Chennai Audio Tour: Chennai's Majestic Mosques Audio Tour

You are now standing at the Triplicane Big Mosque, also known as the Wallajah Mosque, located on Triplicane High Road in Chennai. This mosque, constructed in 1795, was built by the family of Muhammad Ali Khan Wallajah, the Nawab of Arcot. Designed in the Mughal architectural style, it features a large prayer hall, a tank, and a spacious ground in front. Remarkably, the entire structure was built using granite without the use of iron or wood. The mosque highlights a spirit of cultural harmony, as evidenced by the Nawab’s friendly relations with Hindus, even appointing a Hindu as his chief personal secretary. A Persian chronogram inscribed by Raja Makhhan Lal Bahdur Khirat, the Hindu Munshi of the Nawab, can be found at the entrance to the prayer hall. The Big Mosque is not only the largest in Chennai but also one of the oldest, remaining active as a place of worship today. It is administered by the Prince of Arcot Endowments Trust, with a significant number of its administrative staff being Hindus, reflecting peaceful coexistence between the two religions. Historically, the Nawab of Arcot was a staunch ally of the British and was granted Chepauk Palace for his administrative and military needs. When the Nawab moved to Chepauk in 1768, approximately 20,000 Rowther Muslims followed, forming one of the largest Muslim communities in South India after Hyderabad. The Nawab had judicial control over the region, with all cases adjudicated under Muslim Law. This mosque’s construction added to the rich cultural tapestry of Triplicane, which was already home to the renowned Hindu Parthasarathy Temple and the Portuguese Christian stronghold of San Thome. Over time, modifications were made to the mosque, including the addition of golden finials to the spires during the regime of Azam Jah. The mosque incorporates a vast tank to the northeast and a large open ground, often filled with worshippers, especially during significant Islamic festivals like Bakrid and Ramzan. The architectural style of the mosque, particularly its two minarets, reflects Mughal influence but does not adhere strictly to any single style. Scholars suggest this variation was due to the influx of North Indian Muslims in the area. Inside, the mosque houses an image of the Persian scholar Barool, who is believed to have come from Lucknow to educate the royal family. As you observe this historical and cultural landmark, recognize its significance not just as a place of worship, but as a symbol of the harmonious mingling of diverse cultures in Chennai.

You are now standing before the Triplicane Labbai Jamaath Mosque, located in the neighborhood of Triplicane in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. This mosque, whose Tamil name is திருவல்லிக்கேணி லெப்பை ஜமாஅத் பள்ளிவாசல், was constructed in the year 1889. It plays a significant role in the religious and cultural life of the local Muslim community. Despite its age, the mosque has undergone various changes over the years and major renovations are currently planned to preserve its historical and architectural integrity. The mosque's simple yet profound design reflects the essence of Islamic architecture while being a testament to the region's rich historical heritage.

You are now standing outside the Big Mosque in Poonamallee, a significant historical landmark in Chennai. Constructed in 1653 during the rule of the Golconda Sultanate, it was built by Rustam, the son of a Golconda courtier named Astirabad Dhulfiqar. Notably, it was the first mosque in Tamil Nadu to be constructed in the Indo-Saracenic style, setting a precedent for future architectural endeavors in the region. The mosque adheres to the principles of Ahle Sunnath-Wal-Jama'th, a notable aspect of its religious foundation. This structure has been documented for its historical significance in "Madras, Chennai: A 400-year record of the first city of Modern India" by S. Muthiah, underscoring its importance in the recorded history of Chennai. Take a moment to observe the intricacies of its design and the historical context it stands within. This mosque is not just a place of worship, but also a testament to the rich cultural and architectural heritage of the region.