Chhota Sona Mosque sometimes referred to as a “jewel of Sultanate architecture,” is located approximately 3 kilometres south of Kotwal Darwaza and half a kilometre southeast of the Tahkhana complex in the Firuzpur Quarters of Gaur-Lakhnauti, the capital of the Bengal Sultanate. It occupies the western end of a large tank’s southern bank. Several years ago, the Department of Archaeology and Museums of the Government of Bangladesh constructed a modern, two-story guesthouse to the west of the mosque. There is an ancient-looking north-south road between the Guest House and the mosque. The Kotwali Darwaza connects Gaur-principal Lakhnauti’s city to its southern suburb.
The mosque was constructed by Majlis-al-Majalis, Majlis Mansur Wali Muhammad bin Ali, according to an inscription tablet still affixed above the main entrance. Unfortunately, the Arabic letters indicating the precise date of construction have been obliterated from the inscription.
However, the name of Sultan Alauddin Husain Shah (as written in the text…defender of Islam and of the Muslims, Sultan Ala al-dunya wal-din) indicates that the mosque was likely constructed during his reign (899-925 AH/1499-1519 AD).
The Department of Archaeology and Museums of the Government of Bangladesh safeguards the mosque as one of the best-preserved Sultanate structures. No longer exists is the gilding used in the ornamentation that gave the structure its name, Chhota Sona Masjid (Small Golden Mosque).
Originally, the mosque was surrounded by an outer wall measuring 42m from east to west and 43m from north to south, with a gateway in the middle of the east side. With the exception of the entrance, the entire surrounding wall has vanished, but its traces can still be seen in certain locations. For example, barbed wire fencing has now been erected alongside the original enclosure wall. In addition, locals claim that there was once a stepped masonry ghat near the gate that was accessible from the south.
How to go
You can go from Dhaka to Chapainawabganj in different ways. If you want to go to Chapainawabganj from Dhaka by bus, you can go directly to Chapainawabganj via Rajshahi. But if you want to go from Dhaka by train or plane, you will first come to Rajshahi and then Chapainawabganj. Modern Hanif and Shyamoli Paribahan buses can easily reach Chapainawabganj via Rajshahi. You can directly go to Chhota Sona Mosque from Chapainawabganj city by CNG, autorickshaw or bus.
Where will you stay
There are several hotels in Chapainawabganj town for overnight stays. The city has the Sky View Inn of Gree Star quality. Apart from this, notable hotels for low-cost accommodation include Hotel Rose, Lal Boarding, Hotel Al Nahid, Hotel Swapnapuri, Nawabganj Boarding, Hotel Rangdhanu etc.
Where to eat
There are no food facilities around Chota Sona Mosque. However, you will find several quality hotels/restaurants for food in Chapainawabganj. But don’t forget to eat Shibganj’s Adi Chamcham.