Munshiganj: Baba Adam (R.A.) Mosque in Munshiganj is among the oldest mosques in Bangladesh, dating back to the Sultanate period and displaying the distinctive architectural style of that era. This mosque stands as a historical monument, marking the decline of the Sena dynasty and the establishment of Muslim rule in Bikrampur.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the mosque is located in the village of Kazi Kasba, now known as Dargabari, within the present Mir Kadim Municipality, near the historic Ramapal area of Bikrampur. The six-domed mosque, approximately 542 years old, is situated four kilometers northwest of Munshiganj town. It is renowned for its craftsmanship, featuring six equal-sized domes arranged in two rows.
The mosque was named after the Sufi saint and martyr Baba Adam (R.A.), who arrived in Bikrampur during King Ballal Sena's reign to preach Islam. The architectural elements and ornamental motifs of the mosque are typical of the Sultanate period, with curved cornices and roofs. Although there is no inscription regarding its naming, a stone plaque on the mosque's front wall indicates that it was built by Malik Kafur Shah, son of Sultan Jalaluddin Abu Zafar Shah, during Sultan Fateh Shah's reign, with the intent of earning spiritual merit. Construction began in 1479 and was completed in 1483, more than 300 years after Baba Adam's martyrdom.
Baba Adam Mosque is built on a rectangular foundation, measuring 43 feet in length and 36 feet in width, with four octagonal minarets at each corner. The walls, approximately 6.5 feet thick, are constructed from red burnt clay bricks of various sizes. Inside, two gray granite columns support the six domes. The interior is organized into three bays and two aisles, with three mihrabs on the western wall, featuring intricate terracotta floral and geometric patterns. The mosque's facade has three arched entrances, finely carved with chain and bell motifs, with only the central arch currently in use.
Historical accounts suggest the mosque was built at the site where Baba Adam was martyred following the Muslim victory over the Sena dynasty. A Persian inscription on the front wall states that Malik Kafur constructed the mosque in Rajab 888 Hijri (1483 AD) to earn divine blessings. Local legends say the walls were once adorned with precious stones, later looted by Magh pirates.
Historian Shri Jogendranath Gupta noted that an earthquake once destroyed three domes, which were subsequently restored. The mosque has no windows or veranda, and many local legends circulate about Baba Adam's battle with King Ballal Sena, with accounts of his mission to protect Muslims from oppression.
The mosque became a center for the spread of Islam in Bikrampur. According to the Archaeological Survey of India (1927-1928), the Archaeology Department of India once conducted renovation work on the mosque, but it has not undergone major renovations since, aside from the construction of an iron fence in 1991. The mosque has been supervised by the Department of Archaeology since 1948.
The Baba Adam Mosque is a heritage site of Munshiganj and a significant historical monument of the subcontinent. In 1991, the Bangladesh Postal Department issued a postage stamp featuring the mosque. The mosque's Khatib Md. Sanaullah remarked on the peace he feels while leading prayers there, noting the mosque's unique ability to remain cool in summer and warm in winter.
Mohammad Hossain Renu, former mayor of Mirkadim Municipality and president of the mosque committee, emphasized the mosque's significance as a testament to centuries of Muslim heritage, though its current dilapidated condition poses challenges. Cracks have appeared in the roof, and rainwater leaks through, but as it is under the Archaeology Department, independent repair initiatives cannot be undertaken.