The Jamia Masjid at Nowhatta, in the heart of the old city, is the other important mosque in Srinagar at which thousands of people congregate for the Friday prayers. Of imposing proportions, the mosque is built around a courtyard and is supported by 370 wooden pillars.
The hushed quiet of the mosque counterpoints the bustle of the old bazaars surrounding it. Originally built by Sultan Sikandar in 1400 AD, and enlarged by his son, Zain-ul- Abidin, it is a typical example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. Destroyed thrice by fire and rebuilt each time, the mosque, as it now stands, was repaired during the reign of Maharaja Pratap Singh.
Jamia Masjid , the Biggest Mosque in Kashmir, is known as one of the sacred shrines of Islamic followers. Be it the holiness or the constructional elegance, Jama Masjid is quite unparalleled in every aspect. Comprised of 370 pillars of wood, Jamia Masjid symbolizes one of the best architectural specimen which survived the ravages of time ever since it was constructed in the valley of Jammu & Kashmir.
While looking into the origin and construction of Jama Masjid, the name of Maharaja Pratap Singh comes several times as it was during his Kingdom that the maintenance and repair works of the Mosque was carried out. Pratap Singh enthusiastically encouraged the re-construction of Jamia Masjid many a time and even offered financial assistance too.
Jamia Masjid occupies a total area of 384 x 381 feet and is quadrangular in shape with four minars. The minars are in the middle of each side and covered with pyramidal roofs that end in an open turret. All of the minars are interconnected by spacious halls, and a total of 378 wooden columns support the roof. Bright yellow poppies cover the brick paths and the green lawns, and welcome visitors in a cheerful mood.