Mosque, Memory and State: A Case Study of Jama Masjid (India) and the Colonial State c. 1857

Abstract

This paper discusses how Masjid-e-Jahan Numa(Masjid with world vision, popularly known as Jama Masjid) constructed by Emperor Shahjahan, the fifth Mughal ruler in India, shaped the popular memory of people in Delhi and the ruling State alike until the late nineteenth century, two centuries after its construction. This mosque which was built in 1656 became the site of contestations between the Muslims of Delhi and the British Colonial State when the former was involved in a revolt against the latter in 1857 A.D., which is generally known as the Indian mutiny. The memories of violating this monument did leave a drastic impact on the minds of the people for whom this mosque was the symbol of piety, authority and moral prestige.

Keywords

• history
• memory
• mosque
• mughal india
• colonial state