Ghoraghat Fort Mosque
Rajshahi
Kherua Mosque, built in 1582 AD by Nawab Mirza Murad Khan Qakshal during the early Mughal period, is an important historical mosque located in Sherpur, Bogra. The mosque features three hemispherical domes and thick brick walls with exquisite floral and foliate motifs carved in brickwork. Its architectural style reflects a typical three-bayed plan popular during the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal rule in Bengal. The mosque's facade is adorned with arched panels and inscriptions in Persian, emphasizing its cultural significance. Surrounding the mosque is a verdant courtyard with palm, coconut, mango, and kadam trees, enclosed by a brick wall topped with iron railings. Though the original fort nearby no longer exists, the mosque remains in use for regular prayers and has been preserved by the Department of Archaeology, including repairs in 1956 and the addition of a boundary wall. The mosque can hold approximately one hundred worshippers and stands as a remarkable example of Mughal-era religious architecture in Bangladesh.
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Tip: Visitors should plan to visit during prayer times to experience the mosque in active use, although access to the courtyard is generally restricted outside these times. The best time to visit is during cooler months to enjoy the courtyard gardens comfortably. Advance arrangements or local guidance may be helpful as the site is primarily a place of worship. Modest dress is recommended respecting local customs. No specific ticketing is required, but donations to maintenance efforts are appreciated.
Interesting facts
- •The mosque features three hemispherical domes each with a diameter of 3.71 meters.
- •The architectural style is a three-bayed plan typical of the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Bengal.
- •The mosque's facade includes Persian inscriptions on sculptured stelae.
- •The surrounding courtyard is planted with palm, coconut, mango, and kadam trees, creating a lush environment.
- •The mosque can accommodate approximately one hundred worshippers.
History
Kherua Mosque was constructed in 1582 by Mirza Murad Khan Qakshal, likely a local jagirdar or faujdar, during the early Mughal era.
The mosque was built within the administrative region of Sherpur, which was under the control of jagirdars and served as an administrative center under Ghoraghat.
The name 'Kherua' possibly derives from the Persian term 'Khair Gah,' meaning 'within a place,' suggesting the mosque was within the fort premises built by Raja Man Singh, which no longer exists.
The mosque fell into disuse but was repaired in 1956 and is now maintained by the Department of Archaeology, which also constructed a boundary wall to preserve the site.
Place Guide
Main Prayer Hall1582
The central area of the mosque featuring three hemispherical domes and intricate brickwork with floral and foliate motifs. It holds up to one hundred worshippers and showcases the typical architectural style of the Mughal era in Bengal.
Facade and Inscriptions1582
The mosque's east facade includes two Persian inscriptions on sculptured stelae, providing historical context about its construction and patronage. The facade is decorated with arched panels and a distinctive bow-like cornice.
Courtyard and Surroundings
A rectangular courtyard covered in grass and bordered by palm, coconut, mango, and kadam trees. The area is enclosed by a brick wall topped with iron railings, providing a tranquil setting around the mosque.
Contact
Phone: 01608-462446
