Shahi Mosque: Chiniot’s timeless glory

CHINIOT: Chiniot’s Shahi Mosque, a Mughal masterpiece, was built by Nawab SaadulIah Khan during the regime of Emperor Shah Jahan. It was constructed during 1646 to 1655.  It is an exceedingly handsome edifice of hewn stone obtained from the hills near Chiniot.

The mosque is set on a single-storey podium with perimeter shops. To add beauty to the structure, the external façades are distinguished by their prominent decoration and by the four corner towers. The internal court has an ablution pool and three domes over a gallery bordering the prayer hall.



Almost all salient features of Muslim architecture are fully reflective in the construction of Shahi Mosque, which because of its artistic skill and calligraphic dexterity seems remarkable even today. A few years ago, when the government started conservation of the Shahi Mosque,  local craftsmen with expertise were hired while original materials were used to restore the building and artwork on the walls. It was an effort to redefine the original structure, details and settings.

Dates to remember

• 1648 - Foundation stone of the mosque was laid down


• 1655 - Construction of the Shahi Mosque was completed


• 1816 – The mosque was used as stable by Sikh ruler Ranjeet Singh


• 1857 - Imam of the mosque Noor Ahmad was arrested over charges of instigating the masses against British Rule


• 1655 - Founder of the mosque Saadullah Khan died


• 1956 - Formulation of administrative committee of the mosque


• 1960 – The mosque was handed over to Auqaf Department


• 1963 - Repair and restoration plan of the mosque was undertaken


• 1972 - Reconstruction work started under patronage of Waliullah Khan


• 1978 - Mosque was opened to public after restoration

Published in The Express Tribune, May 1^st, 2017.