Shahi Jama Masjid of Meerut, Uttar Pradesh is one of the oldest mosques in the subcontinent reminding us the early history of Islam in the region. It was erected in 1019 AD by Hasan Mahmudi, the Wazir of Sultan Mahmud Ghaznavi as per some accounts. It is located in the heart of the city and is considered a significant part of Meerut’s cultural and religious heritage. The mosque is a blend of Mughal and indigenous architecture.
Although one millennium has passed since it came into existence, Jama Majid of Meerut is still in good condition. The Government of India has asked the mosque management to take it under their protection in view of its historical significance. However, the management showing wisdom and vision has refused to hand over the Islamic place of worship to the government. The source of expenditure on the activities of the mosque is collections from the public.
There is another version of its construction that about 700 years back the emperor Nasiruddin built Jama Masjid of Meerut as Shahi Jama Masjid. They say that only the rear part of the structure was built 700 years ago. Its three domes have been built in the Mughal era. The administrator of Shahi Jama Masjid in Meerut and the Qazi of the city, Zainus Sajidin says that the upper part has recently been built.
It would also be relevant to mention here in the wake of Hindu claims on a number of Islamic structures in India to be erected on the places of worships belonging to other faiths. A person namely K.D. Sharma has allegedly claimed that Shahi Jama Masjid of Meerut has been built on a Buddhist religious structure. However, the persons associated to the mosque have refuted the claims vehemently regarding them to be based on mere imagination and foreign ramblings.
Shahi Jama Masjid of Meerut is situated in the heart of the city in Sohrab Gate area about 4 km from Meerut City Junction, 1-2 km from Ghanta Ghar, not far from another Islamic monument, the tomb of Hazrat Shahpeer. Anyone interested in the glory of Islamic culture and civilization would have lasting impressions of the topic by visiting Meerut in terms of Islamic traces of history and its decline over many centuries.
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