Antique Indian Miniature Painting Mughal Jama Masjid in Delhi 19th Century Islamic  India

A good antique,19th century, of superb quality, finely hand painted, on organic wafer, Indian miniature painting depicting the Islamic Mughal Mosque “Jama Masjid in Delhi”. Set under glass in an oval silver frame mounted in beautifully carved solid ebony wood frame carved with floral decoration, standing on two ornate feet with an easel at the back to stand.

MEASUREMENTS

Dimensions of the ebony frame: 11.8 cm x 9.3 cm (4.65 inches x 3.66 inches)

CONDITION: This original painting is in very good condition, with no restorations, or repairs.

Mughal Emperor Shan Jahan built the Jama Masjid between 1650 and 1656, at the highest point of Shahjahanabad. The mosque was designed by architect Ustad Khalil and constructed by approximately 5000 workers. The workforce was diverse, consisting of Indians, Arabs, Persians, Turks, and Europeans. The construction was supervised primarily by Sadullah Khan, the Wazir (or prime minister) during Shah Jahan's reign, and Fazil Khan, the comptroller of Shah Jahan's household. The cost of the construction at the time was ten lakh (one million) rupees. The mosque was inaugurated on 23 July 1656 by Syed Abdul Ghafoor Shah Bukhari, from Bukhara, Uzbekistan. He had been invited by Shah Jahan to be the Shahi Imam (Royal Imam) of the mosque.

The mosque was one of the last monuments built under Shah Jahan. After its completion, it served as the royal mosque of the emperors until the end of the Mughal period. The Khutba was recited by the Mughal emperor during the Friday noon prayer, legitimising his rule. The mosque was hence a symbol of Mughal sovereignty in India, carrying political significance. It was also an important center of social life for the residents of Shahjahanabad, providing a space transcending class divide for diverse people to interact.