Madhya Pradesh in India is a state that is strewn with glittering gems of heritage. Jama Masjid Chanderi is one such relatively lesser-known gem among the many that you will find in the historical town of Chanderi. The town is like one huge museum that showcases the history of civilization, right from pre-historic times. Amazing Chanderi has many intriguing and amazing sites and places to visit, and one of the important monuments is the small, yet beautiful Jama Masjid Chanderi.

Jama Masjid Chanderi – Historic Gem of MP

The Jama Masjid in Chanderi is one of the pages in the fascinating history of Chanderi. The town that has been literally at the crossroads of history has been influenced by different cultures over the centuries. The legacy and influence of different cultures can be seen even today in the many monuments and archaeological sites that dot Chanderi and its surroundings. The Jama Masjid Chanderi is an example of the fusion of the Malwa and Islamic architectural styles. To get an idea of the history of the region in a microcosm, we recommend a visit to the ASI’s (Archaeological Survey of India) Chanderi Museum.

Jama Masjid Chanderi – A 15th Century Wonder

The dry branches of a tree that stands inside an open courtyard partly hide the two domes of the Jama Masjid in Chanderi. However, we can clearly see the final that crowns the domes and are intrigued by the sight. We see an Amalaka and a Kalasa, elements of architecture that are normally associated with the shikharas of Hindu temples. The Jama Masjid Chanderi speaks volumes of the secular fabric of Chanderi across the passage of time.

As we step inside the mosque, we are greeted by hushed silence that seems almost surreal. The strange aura of the Jama Majid welcomes us into its fold.

Jama Masjid Chanderi – Beauty In Simplicity

The Jama Masjid in Chanderi is not as massive and impressive as the Taj-ul-Masajid, the grand mosque of Bhopal, but has its own unique charm. It has fine and beautiful quality, which is much like the famous and legendary Chanderi silk. The Jama Masjid stands in the shadow of the more famous and iconic landmark of Chanderi, the Badal Mahal. Located right opposite the Badal Mahal, one may even miss the 15th-century mosque, but its intriguing beauty is sure to pull you like a magnet into its fold.

History of Jama Masjid Chanderi

The Jama Masjid in Chanderi, like many of the Islamic monuments that are scattered in and around Chanderi, is believed to have been built during the 15th century AD. That century seems to have witnessed a building spree in Chanderi, especially under the rule of Mahmud Khalji.

Not much is known about the genesis and the history of the Jama Masjid Chanderi. Our secondary research found that some sites on the net say that the Jama Masjid Chanderi was built by Ghiyas Ud Din Balban (1261-1287). However, according to the Archaeological Survey of India, the Jama Masjid in Chanderi was built in the 15th century, no later than 1450 AD, based on the architectural features.

The earliest reference to Chanderi that we found during our research was a sketch of Jama Masjid by Frederick Charles Maisey (1825-1892). The image of the sketch can be seen on the British Library site.

Whatever be the history of the Jama Masjid in Chanderi, it has stood the test of time and continues to mesmerize visitors with its unique architectural brilliance.

The Architecture of Jama Masjid Chanderi

You must visit the Jama Masjid of Chanderi in Madhya Pradesh to experience its unique fusion of architectural styles.

A beautiful arched porch leads into the inner courtyard. The arched entrance in the porch is flanked by two beautiful arched windows. The inner courtyard which is open to the sky measures 31.42 X 24.38 metres. On the western side is the Sanctuary (holy place).

The Quibla or the holy wall in the mosque that faces Mecca has a series of ornate and beautifully carved Mihrabs (Prayer niche). The roof is topped by domes which are crowned with Shikhara style Padmakosa, Kalasa, and Amalaka. all elements fused from Malwa architecture.

Outside the Jama Masjid stands a quaint and picturesque ancient structure, that we were told was a later addition and was a rest house for weary travellers.

As we move around the Jama Masjid, we wonder how the place must have once echoed with the prayers of thousands, filled with hope and optimism.

How To Get To Jama Masjid Chanderi

• Jama Masjid is located in the centre of the town of Chanderi opposite the Badal Mahal in the Ashoknagar district of Madhya Pradesh India
• Chanderi is at a distance of about 214 kilometres from Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh
• Gwalior is about 212 kilometres from Chanderi

Reaching Chanderi By Air

Chanderi is almost equidistant from Bhopal and Gwalior. You can either fly to Bhopal or Gwalior and then travel by road to Chanderi.

Reaching Chanderi By Rail

Lalitpur is the nearest railway station to Chanderi, at a distance of about 38 kilometres. Lalitpur is connected to cities like Bhopal, Delhi, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, and other places.

For more information and booking of trains to and from Chanderi, click here.

Reaching Chanderi By Road

Chanderi is well connected by road to other cities of Madhya Pradesh  You can travel to Chanderi by public bus, cab, or own car as part of an exciting road trip.

If you are planning a trip to Chanderi in Madhya Pradesh, India you can book a cheap flight through TripAdvisor or CheapAir or Cleartrip or Makemytrip or Priceline right here. If you are planning to travel by road to Chanderi from Bhopal or Gwalior, some of the options to reach Chanderi are by self-drive car or cab, or bus.

Where To Stay When Visiting Chanderi

The options to stay in Chanderi include the hotel run by Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department, known as MPT Kila Kothi. Another budget hotel in Chanderi is the Tana Bana Hotel.

If you are planning a trip to Chanderi, and thinking of accommodation, then you can book your stay in Chanderi hotels through TripAdvisor or Cleartrip or Makemytrip, or Priceline and save a lot by getting the best savings on booking your stay.

Other Places To See In Chanderi

Here is a list of other places to include in your Chanderi itinerary.

• Kati Ghati
• Chanderi Museum
• Kirti Durg or Chanderi fort
• Tomb of Baiju Bawra
• Budhi Chanderi
• Jama Masjid
• Battisi Bawdi
• Shehzadi Ka Roza
• Koshak Mahal
• Ramnagar Palace
• Nizamuddin Auliya Family Tombs
• Bada Madarsa

Madhya Pradesh and Chanderi, are dreams come true for travellers, Madhya Pradesh is full of heritage gems like the Jain and other Khajuraho temples, the Bhimbetka caves, the incomplete temple of Bhojpur, Sanchi Stupa, Bhopal’s Taj-ul-Masajid, and others.

Madhya Pradesh is also blessed by nature and has attractions like Kanha, Pench, Pachmarhi, etc. In short, Madhya Pradesh is a travellers’ dream. If you are trying to decide on what to see in MP or what to do in Madhya Pradesh, then book online right here places to see in Madhya Pradesh and cover attractions in Bhopal and MP.

We hope you liked reading about the beautiful Jama Masjid in Chanderi. Do let us know your thoughts through the comments section. Do not forget to subscribe to our blog and follow us on our social media channels.

Do You Love Traveling?

Do you want to know how to travel the world? We have put together a very useful travel resources page with the best travel tips. Go check it out now.

Thanks for visiting our site Voyager – imvoyager.com and taking the time to read this post!

If you wish to collaborate/work with us then reach us at [email protected]

We’d love it if you’d comment by sharing your thoughts on this post and share this post on social media and with your friends.
Follow our journey on our social media channels:
Facebook   Twitter   Instagram  Pinterest  YouTube

60+ Million Users Trust TripAdvisor With Their Travel Plans. Shouldn’t You?