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The Moorish mosque in Kapurthala is a specimen of a King's love for his subjects. Located in Kapurthala of Punjab, the mosque is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India, and is among the best mosques of South East Asia.
The mosque was built by Maharaja Jagatjit Singh who was the last ruler of Kapurthala. Known for his extravagant taste and involvement in developmental activities, the ruler was also popular among the subjects for his secular nature. As the majority of his subjects were Muslims, the ruler who was a Sikh himself, decided to build a mosque for his fellow beings.
PC: Nabanita Sinha
When the then Viceroy questioned him on the large costs involved in building the mosque, the King replied, "Your Excellency may be unaware that 60 per cent of my population comprises of my loyal Muslim subjects. It is only in the fitness of things that the best place of worship in my state be constructed for them."
The architecture and designing of the mosque are influenced by the Grand Mosque of Marrakesh in Morocco. The structure was designed by the French architect Monsieur M. Manteaux, who was also behind the designing of Jagatjit Singh's palace. The constructed of the structure started in 1927 and got over by 1930. An inscription on the mosque says that it took four years to construct the mosque.
This beautiful mosque is built in marble, with the art work of its inner dome is attributed to the artists of the Mayo School of Art in Lahore. Glass panes are placed in the arched portions of the doors and windows. This beautiful structure is painted in light red colour, with the doors and windows painted in green. Inside the mosque, the wooden ceiling is varnished in black and red.
PC: Ramesh lalwani
Other Attractions of Kapurthala
There are several other attractions in Kapurthala worth visiting. Some of them are the Elysee Palace, Gurudwara Ber Sahib, Jagatjit Palace, Panch Mandir, Mazar of Mir Nasir Ahmed, Jagatjit Club and Ghanta Ghar.
How to Reach the Moorish Mosque
The Moorish Mosque is just 2km away from the city. Here's how to reach Kapurthala.
Hotels in Kapurthala
There are a few good hotels in Kapurthala like the London Hotel, Hotel Mehak and the Taj Regency.
Travel to this historical land which is also known as the 'Mini Paris of Punjab'.
