Chota Sona Masjid

   Who doesn't like to travel? And if it is the country's old historical monuments! Which is also playing an important role in the foreign trade of the country as it is a land port. I was talking about Chota Sona Masjid in Shahbazpur Union of Shibganj Upazila of Chapai Nawabganj District which is located in the north-west of Bangladesh. Which has remained intact as the pride of Sultanate architecture for almost 500 years.

History of Chota Sona Masjid ::

Chota Sona Masjid was built by a person named Wali Mohammad during the reign of Sultan Alauddin Hussain Shah [1494-1519 AD]. This information is known from an inscription found on the middle door of the mosque. However, the date portion of the inscription is broken, so the date of construction is not known. When the sun shines on the walls of the mosque, it sparkles. Hence it is known as Sona Masjid. But due to lack of adequate care it has turned coppery. It is known as Chota Sona Masjid as there is another large Sona Masjid near the Bangladesh-India border. 

Construction style of Chota Sona Masjid::

    The mosque is made of bricks. A layer of stone is placed on it. The exterior of the mosque measures 82 feet by 52 and a half feet; The interior measures 70 feet 4 inches by 40 feet 9 inches. Height about 20 feet. There are four pillars around the mosque. Their land is rectangular. The height of the pillars is up to the roof cornice. There are five doors in front of the mosque and three doors each on the right and left sides. The doors are studded with craftsmanship. 

     In 1897, three domes of the mosque and some parts of the western side wall collapsed in an earthquake. In 1900, the British government renovated the dome and the wall. However, most of the parts outside the brick wall on the western side have not been set with stones. The Ambagan can be seen on the southeast side of the mosque. Summer is the perfect time to visit Sona Masjid if you want to try Chapai's famous fresh and delicious ripe mangoes.

    In addition, the burial place of two brave sons of the mother of Bengal, brave freedom fighter Captain Mohiuddin Jahangir and 7th sector commander Major Nazmul Haque can be seen in the premises of Sona Mosque. 

 

 How to reach Chota Sona Masjid::

       The distance of Chota Sona Masjid from Dhaka is about 330 km. Sona Masjid can be reached by any means from Dhaka by bus, train or plane. There are many buses from Dhaka that go directly to Chapainawabganj city. Chota Sona Mosque can be reached directly from Chapai Nawabganj city by CNG, Autorickshaw. However, if you travel by train or plane, you have to reach Rajshahi first and then you can go directly to Chota Sona Masjid by bus.