Shibganj:From a distance, a marvelous architecture built of black stone catches the eye. As you get closer, history itself seems to start speaking. Fifteen domes, delicate stone carvings, arches, and an architectural style hundreds of years old combine to form not just a mosque, but a unique monument of the Sultanate Era of Bengal. This structure, standing near the ancient settlement of Gaur in Shibganj, Chapainawabganj, is the Choto Sona Masjid.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Choto Sona Masjid, known as the 'Jewel of Sultanate Architecture,' is located in the Shahbazpur area, about 35-38 kilometers from Chapainawabganj town. This mosque, bearing the memories of ancient Gaur, still attracts tourists, history lovers, and architectural researchers from home and abroad. Historical records indicate that the mosque was built during the reign of Sultan Alauddin Husain Shah of Bengal, between 1493 and 1519 AD. The identity of the builder is found in the inscription above the main entrance, which names Majlis-e-Majalis Majlis-e-Mansur Wali Muhammad bin Ali.
However, the part of the inscription containing the construction date is damaged, leaving the exact year unknown. Despite this, the belief that it is about 500 years old has a historical basis. The mosque was once believed to have a golden coating on its domes and exterior, which glittered in the sunlight, giving it the name 'Sona Masjid' or Golden Mosque. As there is another larger Sona Masjid in the region within Indian territory, this one is known as Choto Sona Masjid (Small Golden Mosque).
Today, the golden coating no longer exists. The most striking feature of Choto Sona Masjid is the 15 domes on its roof, with 12 being hemispherical and three in the middle row in the chouchala style. The mosque has a total of 11 entrances, five on the eastern wall and three each on the northern and southern walls. Octagonal towers stand at the four corners, and the mosque's black stone walls feature delicate carvings of flowers and foliage, contributing to its unique beauty.
The mosque is constructed with a stone covering over the main brick structure, giving it the appearance of being entirely stone from the outside. This combination of brick and stone is characteristic of Sultanate architecture. In the north-west part of the mosque, a special high chamber can be reached by stairs, believed to have been used for the ruler or royal family members, indicating royal patronage at that time.
Some parts of Choto Sona Masjid were damaged in the devastating earthquake of 1897 but were later renovated. Despite long-term decay, natural disasters, and changes, much of the mosque's original architecture has survived. It is currently under the conservation of the Department of Archaeology.
Choto Sona Masjid's significance extends beyond medieval architecture. Near its premises lie the graves of two heroes of the Liberation War Birshreshtha Captain Mohiuddin Jahangir and Major Nazmul Haque, the commander of Sector 7. Visitors can witness a unique example of Sultanate-era architecture and pay respects to those who sacrificed their lives for Bangladesh's independence.
The mosque stands as a testament to the art, architecture, and technical skill of the Sultanate era of Bengal. The nearby graves remind us that the history of this land is not only of kings and sultans but also of self-sacrificing individuals. Choto Sona Masjid is not just an old mosque; it is a living school of history that intertwines the architectural heritage of Bengal, the history of Gaur, and the memory of the Liberation War.