Kolkata was a place in India having strong reflection of British culture, architecture and lifestyle because it was ruled for more than a century by British. Still some of the areas of Kolkata has an essence of Indian origin like Rabindra Sarani which is place that has a lot of reflection of Delhi architecture. You must be wondering what it means. Let me explain. This area has many Islamic structures that has quite resemblance to the structures created by Mughal Emperor Akbar. Let me take you to one of the most prestigious and biggest mosque of Kolkata. It is the Nakoda Mosque. This Islamic religious magnificent structure is situated in Chitpur area of Burra Bazaar at the junction of Zakariya Street and Rabindra Sarani in central Kolkata. This principal mosque of Kolkata is built in imitation with the Mausoleum of great Mughal Emperor Akbar at Sikandra in Agra. A small community of Sunni Muslim from Kutch, Gujarat known as Kutchi Memon Jamat created this mosque. The funds came from the leader of the community, Abdur Rahim Osman to build the mosque. He was known as a shipping prince and thus the name of the mosque is kept Nakhoda Mosque which literary means Mariner mosque. On 11th September 1926 the foundation stone was laid and it took almost Rs.1500000 to complete the construction. It is a huge sum of money at that time of 1926.The hugeness of mosque can be predicted by the fact that it can accommodate almost 10000 people in its prayer hall. This beautiful mosque has three big domes and two tall minarets. The height of these minarets is 151 feet. Apart from these two big minarets there are also 25 small minarets enhancing the beauty of the structure. These small minarets are heighted between 100 feet and 117 feet. The direction of façade is in the west. Even the main entrance door is a simulation of the Buland Darwaza situated at Fatehpur Sikri. In order to create the resemblance from the former Gateway granite stones were brought all the way from Dholpur. Terracotta red paint is used for rest of the facade of the mosque. The domes are painted green to add the majestic effect. The blue windows add the contrast effect to the structure. You cannot certainly forget the projecting designer clock installed on the lofty walls close to the top most floor. When you enter the mosque there is an open well in the court yard. The colourful interiors make the environment quite vibrant and to this vibrancy all the features contribute from light bulbs, chandelier, mirror balls and pillars to floor. The architectural style used to create this spectacular mosque is a mixture of Indo – Saracenic style influenced by Mughal architecture. There is an exhibition place inside displaying exclusive decoration and artistic extravaganza. When you step outside the mosque a lovely fragrance welcomes you. There are stalls selling essence made of essential oils and flower extracts. They are open all days except Sundays. During the Muslim festival times like Muharram the complete structure is gracefully decorated and illuminated. It looks fabulous at that time of year.Timings of mosqueFrom 06.00 am to 8.00 pmNearby attractions
- Hafiz Jalaluddin Mosque
- Karbala Mosque at Man-icktola
- Several other mosques built by Tipu Sultan descendants
- Tipu Sultan Mosque at Dharmatal- la street