Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra, Ajmer
Ajmer, Rajasthan
The Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra is an old ruined mosque in Ajmer, and the oldest surviving monument in the city. It was commissioned by Qutb-ud-Din Aibak in 1192 CE and completed in 1199 CE, with additions in 1213 CE. It is a fine early example of Indo-Islamic architecture, with a long screen of carved arches and many carved pillars, some of them reused from earlier Hindu and Jain buildings, according to one source. The name means 'the shed of two and a half days', from a popular story about how quickly it was built.
What to see and do
- See the long screen of pointed arches with carved calligraphy
- Walk among the carved pillars of the old prayer hall
- Look for the older carved stones built into the structure
- Take photographs of the arches in the afternoon light
Ideal for
- Visitors interested in early Indo-Islamic architecture
- Travellers who want a quiet, historic stop in Ajmer
- Photographers
Good to know
- It is a protected monument in the old city, close to the Ajmer Sharif Dargah
- Timings and any entry fee are not confirmed, so check locally
- Wear comfortable footwear, as the ground is uneven
- There is little shade, so carry water in hot weather
- Allow about 45 minutes
Spiritual significance
This is one of the oldest mosques in India and the oldest monument in Ajmer. It shows the meeting of earlier carving traditions with the new Islamic style of building.
Why it matters
- The oldest monument in Ajmer: built from 1192 CE
- Early Indo-Islamic design: a screen of carved arches
- Reused older stones: the pillars show earlier work