Moti Masjid Agra

Moti Masjid is a mosque situated in the premises of the Agra Fort. Built of marble, the mosque is renowned for its pearl white color. The intrinsic beauty of the mosque and the artwork is evidence of the rich craftsmanship of India.

Moti Masjid derives its name from the pearl white color of the mosque. The Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan built the mosque between the year 1648 and 1654. This mosque was the proposed site of worship for the royal members of the court. The mosque stands erected near the 'Court for Common People' or the 'Diwan-E-Aam' in the Agra Fort. The prayer hall of the mosque lies on the western side.

Twelve pillars and an arch surround the porch on the north, south and the east of the mosque. The main sanctuary lies beyond these arcades. Three domes crown the mosque. The parapet are lined with a sequence of domed kiosks that are stylized in the Hindu architecture. The mosque is segregated into several aisles by the seven bays. The aisles are held by the piers and overhead arches. The chief entrance to the mosque lies on the eastern side.

The main pulpit is lofted atop four steps unlike the other mosques that are leveled over three steps. Separate prayer hall for the women are placed on both the sides of the main prayer hall. They are decorated with marbled lattice worked screens. The western wall of the mosque is beautifully ornamented with carved and inlaid mihrabs.

The architecture of the mosque and its ornate decoration is typical of the style of the Shah Jahan era. Situated by the River Yamuna, the mosque is a religious and architectural relic of India.