Maryslanker at 01:03, 8 June 2025

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{{Short description|Former mosque in South Delhi, India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2018}}
{{distinguish|Jamat Khana Masjid{{!}}Jamat Khana Mosque, often called the Khilji Mosque}}
{{Infobox religious building
| building_name = Khirki Mosque
| native_name = {{ubl|{{langx|ar|مسجد خيركي}}|{{langx|hi|खिड़की मस्जिद, दिल्ली}}}}
| image = Main south entrance.jpg
| image_upright = 1.4
| alt =
| caption = The south entrance to the former mosque, in 2008
| location = Khirki Village, [[Satpula]], [[South Delhi]], [[Delhi NCT]]
| country = [[India]]
| map_type = India Delhi
| map_size = 250
| map_alt =
| map_relief = 1
| map_caption = Location of the former mosque in [[Delhi]]
| coordinates = {{coord|28.5315|77.2197|format=dms|type:landmark_region:IN-DL|display=it}}
| religious_affiliation = [[Islam]] {{small|(former)}}
| status = [[Mosque]] {{small|(former)}}
| functional_status = '''Inactive'''<br/>{{small|(partial ruinious state)}}
| rite =
| administration = [[Archaeological Survey of India]]
| heritage_designation =
| leadership =
| website =
| architect =
| architecture_type = {{nowrap|[[Mosque architecture]]}}
| architecture_style = {{ubl|[[Tughlaq dynasty|Tughluqid]]|[[Indo-Islamic architecture|Indo-Islamic]]}}
| general_contractor =
| facade_direction =
| founded_by = [[Malik Maqbul|Khan-i-Jahan Junan Shah]]
| groundbreaking = 1351
| year_completed = {{start date and age|1354}}
| construction_cost =
| capacity =
| length = {{cvt|52|m|ft}}
| width = {{cvt|52|m|ft}}
| width_nave =
| height_max =
| interior_area = {{cvt|87|m2}}
| dome_quantity = 81
| dome_height_outer =
| dome_height_inner =
| dome_dia_outer =
| dome_dia_inner =
| minaret_quantity = Four
| minaret_height =
| spire_quantity =
| spire_height =
| materials = Rubble masonry
| nrhp =
| added =
| refnum =
| designated =
| module = {{Infobox historic site
| embed = yes
| designation1 = MANI | designation1_offname = Khirki Masjid<br/>(Khirkee Masjid) | designation1_type = | designation1_criteria = | designation1_date = | delisted1_date = | designation1_partof = | designation1_number = N-DL-85 | designation1_free1name = | designation1_free1value = | designation1_free2name = | designation1_free2value = | designation1_free3name = | designation1_free3value = }}
}}

The '''Khirki Mosque''' ({{langx|ar|مسجد خيركي}}; {{langx|hi|खिड़की मस्जिद, दिल्ली}}) is a former [[mosque]], now in partial ruins, located in Khirki Village, near [[Satpula]], in [[South Delhi]], [[India]]. The mosque was built by [[Malik Maqbul|Khan-i-Jahan Junan Shah]], the [[prime minister]] of [[Feroz Shah Tughlaq]] (1351–1388) of the [[Tughlaq Dynasty]].<ref name=anon>{{Cite book |author= |title=Delhi, the capital of India |access-date=2009-05-13 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aqqBPS1TDUgC&q=Adham+Khan%27s+Tomb |pages=102–103 |publisher=Asian Educational Services |year=1997 |isbn=978-81-206-1282-2}}</ref> The former mosque can be approached from Satpula or the seven–arched bridge on the edge of southern wall of [[Jahanpanah]].

The former mosque is a [[Monuments of National Importance (India)|Monument of National Importance]],<ref name="ASI MNI">{{Cite web |url=http://asi.nic.in/alphabetical-list-of-monuments-delhi/ |title=List of Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains of Delhi |work=[[Archaeological Survey of India]] |access-date=2018-10-02 |date= }}</ref> administered by the [[Archaeological Survey of India]].

== Etymology ==
The word 'Khirki' prefixed to mosque is an [[Urdu language|Urdu]] word that means "window" and hence, the mosque is also called "The Mosque of Windows".<ref name=kapoor>{{Cite web |url=https://www.kamalkapoor.com/muslim-spiritual-places/khirki-qila.asp |title=Khirki Ka qila |access-date=2009-05-11 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090707075919/http://www.kamalkapoor.com/muslim-spiritual-places/khirki-masjid.asp |archive-date=2009-07-07 }}</ref><ref name=jahapan>{{Cite web |url=http://www.travellinginindia.com/delhi/khirki-qila-and-jahanpanah.html |title=Khirki Qila And Jahanpanah |work=TravellingIndia.com |access-date=2009-05-11}}{{dead link|date=April 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref name=site>{{Cite web |url=http://www.archnet.org/library/sites/one-site.jsp?site_id=2199 |title=Khirki Fort |date= |access-date=2009-05-11 |work=ArchNet |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090522004658/http://archnet.org/library/sites/one-site.jsp?site_id=2199 |archive-date=2009-05-22 }}</ref>

==History==
[[Malik Maqbul|Khan-i-Jahan Junan Shah]] and [[Feroz Shah Tughlaq]] were intensely committed towards building architectural monuments. Together, they planned and built several tombs, forts and mosques. Telangani in particular, was credited with building seven monuments of unique designs.

