– The Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) is approximately 14 kilometers away, from where you can take a taxi or the metro.
- By Rail :– It is about 16 kilometers away from New Delhi Railway Station and around 12 kilometers away from Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station.
Interesting Facts
- Unique Design :– Khirki Masjid is among the very few mosques in India that are completely covered. Another similar covered mosque is located in Gulbarga (Karnataka).
- The Secret Behind the Name :– The mosque was not given a traditional name during its construction. Due to the abundance of carved stone windows on its walls, the local people started calling it ‘Khirki Masjid’.
- Mysterious Basement :– A massive basement (Tahkhana) is built beneath the mosque, containing several small rooms. It is believed that soldiers and civilians took refuge here during times of war or attacks.
- Protection from Mongols :– Its massive, windowless lower walls were designed in such a way that enemies could not easily scale the walls to get inside.
Important Questions and Answer :-
Question 1:- Where is Khirki Masjid located?
Answer:– Khirki Masjid is located in Khirki Village, right opposite Saket Court and Select CITYWALK Mall, near Malviya Nagar in South Delhi.
Question 2:- Who built Khirki Masjid and when?
Answer:– This mosque was built in the 14th century (around 1375-1380 AD) by Khan-e-Jahan Juna Shah, the Wazir (Prime Minister) of Sultan Firoz Shah Tughlaq.
Question 3:- What is the most prominent feature of Khirki Masjid?
Answer:– Its most prominent feature is its covered square layout, 85 domes on the roof, and the beautiful stone jali windows on the walls, which are rarely seen in traditional mosques.
Q4 :– Is there any entry fee to visit Khirki Masjid?
Answer:– No, entry to Khirki Masjid is completely free of charge.
Author’s Thoughts :-
Hidden amidst the hustle-bustle and glittering malls of Delhi, Khirki Masjid is an invaluable gem for history enthusiasts. Standing right across from the modern Saket malls, this ancient structure reminds us of how deep and diverse Delhi’s history truly is. When you step inside this mosque, the peace and the light filtering through its pillars transport you to an entirely different era. If you wish to witness a peaceful and unique piece of historical architecture away from the city’s crowds, a visit to Khirki Masjid will prove to be a memorable experience. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) should focus more on its preservation so that this unique heritage remains safe for future generations.
“Peeping through the windows of history, this peerless artwork of the Tughlaq era still stands tall, hiding an extraordinary secret in the heart of Delhi.”