The Khairul Manazil is a mosque built in the Trimukhi architectural style, featuring three arches, dating back to the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar (1556-1605). This mosque was constructed in 1561-62 by Maham Anga, Akbar’s foster mother and chief wet nurse, who held significant influence during the early years of his rule. The name “Khairul Manazil,” meaning “The Best of Houses,” is derived from a chronogram on the site.
Akbar shared a close relationship with Maham Anga, who had cared for him since infancy. Her role not only entailed great responsibility but also served as a pathway to power. Historian Annemarie Schimmel notes that despite Munim Khan serving as the official wakil (minister), Maham Anga was said to have managed many of the empire’s affairs. Though she supported Akbar, she also sought to advance her son, Adham Khan, to a high-ranking position.
Adham Khan, however, provoked Akbar’s anger after the Battle of Malwa. Instead of showing proper respect, he kept most of the plunder for himself. In retaliation, Akbar removed Munim Khan, an ally of Maham Anga, and appointed Ataga Khan as his new wakil. This move led to tension between Adham and Ataga Khan, culminating in Adham’s murder of Ataga Khan in a fit of jealousy within the palace. Awakened by the commotion, Akbar, in a rare display of fury, personally punished Adham by throwing him from a low balcony. When Adham survived the fall, Akbar had him thrown a second time, resulting in his death. Upon learning of her son’s death, Maham Anga told Akbar that he had “done well,” though she privately lost her will to live and died just 40 days later.
The Khairul Manazil mosque is located about 270 meters southwest of the Bada Darwaza gate of the Purana Qila, a fortified compound built by Emperor Humayun or possibly Sher Shah Suri, later occupied by Akbar. The mosque’s proximity to the main gate reflects Maham Anga’s elevated status, as this mosque was built for her, rather than for the emperor’s personal use. The mosque was designed by Shihab al-Din Ahmad Khan, whose name has survived through historical records.
Architectural historian Bianca Alfieri describes the mosque as representing a transitional style. While it follows the typical five-bay design seen in mosques since the Lodi period, the two side bays are not clearly visible as they form part of the walls of an adjacent madrasa that encloses an interior courtyard. Unfortunately, the madrasa is now in a dilapidated state, consisting mostly of the ruins of galleries that give little clue to their former purpose. The courtyard can be accessed through a monumental red sandstone gate, which, like the mosque, is oriented toward Mecca. In its prime, this gate would have been an impressive counterpart to the Bada Darwaza of the Purana Qila. However, today it is partly obscured by a large tree and a modern iron gate, with the Mathura road cutting off any visual link between the mosque and the Purana Qila.
The mosque’s east-facing facade, visible only from within the courtyard, is adorned with polychromatic tiles and Quranic inscriptions. Circular medallions inscribed with Arabic phrases such as “Allah,” “Ya Allah,” “Muhammad,” and “Ya Fateh” are also present. Above the central mihrab (prayer niche) inside the prayer hall, the following inscription is found:
“In the time of Jalal-ud-din Muhammad, who is the greatest of just kings; when Maham Begh, the protector of chastity, erected this building for the virtuous, Shihabuddin Ahmad Khan, the generous, assisted in the erection of this good house. How blessed is this good building that its chronogram is ‘Best of Houses’.”
The word “chronogram” refers to the fact that the letters of the building’s name, when written in Persian script, correspond to the year 969 Hijri, which equates to 1561-62 CE.
The mosque’s decorative elements are now in poor condition, with large portions of tilework having deteriorated over time. Though the mosque was likely more striking in its original state, it was relatively modest even then. Architectural historian R. Nath describes the mosque as having a “middle-class character,” though its layout would later inspire more refined designs during Shah Jahan’s reign (1628-1658). For example, the Moti Masjid in the Red Fort of Delhi, as well as the Mina and Nagina mosques in Agra Fort, are thought to have been influenced by the design of Khairul Manazil. Trimukhi-style mosques remained popular in Delhi through the 18th century, though as the Mughal Empire declined, they were increasingly constructed with inferior materials.
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