Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra

Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra is a historic former mosque located in Ajmer, Rajasthan, India, recognized as the oldest surviving monument in the district and one of the earliest mosques in the country. Commissioned in 1192 CE by Qutb ud-Din Aibak and designed by Abu Bakr of Herat, the structure was completed in 1199 CE and later enhanced in 1213 CE by Iltutmish of the Delhi Sultanate. The building stands as a prime example of early Indo-Islamic architecture, uniquely characterized by its construction through Hindu masons working under Afghan supervision. This collaborative effort resulted in a distinctive aesthetic that retains original Indian features, particularly within its ornate pillars, while blending Hindu, Islamic, and Jain architectural elements into a cohesive historical landmark.

The site functioned actively as a place of Islamic worship until 1947, following which it was transferred to the Archaeological Survey of India for preservation. Today, it serves as an inactive but well-maintained heritage site visited by people of all faiths who come to admire its architectural synthesis. The unusual name, literally translating to shed of two-and-a-half days, does not appear in historical records prior to the eighteenth century. While legends suggest rapid construction or philosophical meanings regarding temporary life, academic sources indicate the name likely originated from a two-and-a-half-day fair held during the Maratha era. Previously known simply as the mosque of Ajmer, the title evolved when fakirs gathered there to celebrate the death anniversary of their leader, Panjaba Shah, eventually cementing the unique moniker used today.