Ajmer of Rajasthan is considered a great place in terms of tourism which is known all over the world for the tomb of Moinuddin Chishti. Along with this, many tourist places become an attraction of Ajmer, one of which is Adhai Din Ka Jhopra. This Indo-Islamic architectural site was reportedly constructed in two and a half days, hence the name "Adhai Din Ka Jhopra". Actually, this is not a hut but a mosque, which is hundreds of years old. It is one of the oldest mosques in India and the oldest monument in Ajmer. Today in this episode we are going to give you important information related to its history and architecture. Let us know...

History of Adhai din ka jhopda
Adhaai Din Ka is a mosque that was built within two and a half days by the orders of Mohammad Ghori. Mohammad Ghori ordered this mosque to be built within 60 hours and the workers worked day and night and were able to build only a screen wall so that the Sultan could offer his prayers. Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra under the Chauhan dynasty was a Sanskrit college built by Vigraharaja IV, also known as Visaldev, who belonged to the Shakambhari Chahamana or Chauhan dynasty. This college was constructed in a square shape and a dome-shaped pavilion was built on each of its corners. There was also a temple here which was dedicated to the goddess of knowledge “Devi Saraswati”. Hindu and Jain architecture were used in the construction of the building. Some historians say that the mosque was built using materials from the demolition of some old and abandoned Hindu temples. Many people say that it was a Sanskrit college of Jains.

Local people say that the mosque was built after the defeat of Prithvi Raj Chauhan III by Mohammad Ghori in the Second Battle of Tarain. After defeating Prithvi Raj Chauhan III, once Mohammad Ghori was passing through Ajmer, he saw many Hindu temples after which he ordered Qutbuddin Aibak to build a mosque so that he could offer namaz here. He also ordered that the mosque was to be built within two and a half days. The workers worked hard and were able to build a screen wall where the Sultan could pray. According to an inscription, the construction of this mosque was completed in 1199. Qutbuddin Aibak's successor Iltumish built a wall with arches and inscriptions on it.

The history behind the name
The name Adhai Din Ka Jhopra has a long story. It is believed that then Mohammad Ghori was passing through Ajmer after defeating Prithviraj Chauhan. During this time, he saw very good Hindu religious places from the point of view of Vastu. Ghori ordered his commander Qudubuddin Aibak to build a mosque on the most beautiful site. Ghori gave 60 hours i.e. two and a half days for this. It was designed by Herat architect Abu Bakr during Ghori. On which the Hindu workers worked continuously for 60 hours without stopping and prepared the mosque. Now it was not easy to demolish the entire building and erect it in two and a half days, so the artisans engaged in the construction of the mosque made some changes in it so that Namaz could be offered there. The year engraved on the main arch of the mosque shows that this mosque was built in April 1199 AD. In this respect, it is one of the oldest mosques in the country.

Mosque architecture
The mosque is one of the earliest examples of Indo-Islamic architecture. It was designed by the architect Bakr of Herat who was an associate of Muhammad Ghori. The mosque was built entirely by Hindu masons. The exterior of the building is square, measuring 259 feet at each corner. It has two entrances, one in the south and one in the east. The prayer place (Asli Mosque) is located to the west, while on the north side, there is a mountain cliff. The building of the Asli Mosque, located on the west side, has 10 domes and 124 pillars; The eastern side has 92 pillars; And there are 64 pillars at each remaining corner. Thus, the entire building has 344 pillars. Of these, only 70 pillars are in good condition. The main arch is about 60 feet high, and six smaller arches have been erected beside it. There are small rectangular panels for the daytime walkways, similar to those found in earlier Arab mosques.

What was this building like before?
Built during the reign of King Vigraharaja IV, this college was a wonderful example of architecture. It was square, with a dome-shaped umbrella on each side. However, there is different information about the history of this building. As followers of Jainism say Seth Vikramdev Kala had prepared it like a Jain pilgrimage here to celebrate the Jain festival Panch Kalyanak in 660 AD. According to Alexander Cunningham, Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India during the British era, who had previously been the Chief Engineer in the British Army, the arches in the mosque may have been taken from the demolished temples. About 700 such arches are found there, which have a glimpse of the Hindu religion.
In later years, the Adhai din ka Jhopra Masjid remained out of the public eye. British period Oriental scholar James Todd visited the mosque in the year 1891. This mosque is mentioned in his book Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan. According to James, this is the most ancient Must have been building. From the year 1875 till the next year, excavations went on around it for archaeological information. During this time many such things were found, which are related to Sanskrit and Hindu theology. These have been kept in the museum of Ajmer. At present, this mosque is considered an unmatched example of Indo-Islamic architecture, and tourists from all over the country and abroad come to see it.

Best time to visit the Adhai din ka jhopda
The best time to visit Ajmer is from October to March which includes the monsoon and winter season. The scorching heat of summer can bother you during April and June, during this time it is a better option to avoid traveling to Ajmer. Most of the festivals, both religious and cultural are celebrated during October and November hence this time is considered to be the best time to visit Ajmer. The Adhai din ka shop remains open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. No entry fee is charged to visit the hut inside for two and a half days.

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