The Jama Masjid was constructed by Shah Jahan in the walled city of Shahjahanabad (or Old Delhi as it is now known), which served as the Mughal Empire's capital throughout his reign. The construction began in 1644 and lasted twelve years before it was completed in 1656. More than 5000 laborers were employed in the construction project, which was overseen by Saadullah Khan, the Emperor's prime minister. This great structure was created for one million rupees by Shah Jahan who spared no expense.

The mosque was formerly known as Masjid-i-Jahan Numa, which means "Mosque that Reflects the World." Jama Masjid, or Friday Mosque, was the name given to it later. The mosque was inaugurated on July 23, 1656, by an Imam named Abdul Ghafoor Shah Bukhari, who had traveled from Bukhara (now Uzbekistan) at Shah Jahan's request. Shah Jahan also named him as the mosque's first Shahi Imam.

The masjid has stood tall in the city since its construction, situated close to another famed monument built by Shah Jahan, the Red Fort. It was the emperors' royal mosque until the end of the Mughal period. The victorious British overlords took the mosque after the Revolt of 1857, intending to destroy it. However, public outcry caused them to reconsider their decision, and the edifice was spared any harm. The masjid is currently under the authority of the Delhi Waqaf Board.

The Jama Masjid in Delhi is often regarded as the most beautiful mosque built during the Mughal Empire. It has a length of 261 feet and a width of 90 feet and was built in the Indo-Islamic architectural style using red sandstone and white marble. Three massive arched gates, three marble domes, four towers, and two tall minarets embellish the edifice. It also includes a large courtyard that can hold over 25,000 people for prayers at any given time.

The easternmost of the three entrances to the mosque has 35 steps leading up to it. Because it was only used by Mughal Emperors, this gate is also known as the royal entrance. The gates on the northern and southern sides, respectively, contain 39 and 33 steps. Each of the two minarets has five floors and a projecting balcony that rises to 130 feet in height. To reach the summit of each minaret, there are 130 stairs inside.

The mosque's floor is a remarkable black and white marble design with 899 surrounded sections for attendees. The inside of this mosque is adorned with lavish arches, floral decorations, and fluorescent accents. The words 'The Guide' are written on the archway leading to the prayer hall's center. A copy of the Quran written on deerskin, a strand of red hair from Prophet Mohammed's beard, a pair of his shoes, and his footprints on a marble block are among the important relics at the mosque.

• If you are a non-vegetarian, then you should try the eateries around the Jama Masjid. 
• You can give a visit to the Walled City Cafe and Lounge, which is a 200-year-old mansion. 
• Coming to something offbeat, you can always go and check out the Aisa's largest spice market or painted houses at Niagara.

• Jama Masjid is open from sunrise to sunset every day. Early mornings are the best time to visit the mosque because the traffic in Old Delhi is less compared to other times of the day.
• Because shoes are not permitted within the mosque, we recommend that you wear sandals that are easy to put on and take off. 
• Also, make sure you're dressed conservatively. This includes covering your head, legs, and shoulders if you're a woman. At the mosque's entrance, you may also purchase more conservative clothing.

The mosque is open daily from sunrise to sunset, except for Friday prayers, which are held from midday to 1.30 p.m. Early in the morning is the best time to attend, before the people gather (and you'll have the finest light for photos). You can visit it from October to February as the weather remains moderate and chilly in Delhi.

• Red Fort
• Digambar Jain Temple
• India Gate
• ISKON Temple
• Jantar Mantar

• The meaning - While there are several stories as to why the Jama Masjid was built, historians think Shah Jahan's purpose was to transmit a message of world unification. Masjid-i-Jahan-Numa, which means "majid that mirrors the world," was over. Believe it or not, the sheer size of this structure will make you believe in your insignificance.
• The cost - The Jama Masjid in Delhi was constructed between 1644 and 1656 at the request of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, and it cost a whopping 1 million rupees. It was built by more than 5000 employees over a decade.
• The inauguration - You might be astonished to learn that Jama Masjid was inaugurated by an Imam from Uzbekistan, who traveled from Uzbekistan decades ago. That must have been a journey of epic proportions, to say the least.