History:
There
is no accurate information about when and by whom this beautiful mosque was
erected. According to some historians, it was built by Shaista Khan when he was
a Subahdar and a general in the Mughal army in the Bengal region from 1664 to
1688. On the other hand, some sources claim that it was Umid Khan, son of Shaista
Khan, who built this mosque in 1680 AD. So, there may be confusion about
whoever and whenever it was built, but it is almost clear that this
archaeological site was constructed in the 17th century. This mosque
is similar to Lalbagh Fort Mosque and Khwaja Ambar's Mosque.
Structure:
Seven
Domed Mosque is considered as an excellent and unique example of the regional
Mughal style of architecture found in Bangladesh. The mosque is built on an
elevated platform that can provide accommodation to hundreds of people. The
most distinguishable features for which this historical site comes into the
attention of the visitors are its seven bulbous domes, which gave the mosque
its name. The mosque features three large domes covering the main prayer hall.
Adjoining to these three domes, there are four two-stored hollow towers in four
corners. On the east side of the mosque, there are three cusped entrance arches
through which people enter into the mosque, the middle one being taller than
the other two. Three mihrabs on the qibla wall have made it different from
other Mughal structures. There is a small gate in front of the mosque. However,
this gate is a part of archaeological heritage. On the west side of the mosque,
there is a place for ablution (Oju).
A
large rectangular garden is placed just after the boundary of the mosque. This
garden carries various types of flowers. Different colors of flowers and their
continuous dispersal smell attract the tourists. The garden also houses some
ancient tombs which are thought to be the graveyards of Mughal aristocrats. The
road on the edge of the garden brings an end to the boundary. Just opposite
side of the road, there is a one-chambered decorated shrine, which is known as
Bibir Mazar (Mausoleum of Bibi). This tomb is thought to be the final resting
place of one of Shaista Khan’s daughters.
If
the historians are believed to be true then the mosque was the religious center
for people residing in rich agricultural villages called Jafarabad, Sarai
Begumpur, Katasur, located in between Pilkhana and Buriganga River. The quay
near the mosque was used by the Mughal officials and merchants to arrive at the
towns along Brahmaputra river bypassing pirate-infested Shitalakhsya River. If
we look at the old painting then we can see that boats and merchant vessels
used to be anchored at the quay near the mosque.
Take
a look at the above image of Sat Gambuj Mosque
taken during the 60s. Here, you can see that it was situated beside the stream
of Buriganga. To be more particular, it was built on the bank of the river.
However, if you go there then you cannot see the river but many houses. The
river has moved southwards and the tranquil riverbank has been replaced by a
big madrassa complex called Jamea Rahmania Arabia. After the end of the Mughal
Empire, this historical mosque was abandoned and because of invading
vegetation, it was almost destroyed. However, it was first renovated during the
Pakistan period. Now, the Department of Archaeology maintains these ancient
structures.
Unplanned
alterations such as the use of terrazzo on the floor inside the mosque have
become the main cause of destroying many of its Mughal features. The Bangladesh
government and people related to this sector should take proper care of this
property to protect this ancient structure from further careless modification
and encroachment.
Location:
After
reading the above descriptions, if you feel like visiting this magnificent
mosque and want to say a prayer here then you will have to go to the
Mohammadpur area. It is very close to the Mohammadpur bus stand. You will find
this mosque on the side of a road that goes towards Shia masjid through
Bashbari from Katasur of Mohammadpur. Still, if you cannot find the location,
you can ask people about its direction and they will show you how to go there.
You will be amazed by its tranquil nature and beauty.
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