Have you spotted the tranquil dome amidst the vibrant city? That is Madina Masjid. It stands as a testament to Kolkata’s rich history. Today I will guide you through the story of Madina Masjid. It will lead us back through time.
Madina Masjid is more than just a mosque. It’s a symbol of faith. It is also a monument to Bengal’s unique heritage. There are actually two Madina Mosques here. They lie within the Nizamat Fort Campus in Murshidabad, West Bengal.
The original Madina Masjid was built in the 18th century by Nawab Siraj ud-Daulah. A second Madina Masjid was constructed in 1847 by Nawab Mansur Ali Khan. This was inside the new Nizamat Imambara. Thus, the name Madina Masjid refers to both mosques. Both mosques stand parallel to the south face of the Hazarduari Palace. They are on the banks of the Bhagirathi River. The older mosque is slightly south of the newer one. It stands west of the clock tower near the Bacchawali Tope.
The story of the older Madina Masjid is particularly poignant. Nawab Siraj ud-Daulah wanted to provide an opportunity for poorer Muslims to experience Hajj. He ordered soil from Mecca to be mixed into the mosque’s foundation. This act transformed the mosque into a sacred place. It symbolically brought the spirit of Hajj to Bengal.
Originally, the old Imambara including the Madina Masjid was primarily constructed of wood. The Imambara suffered fire damage in 1842. A second fire completely destroyed it in 1846. However, the old Madina Masjid miraculously survived. The old Madina Masjid remained standing. It is a single-domed structure smaller than the new mosque.
The present Imambara including the new Madina Masjid was built in 1847. Sadeq Ali Khan supervised the construction. The new Madina Masjid stands on a raised platform. It is adorned with ornamental china tiles. The foundation contains soil from Karbala. Fountains once encircled the shrine between the Memberdalan and the Madina Masjid. The arches and walls of the mosque are decorated with verses from the Quran.
The Madina Masjid stands as a serene reminder of faith and history. Both Madina Mosques embody the dreams and devotion of those who built them. They offer a tranquil escape. They also provide a connection to Bengal’s past.