The mosque was originally a Sanskrit college built by Vigraharaja IV of the Chahamana dynasty.
Many of the columns inside contain carvings of deities and floral motifs that were partially chiseled away to adhere to Islamic iconoclasm.
The seven-arched screen, added by Iltutmish in 1230 AD, is one of the earliest examples of Indo-Islamic arch construction in India.
The structure contains bilingual inscriptions in both Arabic and Nagari scripts.
The site was restored and documented by the Archaeological Survey of India in the late 19th century.
Despite its name implying a two-day construction, historical evidence suggests the conversion and expansion occurred over several years.
Adhai Din Ka Jhopra is a 12th-century mosque located in Ajmer, Rajasthan, notable for its transition from a Sanskrit college to an Islamic place of worship. The structure features a unique blend of Hindu, Jain, and Islamic architectural elements, evidenced by the reuse of materials from demolished local temples. Its facade is distinguished by a seven-arched screen wall adorned with intricate Kufic and Naskh calligraphy. The building stands on a high plinth and is supported by approximately 70 pillars, many of which display ornate carvings characteristic of 11th-century temple architecture. Sultan Qutb-ud-Din Aibak commissioned the mosque's conversion in 1199 AD. The name 'Adhai Din Ka Jhopra,' meaning 'two-and-a-half-day shed,' is attributed to a local legend regarding the speed of its construction or a later Maratha festival. Archaeological survey efforts have preserved the site, which functions today as a monument under the Archaeological Survey of India.
The central arched screen from the courtyard looking toward the main entrance.
Bring a hat and sunglasses as the site is almost entirely open-air with limited shaded areas.
Carry a bottle of water, as there are no refreshment vendors immediately inside the monument grounds.
Read the site's history panels before entering to better identify the reused temple architectural features.
Avoid visiting during the peak afternoon sun when the exposed stone surfaces become extremely hot.
Remove shoes before stepping onto the plinth or inner sanctum; dress modestly covering shoulders and knees.
