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Jaunpur was of great importance during
medieval times. It
was founded in the 14th century by Feroz Shah Tuglaq to
perpetuate the memory of his cousin Sultan Mohammad whose real name
was Jauna. Later, around 1394 AD, it became the centre of the
independent Sharquie kingdom of Jaunpur founded by Malik Sarvar. They
were great patrons of art and architecture and constructed many fine
tombs, mosques and madarsas. These have a distinctive style which bear
influences of later Tughlaq architecture. Jaunpur was also an
important centre of Islamic studies. While its architectural heritage
speaks of its illustrious past, the city is known today for its
Jasmine oil, tobacco leaves, raddish and imarti, a sweetmeat.

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Area: 11.2 sq. km.
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Population: 3214638 (1991 census)
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Altitude: 79.80 mtrs. above sea level.
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Season: October-March
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Clothing: Summer - Cottons; Winter - Woollens
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Language: Hindi, Urdu
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Local Transport :Taxis/Auto Rikshaws/Cycle
Rikshaws
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STD Code : 05452

Air
Babatpur Airport (Varanasi) : 38 km
Rail
Located on the Lucknow Varanasi : Mughal
Sarai section of Northern Railway, Jaunpur is serviced by the
following trains : 3283/3284 Ganga Yamuna Exp (Delhi-Varanasi /
Danapur); 4649/4650 Saryu Yamuna Exp (Delhi-Varanasi); 2427/2428
Varanasi Lucknow Varuna Exp. 3483/3484 Farakka Exp. 2401/2402
Shramjeevi Express.
Road
Accessible by road. Some of the major
road distances are Varanasi - 58 km. Ayodhya - 142 km, Allahabad - 110
km, Lucknow 228 km, Gorakhpur - 166 km.

Atala Masjid
Started in 1377 but completed only in
1408 in the reign
of Ibrahim Sharquie. This mosque represents the earliest and finest
example of Sharquie architecture, and conforms to the general plan of
the orthodox mosque. Its most distinguishing feature is the original
treatment of the facade of its prayer-hall composed of three large
ornamental archways, the central one of which soaring to 23 mts, is
gigantic.
Jami Masjid
The last great mosque of Jaunpur and
also its largest, the Jami Masjid was built by Hussain Shah in
1458-78. In plan and design it is a larger version of the Atala
Mosque. The imposing structure, raised on a high plinth, encloses a
courtyard 66 mtr by 64.5 mtr. The interior of the prayer hall is
topped by a lofty dome.
Lal Darwaza Masjid
The construction of this mosque, said to
have taken place around 1450, is attributed to Bibi Raji, the queen of
Sultan Mahmud Shah. It is built on a much smaller area than the Atala
Masjid.
Khalis Mukhlis Masjid
This was constructed by Malik Mukhlis
and Khalis in 1417.
Shahi Bridge
Constructed by Munim Khan in 1568 this
picturesque old bridge spans the Gomti river.
Shitla Choukiya Dham
This famous, ancient temple of Jaunpur
is dedicated to Shitla Mata.
Yamdagni Ashram
A religious centre, this ashram is
closely associated with the life of sage Parashuram.
Other places of interest include Shahi
Qil, Khwab-gah, Dargah Chishti, Pan-e-Sharif, Jahangiri Masjid, Akbari
Bridge and the tombs of the Sharquie Sultans.
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