Baro Sharifpur Mosque | A Mughal Architectural Gem in Cumilla, Bangladesh
Bangladesh is a land adorned with countless ancient architectural wonders, each silently narrating the stories of bygone eras. One such remarkable site is the Baro Sharifpur Mosque [Video], located in Baro Sharifpur village of Baishgoan Union, under Manoharganj Upazila of Cumilla district. This mosque is more than just a religious place—it is a symbol of Mughal architecture, Islamic heritage, and local spiritual legacy.
📍 Location & Natural Setting
The mosque is situated beside the historic Nateshwar Dighi, a large pond revered by locals for its religious and historical significance. The scenic setting—with tranquil waters and lush greenery—creates a serene and almost meditative atmosphere around the mosque. On its northeast side, the Dakatia River flows, further enhancing the mosque’s natural charm.
🧱 Architectural Features
Though rooted in Mughal architectural tradition, the Baro Sharifpur Mosque presents a more austere and spiritual aesthetic, lacking the ornate decorations seen in grander Mughal monuments.
Key features include:
-
Rectangular structure, aligned north-south, measuring approximately 14.50 meters long and 6.00 meters wide.
-
Three arched entrances on the eastern facade.
-
One arched window or entrance each on the northern and southern walls.
-
Three mihrabs on the western interior wall.
-
Three domes on the roof, the central one being larger, flanked by two smaller domes—typical of Mughal mosque design.
-
Thick, sturdy walls reflecting the durability of traditional Mughal construction.
Though there are no intricate carvings or embellishments, the structural composition of the mosque clearly reflects the influence of Mughal-era craftsmanship and aesthetics.
📜 Historical Disputes About Construction Date
There are two Persian inscriptions on the mosque—one above the main entrance and another above the central mihrab. These inscriptions, written in poetic form with symbolic dating styles, have led to varying scholarly interpretations:
-
Some researchers believe the mosque was built in 1068 Hijri (1657–58 CE).
-
The 1977 Comilla District Gazetteer mentions the construction year as 1706 CE.
Despite these discrepancies, the mosque’s architectural style and materials undeniably point to the Mughal era.
👤 Founder and Local Traditions
According to the District Gazetteer, the mosque was built by Mohammad Hayat, a Kotwal (a Mughal police officer). Hence, it is sometimes locally referred to as the Kotwali Mosque.
However, local myths tell another story. It is believed that a revered Sufi saint named Shah Syed Baghdadi once lived in this area, and one of his devoted disciples, Abdul Karim, built the mosque during the governorship of Subahdar Shah Shuja.
Regardless of which account is historically accurate, the Baro Sharifpur Mosque remains a living monument, echoing the region’s spiritual and architectural heritage.
🏛️ Current Significance & Preservation
Today, the Baro Sharifpur Mosque serves not only as a place of worship but also as a destination for historians, tourists, and heritage researchers. Recognizing its value, the mosque was officially listed as a protected archaeological site in 1946 CE. It is currently under the care of the Department of Archaeology, Bangladesh, which oversees its preservation and maintenance.
For locals, the mosque is a symbol of pride, representing both their religious identity and regional cultural legacy.
🎭 Cultural Importance
This mosque is not merely a structure of brick and mortar; it is a living testament to centuries of Islamic devotion, spiritual depth, and Bengali Muslim architecture. Standing by the serene Nateshwar Dighi, it quietly narrates the stories of a glorious past. Through generations, the mosque has inspired faith, reflection, and cultural continuity, offering a profound connection to history and identity.
📚 References
-
Zakaria, Abul Kalam Mohammad (2010). Bangladesher Pratnasampad (Archaeological Heritage of Bangladesh). Page 676. Dibyaprakash, Dhaka.
-
Author’s field visit and documentation: Baro Sharifpur Mosque, Laksam, Cumilla.
-
Department of Archaeology, Bangladesh: Records on protected heritage sites.
✍️ Written by: Md. Shahin Alam
📚 Researcher & Writer on Archaeology, Landscape, Architecture and Heritage of Bangladesh