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Mughal mosque in Bogra, Bangladesh
Kherua Mosque (Bengali: খেরুয়া মসজিদ) is one of the earliest Mughal mosques built in the 16th century, located Sherpur, Bogra District. It was built at the end of Sultanate era and on the eve of Mughal rule. According to the inscription found in the mosque, it was built by Nawab Mirza Murad Khan, son of Jawahar Ali Khan Kakshal, in 1582 AD (989 AH).[1]
During late 16th century, Bengal experienced a turbulent phase due to anti-Mughal resistance led by the Baro Bhuiyans. The region of Sherpur Morcha, noted in Abul Fazl's Ain-i-Akbari, was a stronghold of the Kakshal rebels, who aligned with the Baro Bhuiyans and Afghan leader Masum Khan Kabuli. The mosque, built to serve the community during this political crisis, shows evident negligence in its construction and ornamentation due to the prevailing unrest.[1]
An inscription on the front wall of the mosque reveals that it was constructed in 1582 by Mirza Murad Khan Kakshal, son of Jawhar Ali Kakshal. The title "Kakshal" was given by the Turks. The Ghoraghat region was under the control of Turkic jagirdars. During that period, Sherpur was an administrative center under Ghoraghat. Historians speculate that Mirza Murad Khan Kakshal was likely a jagirdar or faujdar of Sherpur.
The origin of the name "Kherua" for the mosque is unclear. Historical account explains the name "Kherua," and no such word exists in Arabic or Persian. However, in Persian, the term Khair Gah means "within a place." During the time when Raja Man Singh was the governor of Bengal, he built a fort in Sherpur, which no longer exists. It is speculated that if the mosque was constructed within the premises of the Sherpur fort, the name "Kherua" might have derived from Khair Gah. This ancient mosque continues to be used for regular prayers. Additionally, the Department of Archaeology has constructed a boundary wall around the mosque, ensuring a well-maintained environment.[2]
The mosque, an early Mughal architectural example in Bengal, features a rectangular layout measuring 17.34 meters in length from north to south and 7.5 meters in width from west to east. The interior dimensions are 13.72 meters long and 3.8 meters wide, with walls approximately 1.83 meters thick. The mosque has three eastern entrances, with the central one larger than the two flanking it, and additional single entrances on the northern and southern sides. The western interior wall contains three half-cylindrical concave mihrabs set within a rectangular frame, the central mihrab being larger than the others, all devoid of ornamentation. The front walls exhibit paneling, though earlier terracotta tile ornamentation is no longer present. Two inscriptions once adorned either side of the central entrance; one remains in place, while the other, possibly carved on the back of a repurposed statue fragment, is preserved in the Karachi Museum.[1]
The architectural complex features three hemispherical domes, each with a diameter of 3.71 meters, adorning the roof. The cornice exhibits a distinctive bow-like curvature, complemented by a series of arched panels arranged beneath it. The facade is embellished with carved floral and foliate motifs etched into the bricks. The structure has minarets, domes, and elaborate brickwork. In front of the mosque lies a rectangular courtyard covered in verdant grass, bordered by rows of palm, coconut, mango, and kadam trees, alongside seasonal flowering plants on one side. The entire precinct, spanning approximately 59 decimals, is enclosed by a brick wall topped with iron railings. Access to the courtyard is generally restricted only allowing worshippers during prayer times.[3]
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Front view of the mosque
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Inscription on the wall
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Interior view
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Side view
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Interior view of dome (Gombuj)
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Mosque courtyard with palm, coconut, mango, and Kadam trees
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Adjoining tomb beside the Mosque
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