Jama Masjid located in Tonk in Rajasthan was built during the Muslim rule in India. Tonk district was created by the British in 1818 A.D. Amir Ali Khan was the founder Nawab of Tonk who was originally a Pindari. He greatly emphasized upon the development of education, art and architecture. He also set up a famous institution named as Darul-uloom Khaliliya to promote education in the state. He also stressed upon building of edifices. He had constructed a palace named as `Nazarbagh` where Sunheri Kothi was built. The Jama Masjid of Tonk is regarded as the most elegant and artistic grandeur of the district.
Architecture of Jama Masjid of Tonk
Jama Masjid of Tonk is an ancient building that was laid by Nawab Amir Khan in 1244H which was completed in 1279 Hijri. The mosque resembles the Jama Masjid of Delhi. The main difference between the two is that the hauz i.e. the water reservoir has been built in a corner of the Jama Masjid of Tonk while it has been constructed at the centre of the Jama Masgid of Delhi. The mosque at Tonk has been made on the juncture of two roads. The eastern side of the road directs to the Nawab`s palace while the other road leads to Kota - Jaipur.
Jama Masjid of Tonk has been built on a considerable plinth. On the eastern side the entrance gate has been built that has a height of almost seven feet. Two small minarets adorn the gate. A small verandah is located on the three sides of the mosque. The hauz of the mosque located in the south western corner is used for ablution (wazu). The northern side has a huge gate embellished with nine minarets. It is said that a small gate also existed on the western side. The prayer hall of the mosque has three open gates on the east side. The central gate is huge in structure. Verses from the Holy Quran are inscribed around it like that of the Delhi Jama Masjid and other Islamic buildings. The main gate is almost 30 feet in height and the other two are 20 feet in height. The main prayer hall is also connected with the verandahs.
The inner part of the Jama Masjid of Tonk has been designed with flowers and petals of golden work. The minarets on the western side are built so high that it can be seen even from a great distance. A big chowk has been established in the centre of this mosque. During the prayer time it could accommodate hundreds of people.
Jama Masjid of Tonk with its extraordinary architectural work thus, stands as one of the finest edifices of the Mughal architecture.
