The exact number of Jama Masjids (Friday Mosques) in India is not officially documented, as the term is commonly used for mosques where congregational Friday prayers are held. However, it is estimated that there are hundreds of such mosques across the country. Here’s a breakdown:
- Historical and Prominent Jama Masjids:
- Delhi Jama Masjid (built by Emperor Shah Jahan) is the most famous.
- Other notable ones include Jama Masjid in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Agra, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Srinagar.
- These are often architectural landmarks from the Mughal era or other Islamic dynasties.
- Regional Distribution:
- Most cities and towns with significant Muslim populations have at least one Jama Masjid. For example, states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Kerala, and Jammu & Kashmir host numerous Jama Masjids.
- Smaller towns and neighborhoods may also have mosques named “Jama Masjid” to denote their role as the primary Friday prayer site.
- Estimation Challenges:
- The term “Jama Masjid” is not exclusive to large mosques; it can apply to any mosque serving as a central prayer space.
- No centralized database exists, making a precise count difficult. The number likely runs into the hundreds or more, considering India’s vast Muslim population (~200 million) and thousands of towns.
In summary, while dozens of iconic Jama Masjids are well-known historically and culturally, the total number across India remains uncounted but is substantial due to the widespread use of the term for Friday prayer mosques.
