Shahi Masjid Zabta Ganj is located at Delhi's heart, yet it's more likely to go unnoticed under the shadow of its more famous neighbor, the India Gate. This is where every major event in Delhi, including the Republic Day Parade, takes place. Still, you're more likely to pass through India Gate and proceed to explore the rest of Lutyens Delhi without really giving much thought about the not-so-big, white structure that is often hidden behind trees as well as barricades put up for security reasons. But as a matter of fact, this place has a fascinating history and a unique look compared to other mosques.

The mosque was built by Zabta Khan, who is better known as the son of Najib ad-Dawlah, the Rohilla chieftain who played a crucial role in the third battle of Panipat against the Marathas. The people living in the nearby settlements were relocated while the new capital was being built and hence the mosque was also abandoned for some time. But later on, it was renovated, and an Imam was appointed to make it functional again. A small madrassa is also operational along with the mosque now. Masjid Zabta Ganj is a unique mosque as it does not really have the large dome-like structures and tall minarets of most other mosques. It’s a smaller and not so imposing structure with an understated design. The most visible aspect of this mosque is the water body that surrounds it from two sides. While busy roads bind it on two sides, the other two sides are separated from the vast open grounds of Rajpath by this pond. The reflection of the mosque on the water is a sight to behold. There are small wooden bridges over the pond for people to reach the ground from Man Singh Road, and they offer the best and unobstructed view of the mosque. The pond also hosts colorful swans and ducks to add to the overall ambiance. The mosque is easily visible from the road - as your approach India Gate via Rajpath, you will see it on the right side. You can club it with other attractions in the nearby area and take a quiet stroll in the lush open fields for a nice afternoon, so do drop by when you can carve out some time for yourself once the current situation gets better.