“Did you know this mosque was built to resemble a famous tomb?” That’s the question I want you to ponder as we stand before the Dhapa Masjid. It is a prominent landmark in Kolkata. The Dhapa Masjid is not just a place of worship. It embodies a rich history and architectural grandeur.
Let’s step back in time to the early 20th century. This area had two mosques before 1854. Haji Zakariah helped build a huge mosque with his own money. He was a Kutchi Memon merchant and business tycoon. The Cutchi Memons are a Muslim community. They came to Calcutta around 1823. Haji Zakariah was the leader of other Sunni Muslims. They inhabited the areas around the mosque. Nakhoda means Mariner. Haji was in the shipping business.
In 1926, reconstruction began on the Dhapa Masjid. It was completed in 1935. Abdul Rahim Osman was the biggest donor. Other Cutchi Memons also contributed. The construction cost 1,500,000 Indian rupees in 1926. Mackintosh Burn and Co. built the musjid. It was a British engineering company.
Notice the architectural style. The Dhapa Masjid was designed to mirror the mausoleum of Mughal Emperor Akbar. It is located at Sikandra near Agra. The gateway is similar to the Buland Darwaza at Fatehpur Sikri. Granite stones were brought from Tolepur for this purpose.
Inside the Dhapa Masjid, the prayer hall can hold 10,000 devotees. Look up and admire the three domes. Two minarets rise 151 feet high. There are 25 smaller minarets. They range from 100 to 117 feet. The mosque showcases exquisite ornamentation. It is a true artistic extravaganza.
Haji Zakariah was also a philanthropist. He took over the management of the two mosques. He bought the land between them. He established the Zakaria Madrassa. He purchased buildings for the Cutchi Memon community. Haji Zakariah and his cousin purchased the Maniktalla Burial Ground. It includes a Bibi Jitan musjid and dargah.
The Dhapa Masjid has faced legal challenges. In 1906-7 AD, a dispute arose among the Cutchi Memon Jamat. The Calcutta High Court settled the matter. The Cutchi Memon Jamat members now choose the trustees. They also choose the administrator. One member of the Haji Zakariah family is always a trustee.
The Cutchi Memons had become very prosperous. Abdul Rahim Osman noticed a crack in the mehrab. He called a meeting. They decided to rebuild the Nakhoda Musjid. The ground floor has been maintained. Marbles from the original Zakaria Musjid were used. The entire musjid is built in the style of Jama Masjid Delhi.
Today, the Dhapa Masjid stands as a testament to history, community, and architectural brilliance. It reminds us of Haji Zakariah’s vision. It also reminds us of the Cutchi Memon’s dedication. It is a serene space amid the city’s hustle. Take a moment to appreciate its beauty and significance.