Tipu Sultan Masjid

The 13 masjids constructed by the successors of Tipu Sultan are noteworthy as well. The most popular among these masjids is the Tipu Sultan Masjid at Esplanade.

The Tipu Sultan Mosque is famous in Kolkata. The mosque is a remnant of architectural and cultural heritage. People from all sections of society and religions come here to visit and take pictures of this historical mosque in Kolkata. This building was built in 1832 by Prince Ghulam Mohammed, the youngest son of Tipu Sultan. It represents a distinctive architectural heritage. The mosque is doubled-aisled and has multiple domes and tall corner towers.

History of Tipu Sultan Masjid

Gholam Mohammed using all his powers bought land in Central Kolkata and built this mosque in 1842. This mosque was built in memory of his father Tipu Sultan. In the early ’80s, the mosque was damaged during the construction of metro railways in the Esplanade area. However, within a short period, the masjid was restored with the help of the Tipu Sultan Shahi Masjid Protection & Welfare committee which was established in 1980, and the Metro Railways. The primary motive for the establishment of the committee was to create awareness among the people regarding the damage caused to the mosque during the construction of the metro.

Currently, the Tipu Sultan masjid and the mosque at Tollygunge are both managed by Ghulam Mohammad Wakf Estate. All the expenses for the mosques are managed using the properties possessed by the royal family trust headed by His Highness Prince Anwar Ali and the officials appointed by the Kolkata High Court. The Committee members of the mosque not just manage the masjid judiciously but are also extremely considerate. During the Tsunami in 2004, they raised funds that were a part of the Prime Minister’s Tsunami Fund.

The mosque is considered sacred and religious by all Muslims, especially those of the state. Very recently, the masjid also built a temporary shamianah within the premises and allowed the entry of women during the time of Ramzan. Iftar and evening prayers were offered for women during that period.

Architecture of Tipu Sultan Masjid

This site of marvel can withhold 1000 people at once. The mosque is double-aisled and has 16 domes and 4 minars. Painted green externally, it has fine and intricate carvings on the walls of the mosque giving it an impressive appearance. Facing South, the religious place is of religious and historic attraction. Another mosque resembling this Islamic grandeur is located at Tollygunge which was constructed before this.