Nakhoda Masjid
Nakhoda Masjid is acknowledged as the largest Masjid in the city of Kolkata. It was built under the benefaction of a dweller of Kutch, Abdar Rahim Osman in the year 1926. The Masjid has become one of the prime tourist attractions of Kolkata, owing to its sheer size and magnificence. Around 10,000 devotees can perform their prayer, or 'Namaaz' in this splendid Masjid together. A huge amount of Rs.15 Lakhs was invested to accomplish the construction of this huge Masjid.
Presently, the Masjid is administered by a board of trustees. The gateway to the Masjid resembles the Buland Darwaza at Fatehpur Sikri. For its construction, granite stones were brought from Tolepur. Inside the Nakhoda Masjid, there is a fabulous exhibition of ornaments and art.
There are two minarets and three domes in the shrine. The length of the minarets is 151 feet. Furthermore, 25 smaller minarets are these and their length varies from 100 to 117 feet. In all, there are 27 minarets in the Nakhoda Masjid shrine. The architectural pattern of the shrine is a perfect example of the blend of Indian and Saracenic architecture.
History of Nakhoda Masjid
Built-in 1926, Nakhoda Masjid is a large, beautiful Masjid that stands at the center of Zakaria Street in North Kolkata. The main funder of the structure was a shipping prince and hence it was named Nakhoda, or ‘mariner’. This is the largest masjid in Kolkata. Its architecture is inspired by Akbar’s tomb in Sikandra.
Architecture of Nakhoda Masjid
There are 25 small pillars in the mosque, all of which are almost 100ft tall and give the mosque a majestic look. The mosque is made from exquisite granite which had been sourced from Tolepur. As you lay sight on the gateway of the mosque, you will notice that it resembles the Buland Darwaza of Fatehpur Sikri while the rest of the building will remind you of Akbar's Tomb at Sikandra.
The center of the mosque has three large domes and two minarets that add to its beauty. The water tank inside the mosque which is used for cleaning up before offering prayers has also been designed tastefully and so is the blue and white floor of the mosque.
Nakhoda mosque reflects a mélange of Indian and Saracenic styles of architecture. The walls of the mosque from inside are ornately decorated in golden, orange, and brown hues.
