Brief History:

Nakhoda Masjid, Kolkata is one of the largest mosques in India and a prominent landmark in the city. It is located in the Chitpur area of North Kolkata near the famous Indian museum, and is frequented by Muslim visitors from all over the world. The mosque was constructed in 1926 by Abdur Rahim Osman and was built mainly with donations from Shia traders of the area. The mosque was designed to resemble the Akbar Mosque in Fatehpur Sikri. The mosque covers an area of 12,854 sq. ft and can accommodate upto 10,000 worshippers at a time. It is a two-storied building with four towering minarets and a huge central dome that reaches up to a height of 75 feet. The mosque also has a graveyard outside and a madrasa (Islamic school) inside. The mosque is a unique blend of Mughal and contemporary art and is listed as an important architectural and heritage site of India. It is one of the most famous mosque in India which you must visit.

Architecture:

The Nakhoda Masjid in Kolkata is a unique and impressive example of Mughal architecture in India. The mosque is made up of three distinct architectural elements, the ground, the façade, and the inner courtyard. The ground level consists of a massive entrance arch and a large terrace. The arch is made up of sandstone blocks and is decorated with white marble inlays. Behind the arch, the terrace is divided into four distinct zones, each with its own architectural style and ornamentation. The facade is also composed of sandstone blocks and is dominated by three vast arches that decorate the entire front of the building. In the middle of the front is a large central dome, topped with a tall minaret. Below the central dome is a turret with four smaller white domes, each housing a separate prayer room. The rest of the structure is made up of intricately decorated sandstone walls. The interior courtyard is composed of two levels, the lower level and the upper level. The lower level is decorated with numerous arches, turrets, and domes. The upper level is lined with three large domes, one in the center and two on either side. The entire courtyard is surrounded by a series of tall, intricately carved sandstone pillars. The walls are also decorated with geometric motifs and Islamic script. The Nakhoda Masjid is a stunning example of Mughal architecture. Its architecture is an awe-inspiring combination of grandiose domes, elaborate arches, and unique design elements. It is not only a beautiful structure but is a significant landmark in the city of Kolkata. This is why, it is considered one of the most beautiful mosque in the world.

Visiting Hours:

Nakhoda Masjid, located in Kolkata, is open to visitors all days of the week from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. However, on Fridays, the visiting hours are extended till 10:00 PM. best mosque in the world.

Travel Information:

Nakhoda Masjid is located in the Chitpur Road area of north Kolkata, West Bengal, India. It is one of the largest mosques in India and is famous for its architectural beauty. The nearest railway station is Kolkata's Chitpur Railway Station, which is located just 2.5 kilometers away from the masjid. The nearest airport is Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Airport which is located at a distance of 14 kilometers from the masjid. Local public transport options include auto-rickshaws, app-based cab services, and Kolkata Metro. There is also a well-connected local bus network that connects the masjid to other areas of Kolkata. beautiful masjid.