Khan Mohammad Mridha Mosque

The Khan Mohammad Mridha Mosque is a historical mosque near Lalbagh Fort in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

The mosque, located near Lalbag Fort in Dhaka, Bangladesh, is an architectural wonder that boasts a rich history. This mosque is a testament to the unique blend of Mughal and traditional Bangladeshi architectural styles and has become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

The mosque was built in Atish Khan Mahalla by Khan Mohammad Mridha under the instruction of Qadi Ibadullah in 1706 CE. The mosque rises above its surroundings because the tahkhana or underground rooms of the mosque are above grade. The roof of the tahkhana forms the platform on which the mosque is situated. The spacious prayer place before the main mosque is open in all directions allowing air to flow and keep the Musullis cool.

A madrasa was also built north-west of the mosque building. It’s founding teacher, Mawlana Asadullah (d. 1709), taught fiqah, philosophy and logic in the Arabic and Persian languages to the pupils, and was funded by the Nawabs of Bengal.

The main mosque where the Imam and a few devotees are accommodated consists of three domes bears testimony of the architecture practiced during the sixteenth century. There have two Persian inscriptions, one over the central archway and the other over the central Mihrab. According to an inscription found, the mosque was built during the rule of Deputy Governor of Dhaka, Farrukhsiyar, by a Khan Muhammad Mirza, who could have been the architect. The construction was orders by a Qazi Ibadullah during 1704–05 AD.

The platform is 16'-6" above the ground level. The tahkhana comprises vaulted rooms for living purposes. The mosque is accessed from the east, up a flight of twenty-five steps. Area wise, the mosque occupies only a small portion of the platform.

The interior is divided into three bays by two lateral arches. Each bay contains a mihrab that is marked by multi-cusped arch within a rectangular panel.

Various kinds of seasonal flowers are cultivated in the garden at the eastern portion making the compound a sight for sore eyes. A gardener appointed by Department of Archaeology is in charge of the upkeep of the garden. A well in the northern portion of the garden once used for supplying water for ablution, a way of becoming fresh before prayer is now abandoned. In the southern side of the garden stands a tall, old palm tree bearing the symbol of ancient for the place.

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