Leisure tourism in Jaunpur District includes many historical sites that are worth seeing. The popular sites comprise buildings of the Sharqi period; Shahi Bridge built by Akbar; and Sheetla Chaukia Dham. These are the chief attractions offered by Jaunpur District. Moreover, all these historic spots have their own special importance.
The main ones among these are mentioned below -
Shahi Qila: Situated in the heart of the city on the left bank of the Gomti River, Shahi Qila was built by Firoz Shah Tughlaq in 1362 AD. The inner gate of this fort is around 26.5 feet high and 16 feet wide. The central gate is around 36 feet high. Atop this there is a huge dome. At present only its eastern gate and some arches remain which narrate the tale of its ancient splendour. Inside, there is a Mosque too. From this fort, an enchanting view of the Gomti River and the city can be seen. The mosque carries the imprints of Hindu and Buddhist architectural styles.
Atala Masjid: On 1408 AD, Ibrahim Shah Sharqi built the Atala Masjid. In this mosque, beautiful galleries were built with artistic walls. Its height is more than 100 feet. There are three huge gateways for entrance. The total perimeter of the mosque is around 248 feet. Its construction was started by Firoz Shah in 1393 AD.
Jhanjhari Masjid: This mosque is in the Sipah locality of Jaunpur on the northern bank of River Gomti. This was built by Ibrahim Sharqi at the time of construction of Atala and Khalis mosques. It was the place of saints and pundits. Within this mosque there are some extremely beautiful arches. This arch is around 35 feet high and 32 feet wide. Despite being relatively small, this mosque is extremely beautiful. After its demolition by Sikandar Lodi, quite a lot of stones from here have been used in the Shahi Bridge. This mosque is considered as a perfect example of early architecture.
Masjid Lal Darwaza: This mosque was built in 1455 AD. It has three gateways and a courtyard. On two of its pillars some inscriptions in Sanskrit language and Pali language are there which do not shed much light except for the names of some kings of Kannauj.
Jama Masjid: With a height of more than 200 feet this mosque near Purani Bazar on the Shahganj road is an important monument of the Sharqi period. Its foundation has been laid at the time of Ibrahim Shah`s rule and its construction was completed in various phases. It was finished during the reign of Hussain Shah. This mosque is very artistic and attractive. Its southern gateway is 20 feet above ground level. The eastern gateway was destroyed by Sikandar Lodi. The outer boundary of the mosque is around 320 feet on the east west and 307 feet on the north-south side. The decorations, its engravings in the Egyptian style, the curves of its arches, the uniqueness of the Lotus, sunflower and rose motifs, its screens etc. are worth seeing.
Shahi Pul: This famous bridge of Jaunpur was built by Munim Khan in 1564 on the orders of Akbar during his reign. This is a one of its kind bridge in India and its carriageway is at ground level. The width of the bridge is 26 feet with 2 feet 3 inch wide kerfs on both sides. It is a spot worth seeing.
Temple of Maa Sheeta Chaukiya Devi: This temple is quite old. Worship of Lord Shiva and Shakti has been going on since times immemorial. History states that, during the era of Hindu kings, the governance of Jaunpur was in the hands of Ahir rulers. It is believed that the temple of Chaukiya Devi was built in the glory of their clan-deity by the Bhars. The Bhars were non-Aryans.
Besides these monuments, there are several other monuments with historical importance. some of them are Sadar Imambara built during Muhammad Shah`s time; Jalalpur bridge; Hindi Bhavan in the city; Kali Temple in Kerakat; Shivlinga of Harshavardhan era; Hanuman Temple (Rasmadal); Sharda Temple (Parmanatpur); Kabir Math, etc. which are worth exploring.
