The captivating city of Kolkata is known for its rich cultural heritage. On your next visit, explore its trail of historic Islamic architecture in its mosques, each with unique architectural elements that distinguish them. Here is a guide to some of the most interesting mosques in the City of Joy, from the grandeur of the Nakhoda Masjid to the simplicity of the oldest mosque in Kolkata, built in memory of a saint from Iraq who settled here centuries ago.
The Nakhoda Masjid is the largest mosque in the city. Built in 1926 by a certain Abdur Rahim Osman from Kutch in Gujarat, it is an excellent example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. Situated on busy Zakaria Street in the Chitpur neighbourhood of Kolkata, its design is based on Akbar's Tomb at Sikandra and features two minars that are as high as 151 feet, three domes, and 25 smaller minarets. The entrance resembles the Buland Darwaza at Fatehpur Sikri, and when viewed from the busy streets of Burrabazaar, the structure looks like a ship.
The vicinity of the mosque has plenty of interesting things to explore, especially during Ramadan. During this festive period, you can find a wide range of mouth-watering delicacies, including haleem, kebabs, sewai, and biryani. You can also purchase bottles of attar from some of the shops around here.
Address: 92, Rabindra Sarani, near Nakhuda masjid, Kolutolla, Kolkata, West Bengal 700073
Located at the intersection of Dharmatala and Chowringhee, this beautiful mosque was built in 1842 by Prince Ghulam Mohammed, the youngest son of Tipu Sultan—the ruler of Mysore, who was also a notable scholar and poet. Another identical mosque, which he had constructed earlier in 1835, can be found in Tollygunge. In fact, there are several mosques in Kolkata that are named after him. Among them, the ones at Dharmatala and the Anwar Shah crossing are well-known. The Ghulam Mohammed Wakf Estate manages both of these mosques. The mosque in Dharmatala is a testimony to the city's architectural and cultural heritage, featuring six domes and tall corner towers. This mosque blends classical architecture with rounded arches and ionic columns, as well as the typical British shuttered doors.
Address: 185, Lenin Sarani Rd, Esplanade, Chandni Chawk, Ward Number 46, Kolkata, West Bengal 700013
Located near the Nimtala Ghat of North Kolkata, surrounded by several temples on the banks of the Hooghly, stands the Niyamatullah Ghat Masjid, which is more than two centuries old. The area reflects Kolkata's diverse culture and is dotted with Hindu shrines. The mosque is sandwiched between two temples and was constructed in 1748 by a local landlord named Mohammad Ramzan Ali in memory of one of his ancestors, Niyamatullah. The nine-domed mosque has three doors on each of its four sides. The open courtyard in front of the mosque can be accessed through steps that are covered in terracotta tiles.
Address: 86/1, Nimtala Ghat St, Nimtalla, Ahiritola, Beniatola, Kolkata, West Bengal 700005
The Basri Shah Masjid, situated in Chitpur, Kolkata, is said to be the city's oldest mosque. This rectangular structure is a heritage site listed by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation. The mosque is adorned with three domes and four minarets and follows the pre-Mughal Bengal style established during the reign of the Bengal Sultanate in the city of Gaur. It is believed to have been constructed by a Ja'fir Ali in 1804 CE. The mosque is named after the shrine of Basri Shah, a saint from Basra in Iraq who settled in Kolkata between 1760 and 1790.
Address: J959+9VF, Chitpur, Kolkata