Constructed in the Jahapanah city, the Khirki Mosque is a novel cross–axial mosque in [[Tughlaq dynasty|Tughluqid]] architectural style. There are no specific inscriptions on the mosque on its construction date, though the name of the builder is inscribed on the eastern gate of the mosque as 'Khan-e-Jahan Junaan Shah'. Therefore, in the absence of "epigraphic and literary" evidence (though one recent web reference mentions 1375 and another 1380) for its provenance, a research study<ref name="Welch"/> conjectured the year of building by comparing with many other large monuments of this period. It is dated between 1351 and 1354 when Feroz Shah Tughlaq, during his stay in Jahapanah, ordered this mosque to be built as "his pious inaugural contribution to the Capital".<ref name="Welch"/>

==Architecture==
[[File:One of the four interior courtyards.jpg|thumb|View of interior courtyard]]
[[File:Mosque exterior.jpg|thumb|Exterior of the mosque with latticed Khirkis on the second floor]]
The former mosque has a {{convert|52|by|52|m|ft|adj=on}} square plan in an area of {{convert|87|m2|ft2}}. It is raised on a [[plinth]] of {{convert|3|m|ft}}. There are four open courtyards (square in size of {{convert|9.14|m|ft}} on each side) encircled by arcades built with 180 square structural columns and 60 [[pilasters]], which run in north–south direction and divides into aisles. The open courtyards are the source of light and ventilation to the internal prayer spaces.<ref name="Welch"/>

The roof is partitioned into 25 squares of equal size with nine small domes in each square (totalling to 81 domes) and alternated by 12 flat roofs to cover the roof. The four courtyards provide light and ventilation.<ref name=site/> The four corners of the mosque are adorned with [[minaret]]s with three protruding gateways, one in the middle of each face, with tapering [[Turret (architecture)|turrets]] flanking each gate. The southern gate, with imposing steps at the main entrance, exhibits a combination of arch and trabeated construction. It has an ornamental rectilinear frame. The turrets flanking the southern and northern gates are circular in shape; the articulation on these gives them a three storied appearance.<ref name="Welch"/>

The main gate, which leads to the ''[[qibla]]'' on the western wall, has a projecting [[mihrab]]. Above the vaulted first floor cells, ubiquitous arch windows (carved out of stone guard) with perforated screens or ''[[jali]]s'' or [[tracery]], known as "Khirkis", are seen on the second floor.<ref name="Welch">{{cite journal |last1=Welch |first1=Anthony |last2=Crane |first2=Howard |date=1983 |title=The Tughluqs: Master Builders of the Delhi Sultanate |url=http://archnet.org/system/publications/contents/3053/original/DPC0347.PDF |journal=Muqarnas |publisher=Brill |volume=1 |pages=123–166 |jstor=1523075 |doi=10.2307/1523075 |access-date=13 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160813185947/http://archnet.org/system/publications/contents/3053/original/DPC0347.PDF |archive-date=13 August 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> However, the foyer in front of the mihrab is not well lighted since light from the latticed windows on the second floor do not penetrate this space. The approach to the roof of the former mosque is from the east gate, and the view from the roof leaves a lasting impression of the geometrical design of the mosque.<ref name=Lucy>{{Cite book |title=Delhi - A thousand years of Building |author=Peck, Lucy |chapter=Khirki Mosque |pages=70–71 |publisher=Roli Books Pvt Ltd. |location=New Delhi |year=2005 |isbn=81-7436-354-8 |url=https://www.vedamsbooks.com/no43813.htm |archive-date=12 March 2006 |access-date=16 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060312215021/https://www.vedamsbooks.com/no43813.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The former mosque's walls are of [[rubble]] [[masonry]] construction with plastered surface on the outside. The interior walls are bland but provided with traditional carved stone screens. The symmetrically designed admirable mosque is considered one of “the finest architectural compositions of the Sultanate history.” It was considered Firuz Shah's architectural benefaction.<ref name=site/>

The importance of the Khirki Mosque's architectural elegance was considered a precursor to the intensely metaphorical [[Mughal architecture]] (1526–1857), with the [[Lodhi dynasty|Lodhi]] period's (1451–1526) architecture – the [[Delhi Sultanate]]'s last dynasty – marking the transition.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.indiavisitinformation.com/indian-culture/indian-monument/Khirki-Masjid-in-india.shtml |title=Khirki Mosque |work=India Visit Information |date= |access-date=2009-05-13}}</ref>

