Kusumba Mosque: A timeless architectural gem

The historic Kusumba Mosque is located in Manda upazila of Naogaon, an agriculture-dependent district in northern Bangladesh.

Nearly five centuries old, the mosque is not merely a religious structure but a unique testament to Bangladesh's history, heritage and architectural artistry. Owing to its extraordinary design and beauty, an image of Kusumba Mosque has been featured on the country's five-taka banknote.

Located about 35 kilometres from Naogaon district town, in Kusumba village under Kusumba union, the mosque welcomes hundreds of visitors and worshippers every day.

Situated on the western side of Manda Bridge on the Rajshahi-Naogaon highway, the structure is one of the main attractions of the Barind region.

Inside Kusumba Mosque. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

To the north and south of the mosque lies a vast water tank covering about 100 bighas.

Measuring approximately 1,200 feet in length and 900 feet in width, the reservoir once met the water needs of local residents and worshippers. Today, it further adds to the mosque's beauty.

The Kusumba Mosque extends about 58 feet from north to south and about 42 feet from east to west. Its nearly six-foot-thick walls and stone-clad exterior give the mosque a distinctive character.

The front façade features three arched entrances. At the four corners stand four octagonal towers. Six domes arranged in two rows on the roof embody the beauty of Sultanate architecture.

Interior of Kusumba mosque at Naogaon. Photo: Syed Zakir Hossain

Although several domes were damaged in the devastating earthquake of 1897, the Department of Archaeology later restored them and revived the mosque's splendour.

Inside the mosque, two massive stone pillars support the entire weight of the roof.

The three mihrabs on the western wall, adorned with delicate carvings of hanging chains, flowers and foliage, showcase the excellence of Sultanate Art. Inside the mosque there was once a two-storeyed chamber known as the zenana gallery, or women's prayer room.

It was built on stone pillars in front of the northern mihrab. In front of the mosque lies an open courtyard with stone-paved steps leading directly down to the tank. Near the entrance stands a box-shaped black stone.

However, historians differ somewhat on the mosque's date of construction.

Exterior of Kusumba mosque at Naogaon. Photo: Syed Zakir Hossain/Adar Bepari

According to the main inscription, it was built in 1558 during the reign of Afghan Sultan Ghiyasuddin Bahadur Shah.

Another inscription suggests its foundation was laid in 1498 during the reign of Sultan Alauddin Husain Shah.

Thus, the mosque is believed to be between 468 and 528 years old. Local lore holds that the area was named Kusumba after Kusum Bibi, the wife of Sultan Alauddin Husain Shah of Gaur, and the mosque was later named after the locality. However, no reliable historical evidence has been found to support this claim.

Visitors from across the country flock to the mosque every day.

Intricate design of the wall on Kusumba Mosque. Photo: Syed Zakir Hossain/Adar Bepari

Fariha Hossain Kripa, a seventh-grade student at PM Girls' High School in Naogaon town, said, "After seeing this mosque on the five-taka note, I had wanted to come here for a long time. The surroundings are very beautiful. I'm really enjoying being here."

"If a rest house were built here, it would be much more convenient for visitors coming from far away," she added.

Irin Zaman, a student of the Fine Arts Department at Rajshahi University, said, "I have never seen such a beautiful and eye-catching mosque before. I had seen it in pictures, but seeing it in person makes its beauty even more striking. The huge tank in front and the surrounding environment are truly enchanting."

Every day, countless worshippers come from far and wide to pray at the mosque. Especially during Friday prayers and Eid congregations, the entire courtyard fills with devotees.

The mosque's khatib, Maulana Mostafa Al-Amin, said, "Inside the mosque, about 80 worshippers can pray in four rows. In addition, around 700 worshippers can offer congregational prayers in the open courtyard in front. Taraweeh prayers are also held here during the holy month of Ramadan."

A side view of the Kusumba Mosque. Photo: BSS

Naogaon Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Saiful Islam said, "Visitors come daily from home and abroad to see this ancient mosque.

Various plans have been undertaken to further enhance its tourism potential."

Experts believe that with proper preservation and tourism-friendly development, Kusumba Mosque could become one of the leading tourist destinations in northern Bangladesh.

As a unique blend of history, architecture and religious heritage, Kusumba Mosque continues to stand as a proud witness to Bangladesh's glorious past.