The Jama Masjid of Delhi, one of the largest mosques in India, was built by which Mughal emperor?

Introduction / Context:
The Jama Masjid of Delhi is one of the most famous and largest mosques in India, and it is an important landmark for questions related to medieval Indian history and Mughal architecture. Examinations often test which Mughal emperor commissioned major monuments to check whether students can link rulers with their architectural achievements. Knowing who built Jama Masjid also helps place it within the timeline of Mughal power and cultural patronage in North India.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The structure in question is the Jama Masjid of Delhi.
• It is one of the largest mosques in India and a key Mughal monument.
• The options list prominent Mughal emperors: Akbar, Humayun, Babar, and Shah Jahan.
• We assume the question refers to the famous Jama Masjid located in Old Delhi.

Concept / Approach:
To answer correctly, we need to connect architectural works with the emperor who ordered them. Babar, Humayun, Akbar, and Shah Jahan all contributed to buildings, but Shah Jahan is especially remembered for grand marble structures and monumental mosques and forts. By historical record, the Jama Masjid in Old Delhi was commissioned by Shah Jahan, the same emperor who built the Taj Mahal and made Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi) his capital city.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify that the mosque referred to is the main Jama Masjid in Old Delhi. Step 2: Recall that this mosque was constructed in the seventeenth century during the high point of Mughal architectural activity. Step 3: Note that Shah Jahan was responsible for the Taj Mahal, Red Fort in Delhi, and Jama Masjid, showing his pattern of large scale architectural projects. Step 4: Match this information with the options and choose Shah Jahan as the correct builder.

Verification / Alternative check:
A quick way to verify is to remember that Jama Masjid is very close to the Red Fort in Old Delhi. Both were part of Shah Jahan's plan for his new capital, Shahjahanabad. Since Akbar and Babar were earlier rulers who focused more on forts like Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri, and Humayun ruled for a comparatively shorter time, this confirms that Shah Jahan is the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Akbar: He commissioned Fatehpur Sikri and many buildings at Agra, but not Jama Masjid of Delhi.
Humayun: His reign was interrupted and he is associated more with the tomb built for him later by his widow, not Jama Masjid.
Babar: He founded the Mughal empire and won the First Battle of Panipat, but did not build this mosque in Delhi.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse Akbar and Shah Jahan because both were great builders. Another common mistake is to see the word Masjid and guess an earlier ruler like Babar. Remember that Shah Jahan's reign is strongly associated with grand marble monuments and the planned city of Shahjahanabad in Delhi, which helps fix this in memory.

Final Answer:
The Jama Masjid of Delhi was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.