Mosque and shrine, Chapai Nawabganj
Choto Sona Mosqueছোট সোনা মসজিদ
- Time needed
- About an hour.
- best months
- Nov–Feb
- Cost
- Free.
The "Small Golden Mosque" of Gaur, built under Sultan Alauddin Husain Shah between 1493 and 1519: fifteen domes, stone walls carved like lace, and the name "gem of sultanate architecture".
At a glance
- Built
- 1493–1519
- Domes
- 15
About
Its builder was a noble named Wali Muhammad. The domes were once gilded, which gave the mosque its name; the gold is long gone. The brick core is faced with stone, and the facade, the arched doorways and the mihrabs are covered in fine carving of vines, rosettes and hanging motifs.
The 1897 earthquake brought down part of the roof and west wall, which were restored in the early 1900s. Inside, a raised gallery in the north-west corner was reserved for the ruler. The mosque is still used for prayer.
Getting there: Bus or CNG from Chapai Nawabganj town to Sonamasjid, about an hour; the mosque is by the highway.
Things to do
- Study the carved stone around the central doorway in low morning light.
Good to know
- Dress modestly and avoid prayer times; Tahkhana is a short walk away.
