Nagina Masjid, Agra Fort

Nagina Mosque
The mosque in 2008
Religion
AffiliationSunni Islam
Ecclesiastical or organisational statusMosque
StatusActive[clarification needed]
Location
LocationAgra Fort, Agra, Uttar Pradesh
CountryIndia
Nagina Masjid, Agra Fort is located in Uttar Pradesh
Nagina Masjid, Agra Fort
Location of the mosque in Uttar Pradesh
AdministrationArchaeological Survey of India
Coordinates27°10′46″N 78°01′21″E / 27.17944°N 78.02250°E / 27.17944; 78.02250
Architecture
TypeMosque architecture
StyleMughal
FounderShah Jahan
Completedc. 1631-1640 CE
Specifications
Length7.39 m (24.2 ft)
Width10.21 m (33.5 ft)
DomeThree
MaterialsMarble
Official nameAgra Fort: Nagina Masjid
Part ofAgra Fort
Reference no.N-UP-A1-u
Official nameAgra Fort
CriteriaCultural: (iii)
Reference251
Inscription1984 (8th Session)
Map Location of the mosque in Agra Fort

The Nagina Masjid, also known as the Gem Mosque and the Jewel Mosque,[a] is a Sunni mosque, situated in the Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in Agra, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. The mosque was built by Shah Jahan, a Mughal leader, who succeeded Jahangir in 1628 CE and constructed three marble mosques inside the fort complex- the Moti Masjid, Nagina Masjid and Mina Masjid.[1]

Nagina Masjid was made between 1631-1640 CE for Shah Jahan's personal use and the usage by the royal women.

It's one of the last structures constructed in the Agra Fort, as Shah Jahan moved the capital to Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi) in 1648 and Agra Fort stopped being the primary seat of power.[2]

The mosque is a Monument of National Importance, administered by the Archaeological Survey of India.[3]

Architecture

The Nagina Masjid is an architectural beauty situated in Agra Fort.[peacock prose] It is located nearby the Moti Masjid, another eye catching mosque,[peacock prose] and the Mina Mosque.[4]

The Nagina Mosque is constructed with attractive pure white marble and encloses the exquisitely designed prayer chamber.[peacock prose] The Nagina Masjid bears a very simple architecture and a descent decoration.[clarification needed] The mosque is separated into three bays by simple pillars underneath the keen arches above. The arch in the center is bigger and has nine cusps, once on either face has seven cusps only. The mosque is 10.21 metres (33.5 ft) wide and 7.39 metres (24.2 ft) long, facing a lined patio. The balcony that provides panoramic views of the road runs towards the Hathi Pol, and is situate on the northern side of the mosque.[4]

The mosque structure was built for the ladies of the royal family and has three majestic domes and wonderful arches.[peacock prose] A luxurious bazaar, known as Mina Bazar, was functioning down the road from where royal ladies could purchase items, standing on the balcony of the Nagina Masjid.[4]

Conservation and Current Status

Nagina Masjid in Agra Fort is listed as “a Centrally Protected Monument of national importance under the AMASR Act, 1958.” It was also inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. [5]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ See Negin.

References

  1. ^ "Alluring Agra".
  2. ^ "Shah Jahan 1628–1658".
  3. ^ "List of Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains of Agra". Archaeological Survey of India. Archived from the original on 21 July 2011. Retrieved 19 November 2016.
  4. ^ a b c "Nagina Masjid Agra". Agra Tourism India. 2023. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  5. ^ Centre, UNESCO World Heritage. "Agra Fort". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Retrieved 10 December 2025.

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