==Restoration==
[[File:Collapsed northeast corner.jpg|thumb|left|150px|A collapsed corner of the roof]]
Over the years, a few domes on the north–east side of the mosque collapsed and a few walls were in a dilapidated condition. The roof was on the verge of collapse in many places. The Delhi chapter of [[Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage]] (INTACH) categorized the monument as "Grade A" in terms of archeological value. It is one of the 43 monuments identified by the [[Archaeological Survey of India]] (ASI) for restoration before the [[2010 Commonwealth Games]]. {{as of|2009}}, some conservation works were initiated by ASI inside the former mosque.<ref>{{cite news |last=Verma |first=Richi |date=2009-01-23 |title=Say a prayer for Khirki mosque |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-01-23/delhi/28042437_1_senior-asi-official-monument-conservation-work |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023224317/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-01-23/delhi/28042437_1_senior-asi-official-monument-conservation-work |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-10-23 |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=2009-05-11}}</ref>
[[File:Restored walls and arches.jpg|thumb|right|Interior walls and arches restored by conservation action by [[Archaeological Survey of India|ASI]]; the pink colour is distinct]]
Delhi heritage experts were concerned by the status of the restoration works of the Khirki Mosque done by the ASI, which converted it into a pink monument (pictured) as distinct from the lime mortar of ancient times. They pressed the ASI to re–examine the restoration procedures adopted by them for conservation works of [[Mughal architecture|Mughal]]-era monuments. ASI suspended the restoration works of the mosque and held a workshop on the "Use of lime mortar in ancient times" to educate their staff on proper restoration of Mughal monuments.<ref name=restore>{{cite news |last=Verma |first=Richi |date=2008-03-28 |title=Heritage not in pink of health |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Heritage-not-in-pink-of-health/articleshow/2905554.cms |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=2009-05-12}}</ref>

In 2018, during archaeological works, the ASI uncovered a large number of copper coins on the site of the mosque.<ref>{{cite news |author=Pruthi, Rupali |title=ASI discovers 254 copper coins of medieval era at Khirki Mosque |url=
https://www.jagranjosh.com/current-affairs/asi-discovers-254-copper-coins-of-medieval-era-at-khirki-mosque-1536813918-1 |work=Jagran Josh |date=13 September 2018 |access-date=8 January 2025 }}</ref> Further restoration works were announced in June 2023,<ref>{{cite news |author= |title=ASI initiates restoration of historic Khirki Masjid in Delhi |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/new-updates/asi-initiates-restoration-of-historic-khirki-masjid-in-delhi/articleshow/101357205.cms |work=The Economic Times |date=29 June 2023 |access-date=8 January 2025 }}</ref> and completed in December 2024.<ref>{{cite news |author=Bukhytir, Idrees |title=ASI restores 9 domes of Khirki Masjid after decades of neglect |url=https://thepatriot.in/reports/asi-restores-9-domes-of-khirki-masjid-after-decades-of-neglect-62559 |work=The Patriot (India) |date=18 December 2024 |access-date=8 January 2025 }}</ref>

==Visitor information==
Access to the mosque is through the narrow lanes of Khirki village near [[Saket]], in South Delhi. The mosque is on the other side of Press Enclave Marg from the Saket Citywalk Mall. The nearest metro station is Malviya Nagar. The mosque can be easily glimpsed down the narrow lanes off this main road. It is {{convert|4|km|mi|abbr=on|1}} east of [[Qutub Minar]] and {{convert|13|km|mi|abbr=on|1}} south of [[Connaught Place, New Delhi|Connaught Place]]. The remnants of the fourth city of Delhi, Jahanpanah, the raised Bijai Mandal Platform and the Begampur mosque with its variety of domes are other attractions close to the mosque.<ref name =kapoor/> Nearer to the mosque, there is a bridge structure of the time called the Satpula (means seven bridges), part of the Jahanpanah boundary walls. It is a sluice weir with seven arched main spans, with two additional bays at a higher level on the flanks.<ref name=Lucy/>

==Gallery==
<gallery>
Ceiling details.jpg|Ceiling detail
Central arcade.jpg|Central arcade
Courtyards and passages.jpg|Courtyards and passages
Arcade around courtyard.jpg|Arcade around the courtyard
Southeast corner exterior.jpg|South east corner with Khirki village in the background
</gallery>

== See also ==
{{stack|{{portal|India|Islam}}}}
* [[Islam in India]]
* [[List of mosques in India]]
* [[List of Monuments of National Importance in Delhi]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{commons category-inline}}

{{Mosques in India}}
{{Delhi|state=collapsed}}

[[Category:14th-century mosques in India]]
[[Category:Architecture of the Tughlaq dynasty]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures completed in the 1350s]]
[[Category:Monuments of National Importance in Delhi]]
[[Category:Mosque buildings with domes in India]]
[[Category:Mosque buildings with minarets in India]]
[[Category:Mosques completed in the 1350s]]
[[Category:Mosques in Delhi]]
[[Category:Mosque ruins in India]]

Khirki Mosque - Revision history

Maryslanker at 01:03, 8 June 2025