Adhai Din Ka Jhopra - Ajmer

Ajmer, Rajasthan, India

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Adhai Din Ka Jhopra in Ajmer, Rajasthan, is one of the oldest mosques in India and a significant historical monument.

It was originally built as a Sanskrit college before being partially destroyed and converted into a mosque by Qutb-ud-Din Aibak, the first Sultan of Delhi, around 1192 AD, with completion in 1199 AD. The mosque's name, meaning "shed of two and a half days," is linked to a legend that it was built in that short time frame, though the actual construction took longer.

This structure is a striking example of Indo-Islamic architecture, blending Islamic design with Hindu and Jain elements, including pillars with intricate carvings and figures from Hindu mythology. The mosque was later enhanced by Sultan Iltutmish in 1213, who added a unique seven-arched screen with Quranic inscriptions.

Adhai Din Ka Jhopra features a large courtyard surrounded by numerous pillars, domes, and arches, and it was used as a place of worship for over 700 years until 1947. Today, it is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India and remains a key cultural and historical symbol in Ajmer, attracting visitors interested in its architectural beauty and rich, layered history.