The mosque is an old mosque in Dhaka with a rich history that reflects Mughal architectural marvels.
If you are planning to visit Dhaka, you should keep this mosque on your bucket list!
In this post, I’ll delve into the history and significance of the mosque and tell you if it’s worth a visit.
The Architectural History of Khan Mohammad Mridha Mosque
Khan Mohammad Mridha mosque is one of the archaic mosques in Dhaka, Bangladesh. It is an elegant Mughal mosque situated near the west of Lalbagh Fort. The style, decoration, and layout were mostly designed by the regional traditions of the time. The mosque was built on the order of Qazi Ebadullah during 1704–05 AD. The mosque is built on a flourished platform, which is 5.8 meters from the ground.
It has three domes the central one is bigger than the others: two Persian Inscriptions, the first one over the central archway, and another one over the central Mihrab. There are vaulted rooms on three sides of the Mosque except for the eastern side for living purposes.
There is a stairway on the eastern side that ends with a gateway. The Khan Mohammad Mridha Mosque consists of a small part of the platform area-wise. The Department of Archaeology, Bangladesh, repaired it.
Naming Of Khan Mohammad Mridha Mosque
Most of the Mughal site is named after Mughal’s victory, Mughal’s Pride, a family member’s commemoration, or the area’s name. Khan Muhammad Mridha Mosque was one of the single incidents in Mughal history, where they named a site after the builder of the site.
Yes, in 1704 – 1705 AD, the chief Qazi of Dhaka, Qazi Abdullah, ordered Khan Muhammad Mirza to build the Mosque. After the construction, the Mosque was named after the builder.
Two Storied Mosque With Multi-Purpose
Khan Mridha Mosque is beautifully constructed with a Mughal touch, two-storied. The upper part of the building is only used for prayers. It is a rectangular structure and capped by three domes. On the north side of the Mosque, there is a small madrasa. The lower part of the building is used for the living of the workers of the Mosque.
That is why this Khan Mohammad Mridha Mosque is locally known as a two-story mosque. There is also a garden that is filled with seasonal flowers on the north side. In the south part, there is an ancient palm tree, a testimony to the Mosque.
Khan Mohammad Mridha Mosque
The Khan Mohammad Mridha Mosque at old Dhaka looks a lot like Red Fort (Lal Qila) Dehli, India, which was made by Emperor Shahjahan in the seventeenth century.
The Mosque also looks like some other mosques in Bangladesh. In the area of Dhaka University, there are two more mosques, one is Musa Khan Mosque, and the other one is Khwaja Shahbaz Khan Mosque.
In the area of Mohammadpur, Saat Gombuj Mosque. Khan Mohammad Mridha Mosque and these mosques were built almost simultaneously, and that is why these mosques have Mughal touch in their architecture.
Rules To Enter And Visit The Mosque
Both males and females can visit the Khan Mohammad Mridha Masjid but with some conditions. No one can enter the mosque during prayer time; visitors can enter at any other time covering the body. People of any religion can enter. But women had to cover their heads to enter.
If you enter the main gate, you can see a good view of the walled Mosque. Without wearing modest clothes, people cannot enter. Wearing Shorts and entering is strictly prohibited. If the gate is closed other than the prayer time, you can ask the caretaker to open it.
Should you visit Khan Mohammad Mridha Mosque?
Yes, visiting Khan Mohammad Mridha Mosque can be a rewarding experience for those interested in historical and architectural sites. The mosque, located in Dhaka, Bangladesh, is renowned for its stunning Mughal architecture and intricate detailing.
Constructed in the mid-18th century, the mosque showcases a blend of Persian and Mughal architectural styles. The intricate carvings, ornate decorations, and overall grandeur of the mosque make it a significant cultural and historical landmark.
As with any travel decision, it’s important to consider your interests and preferences. If you appreciate history, art, and architecture, a visit to Khan Mohammad Mridha Mosque can provide you with insights into the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Just ensure you follow any local customs or guidelines for visitors and respect the sanctity of the site.
Final Words
Mughal Empire was very famous for its Indo-Islamic architectural style. Do you know that Mughal architecture is a mixture of Turkic, Persian, and Indian architectural styles?
Khan Mohammad Mridha mosque has Mughal touch in its construction. Some say it looks like Lalbagh Fort by the style. Khan Mridha’s mosque in Dhaka is a symbol of ancient history like many other historical Mosques in Bangladesh.
There are also many interesting facts about other mosques like Musa Khan Mosque, Khwaja Shahbaz Mosque, and Saat Gombuj Mosque. What could be more exciting than knowing about these mosques? These mosques contain a lot of amazing facts for interested people around the world.