The 361 Year Old Jama Masjid Screams For Repairs
The historic Jama Masjid screams for repairs with parts of its external facade and internal structure crumbling. The Jama Masjid dates back to the 17th century. It was then named Masjid-i Jahan-Numa. The construction for the grand 361 year old Masjid started in 1648 after the completion of Shahjahanabad. The construction went on for 6 whole years and cost Rs. 10 lakh back then. The Jama Masjid is one of the largest Masjids in India. The Jama Masjid is also known as the centerpiece of the heritage city of Shahjahanabad. The 361 year old Jama Masjid is threatened by rampant water seepage which has eroded the structural integrity of the main dome. The layers of the sandstone, plaster from its walls and the parapet carvings are peeling off. The Shahi Imam of the Jama Masjid, Syed Ahmed Bukhari said he wrote a letter last year to the Prime Minister of India seeking help for the urgent repairs of the structure. He stated he also appealed to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) sever...