Mosque architecture flourished in Bengal during the Sultanate era. Muslims of this region developed the characteristics of mosque designs using local features of their houses and local materials, like bricks. Chatmohar Mosque is an example of Sultanate mosque architecture. It is located at Kazipara Mahalla under Chatmohar municipality in Pabna district.

There was a black stone inscription carved on this mosque. However, that is now kept at Varendra Research Museum in Rajshahi. The inscription says the mosque was built during the reign of Sultan Abdul Fath Muhammed Masum Khan, chief of the Saiyyiads, in 1581 AD.  

According to historical records, one Masum Khan Kabuli was the fauzdar (commander) of a local pargana (administrative unit) during the Sultanate era. After the Mughal occupation of Bengal, he revolted against Emperor Akbar and established an independent state in Pabna. The capital of that state was Chatmohar. During his rule, he built a number of establishments, such as a palace, fort, military outpost and mosques, in the city that got mostly damaged over the course of time. Chatmohar Shahi Mosque is one such building. A fort was also built next to the mosque, but it exists no more. He also excavated a large water reservoir in his capital and built his own palace to the north of it.

The mosque is really something to see due to its artistic design. It is noteworthy for the exquisite terracotta ornamentations both inside and outside. The decorations consist of vegetal and floral motifs that still survive. It has three domes. The mosque is enclosed by a low outer wall, built in red ‘jafri’ bricks, which are thick bricks. The wide outer walls of the mosque show its historical importance. Arabic writings engraved on the outer side of the wall are being damaged by the elements. There is a concrete well in front of the mosque.

The mosque was restored and extensively repaired in the 1980s by the Department of Archaeology (DOA) and is now a protected monument. Nevertheless, the outer designs of the mosque are deteriorating day by day due to lack of maintenance.

Chatmohar Shahi Mosque is an important heritage site of north Bengal. It conveys the 15th century’s glorious cultural heritage. Visitors from different parts of the country often visit the mosque.  n

References: Indian Architecture: Islamic Period, Percy Brown, 1942; Islamic Heritage of Bengal, George Michell (ed.), UNESCO, 1984; Sultans and Mosque: The Early Muslim Architecture of Bengal, Perween Hasan, 2007; Muslim Architecture in Bengal, AH Dani, 1961; Mosque Architecture of Pre-Mughal Bengal, Syed Mahmudul Hasan, 1979.