Bagichi Ki Masjid Is A 16th Century Ancient Mosque Lying On The Edge Of The Residential Mehrauli

Step into Mehrauli, where history peeks out from every corner, surprising even the most seasoned explorers. Amidst the bustling streets and congested alleys, lie forgotten palaces, ancient forts, and intricate step-wells, each whispering tales of a bygone era. The Mehrauli Archaeological Park promises a sanctuary for these relics, yet its embrace is incomplete, leaving some monuments exposed to the encroaching modernity. 

Venture to the southern edge, where the park blends seamlessly with residential quarters, and you'll find treasures like Bagichi Ki Masjid, nestled amidst confusion about its rightful guardianship. Here, amid the vibrant chaos of Mehrauli, the past awaits those curious enough to seek it.

A Live Mosque

Bagichi ki Masjid is believed to have been built in the early 16th century, although this has not been verified. It’s mainly a wall mosque on one corner of Mehrauli Archaeological Park and a small entrance allows you access to the mosque. 

There are typical minarets or tower-like structures on the corners and it’s distinctly visible with its white and green complexion amidst the thick vegetation of the park. It lies slightly away from the centre of the park that houses better-protected and more well-known structures. One reason for this is the confusion regarding ownership. 

It’s not just a forgotten monument but a live mosque being used by people. There are other mosques and madrasas nearby which are used by the local people of Mehrauli. So, technically the monument is "occupied" and the Wakf board that oversees the mosque’s operations is at loggerheads with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) regarding ownership. Some parts of the compound have already been infringed upon and as a matter of fact, it’s difficult to stop that in a thickly populated area like this.

Absolutely No Photography

What you have to note while visiting the mosque is that photography is strictly prohibited inside the compounds as it’s a functional mosque and not just a historical monument. You can click pictures of the nearby areas or capture the domes from a distance, but it’s not looked upon very favourably. You can roam around in the area and talk to the local people to have a closer look. 

Finding Bagichi Ki Masjid

It’s within the peripheries of Mehrauli Archaeological Park, although this is the point where the boundaries get blurred with the residential localities of Mehrauli. You can enter the park from the side of the Qutub Minar but it’s also possible to enter it from the Mehrauli side just by reaching the Qutub Minar Metro Station, crossing the Aurobindo road and taking one of the smaller roads that take you inside Mehrauli. 

Come drop by for a look-see around this under-discovered heritage gem of Delhi !

Where | Bagichi Ki Masjid - Ladha Sarai, Mehrauli