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Adina Mosque: A Subcontinental Marvel

Explore the historical Adina Mosque in Pandua, a testament to medieval Bengal's grand Islamic architecture and cultural fusion.

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The Adina Mosque, located in Pandua, West Bengal, is a historical mosque built in 1373 by Sikandar Shah. Once the largest mosque in the Indian subcontinent, it showcases a unique blend of Bengali, Arab, Persian, and Byzantine architectural styles.

A brief summary to Adina Mosque

  • Adina Mosque, Pandua road, Pandua, West Bengal, 732102, IN
  • Monday 11:20 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-6:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-6 pm
  • Friday 9 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the cooler months (November to February) for a pleasant experience.
  • Dress modestly to respect the religious significance of the site.
  • Hire a local guide for deeper insights into the mosque's history and architecture.
  • Combine your visit with a tour of other historical sites in Pandua for a fuller experience.
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Getting There

  • Train

    The nearest railway station is Pundooah (Pandua). From Howrah Junction in Kolkata, trains are available hourly. Ticket prices range from ₹130 to ₹800 depending on the class. From Pandua railway station, take a taxi or auto-rickshaw to the Adina Mosque, which is approximately 4 km away. Auto-rickshaw fares should be around ₹50-₹100.

  • Car

    Adina Mosque is approximately 20 km from Malda. From Kolkata, take NH12 towards Behrampore. After crossing Krishnanagar, continue on NH12 until you reach the junction for Pandua. Turn onto Pandua road and follow the signs to the mosque. Parking is available near the mosque for ₹20.

  • Bus

    Buses are available from Malda to Pandua. From the Pandua bus stand, you can hire a toto (e-rickshaw) to reach the Adina Mosque. Bus fare is approximately ₹20. Be sure to negotiate the fare before starting your trip.

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Discover more about Adina Mosque

Adina Mosque, situated in Pandua, Malda district, West Bengal, stands as a testament to the grandeur of the Bengal Sultanate. Constructed in 1373 AD by Sultan Sikandar Shah, it was the largest mosque in the entire Indian subcontinent during the medieval period. The mosque was designed to showcase the kingdom's imperial ambitions after its victories against the Delhi Sultanate. The mosque's architecture is a fusion of Bengali, Arab, Persian, and Byzantine styles. It was built using rubble masonry covered with brick, stone, stucco, plaster, concrete, glazing, and lime smoothing. The structure is rectangular, featuring a hypostyle design with an open central courtyard, reminiscent of the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus. The prayer hall is five aisles deep, while the cloisters on the north, south, and east sides have triple aisles. These aisles once contained 260 pillars and 387 domed bays. One of the mosque's most striking features is the monumental ribbed barrel vault over the central nave, a pioneering architectural achievement in the subcontinent. The mosque also incorporates motifs inspired by pre-Islamic Hindu and Buddhist structures. Some parts of the exterior walls feature carvings of elephants and dancing figures. The interior showcases Hindu motifs such as lotus flowers, leaves and carvings of Hindu deities. Today, the Adina Mosque is a Monument of National Importance. Although partially in ruins due to earthquakes in the 19th and early 20th centuries, it remains a significant historical and architectural site. Visitors can explore the vast courtyard, the remains of the imposing domes and pillars, and the intricate carvings that reflect the region's rich cultural heritage.

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