Home > Arts & Culture > Indian Monuments > Khirkee Mosque
Khirkee Mosque
Khirkee Mosque is located about two kilometers northeast of Qutab Minar in the southern center of Khirki Village. It features an unusual fusion of Islamic and traditional Hindu architecture.

Share this Article:

Khirkee Mosque, DelhiKhirkee Mosque, also called the Masjid of Windows, is an important ancient monument in Delhi. It is one of the only two examples of closed mosque in northern India. It is situated about two kilometers northeast of Qutab Minar in the southern center of Khirkee Village, just off the Press Enclave Center of Khirkee Village. Khirkee Mosque is said to be the only mosque in North India, which is mostly covered.

Etymology of Khirkee Mosque
There are distinctive window opening with jalis or tracery known as khirkee or latticed windows. Placed on the upper level of the Khirkee Mosque`s exterior wall, these jalis were carved stone shields. The Khirkee Mosque as well as the nearby village got its name from this feature. `Khirki` is an Urdu word that means "window" and hence it is also called "The Masjid of Windows".

History of Khirkee Mosque
The Khirkee Mosque of Delhi was built by Khan-i-Jahan, the prime minister of Feroz Shah Tughlaq of the Tughlaq Dynasty in the late 14th century. It is one of the seven mosques built by him.

Architecture of Khirkee Mosque
The Masjid is in a quadrangular shape and features an unusual fusion of Islamic and traditional Hindu architecture. Built on an elevated plinth with detritus stone, which was thickly plastered, the Khirkee Mosque is double storied and has a series of basement cells in the lower storey. All the four corners of the Khirkee Mosque of Delhi have imposing bastions making it look like a fort. There are dwindling minarets on all the three gateways, except the west, with the eastern gate is the main entrance. The southern gate is open for the visitors and the devotees.

The courtyard has pillars and is divided into 25 squares with five on each side. Each square is further divided into nine smaller squares. A cluster of nine small low domes made in the Tughlaq pattern covers the following larger squares - the center square of the courtyard with two on the corners, three on each side and one in the middle. The four diagonal squares are left uncovered, through which sunlight finds its way to the inner sanctum of the mosque. The remaining squares are covered with flat roofs. The mosque is partly covered and partly uncovered. It is said that since Khan-i-Jahan used the mosque for his private worship, it was designed like this to beat the intense heat of the region.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in Indian Monuments


Monuments of Punjab
Monuments of Punjab are the founding stones of the state. Punjab has numerous historical monuments and religious monuments scattered throughout its different cities.throughout its different cities.
Monuments of Lakshwadeep
Monuments of Lakshwadeep are famous for their ancient religious feel and historical value.
Monuments of Jharkhand
Monuments of Jharkhand are well maintained by the state government as these are popular tourist destinations. These monuments are remnants of the history of the region, narrating significant incidents from the past.
Monuments of Haryana
Monuments of Haryana represent the glorious culture and history dating back to thousands of years. These monuments are popular for their historical, religious, or political significance.
Monuments of West Bengal
Monuments of West Bengal, mainly from the British era, are considered as priceless heritage of the state and attracts many tourists to the state.
Monuments of Andaman And Nicobar Island
Monuments of Andaman and Nicobar Island loaded with their rich past unveils the history of India. Most of the monuments here are reminiscence of dark and brutal rule of the British Empire in India.
Monuments of Andhra Pradesh
Monuments of Andhra Pradesh represents several wonderful and glorious sagas of various ruling dynasties of the past. Most of these monuments are protected by the government for their architectural excellence and historical significance.
Monuments of Chhattisgarh
Monuments of Chhattisgarh have a significant role to play in the state`s tourism. The land has a rich cultural and political history that is reminiscent in the historical forts, palaces and temples of Chhattisgarh and are great tourist attractions.
Monuments of Telangana
Monuments of Telangana covers the ancient, medieval and modern historical structures illustrating the architectural grandeur and attracting thousands of tourists throughout the year.
Monuments of South India
Monuments of South India show strong Dravidian traditions and are located in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
Tombs in India
Tombs in India are famous all over the world for their architectural beauty and most of these tombs have been built in the medieval period. Travellers from all across the globe throng these historical sites.
Daulat Khana
Daulat Khana complex belongs to the early phase of Nawabi construction in Lucknow. It was commissioned to be built by Nawab Asaf ud Daulah. The Daulat Khana Complex consists of the Shish Mahal, the Shish Mahal Ka Talab and the Baradari Shish Mahal.
Mahesh Vilas Palace
Mahesh Vilas Palace is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh amidst 35 acres of Lush Green Lawns, Fountains and Orchards.
Architecture Of Andhra Pradesh
Architecture of Andhra Pradesh is an illustration of diverse types of Hindu, Buddhist and Islamic architectural styles.
Architecture Of West Bengal
Architecture of West Bengal comprises Hindu temples, Muslim, Buddhist and Colonial monuments and the unique terracotta style.
Architecture of Lucknow
Architecture of Lucknow is mostly Islamic in nature. It is representative of 18th and 19th century Indian architecture. The architecture is broadly divided into religious architecture, such as that of Imambaras and secular architecture, such as that of Baradaris and Kothis.
Cheena Kottaram
Also known as the China Palace, the Cheena Kottaram used to be a rest house for the then King of Travancore.
History of British Architecture in India
History of British architecture in India had begun with a solemn promise, keeping no stones unturned. This line of architecture invaded in India from the early colonial times in the states like Delhi, Kolkata, Mushidabad and Pune.
Monuments of Assam
Monuments of Assam are timeless remnants of historical masterpieces which reflect the architecture of ancient Assam. these monuments are remnants of the glorious history of the region under different rulers.
Bharhut Stupa
Bharhut Stupa is situated between Jabalpur and Allahabad in the erstwhile Nagod state of Madhya Pradesh. In 1873, the place was discovered by Sir Alexander Cunningham.