Mina Masjid in the Agra Fort is a mosque that
was meant to be used by the emperors.
Mina Masjid
Shah Jehan built Mina Masjid between 1631-40 near
Diwan-i-Khas and this mosque was meant to be used by the emperor and the
royal ladies. Thus, it was placed close to the palaces of the imperial
women. According to the surviving rumors, Shah Jehan used it between
1658-66, during the end of his days when his son Aurangzeb in the
Muthamman Burj imprisoned him. Enclosed on all sides by high walls to
ensure privacy, it is extremely plain and simple. There are three small
arches in its façade and a small mihrab in the western wall of
the prayer chamber. The small window from this chamber overlooks
Machhchi Bhawan. The only ornamental elements used here are squares of
marbles and tiles that paves its court and four exquisitely carved and
molded white marble brackets supporting its chajja.