Mosque and shrine, Naogaon
Kusumba Mosqueকুসুম্বা মসজিদ
- Time needed
- Under an hour.
- best months
- Nov–Feb
- Cost
- Free.
A grey stone mosque of 1558 on the bank of a large tank at Manda, built in the last years of Afghan rule in Bengal: the mosque printed on the five-taka note.
At a glance
- Built
- 966 AH (1558)
- On the note
- Five taka
About
The inscription over the entrance dates it to 966 AH and names its builder, Sulaiman, in the time of the Sur ruler Ghiyasuddin Bahadur Shah. Unusually for Bengal, the brick core is faced with stone outside and in, carved with fine floral and hanging-lamp motifs.
The 1897 earthquake brought down some of its domes; they were rebuilt later. The mosque is still in use, so dress modestly and visit outside prayer times. The big tank in front, Kusumba Dighi, makes the classic photograph from its far bank.
Getting there: On the Naogaon–Rajshahi highway at Manda, about 30 km from Naogaon town; any Rajshahi bus stops close by.
Things to do
- Photograph it across the tank, then look at the carved stone mihrabs inside.
Good to know
- Avoid Friday midday prayers.
