Shah Shuja Mosque: A 400-year-old Mughal monument in Cumilla

A magnificent monument of Mughal architecture, the historic Shah Shuja Mosque in Cumilla, continues to draw visitors and worshippers from home and abroad.

Located in the Mughaltuli area of Cumilla metropolis, the nearly 400-year-old mosque stands as a symbol of heritage, tradition and architectural elegance.

The mosque is named after Prince Shah Shuja, the Subadar of Bengal and brother of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. Although the exact date of its establishment is not documented, historians believe it was built around 1658 AD.

Despite its modest size—covering 1,870 square feet—the mosque reflects the grandeur of Mughal design. It measures 58 feet in length and 22 feet in width, with north-south walls approximately 5 feet 8 inches thick. The veranda extends 25 feet.

The mosque features three main domes and a total of 18 small and large minarets, including two prominent minarets at the front. Additional minarets adorn adjoining sections, and a tall minaret has been constructed at the northeast corner. The entrance is decorated with intricate floral motifs, vines, geometric patterns and lotus designs. The qibla wall and domes are crowned with ornamental pitcher-shaped finials.

Though expanded in phases using modern craftsmanship, the original Mughal architectural style has been carefully preserved.

On special religious occasions—including Juma prayers, Shab-e-Barat and Shab-e-Qadr—the mosque hosts more than 1,500 worshippers. Due to limited space, many are compelled to offer prayers outside under temporary tarpaulin coverings, facing difficulties especially during inclement weather.

Khatib Mufti Khizir Ahmad, who has been leading prayers at the mosque since 2003, described it as a historic and spiritually significant site. "Worshippers find deep satisfaction in praying here. Many travel from distant areas despite the presence of modern mosques across the city," he said.

He emphasized the need to expand the mosque vertically by constructing a second storey while preserving its original architectural integrity.

There are differing accounts regarding the mosque's origin. One account suggests that Prince Shah Shuja built it to commemorate his victory over Tripura. Another narrative claims that Maharaja Gobind Manikya financed its construction in exchange for the famed Nimcha sword and Hirkanguri jewels, seeking to immortalize his name.

Advocate Abdul Aziz Masud, President of Shah Shuja Hafezia Madrasa and Orphanage, stated that the mosque's structure—built with lime and surki (traditional mortar)—has been carefully maintained through multiple expansions. "If properly preserved, this architectural masterpiece can endure for another thousand years," he said.

Though not vast in size, the Shah Shuja Mosque remains a proud emblem of culture, history and spiritual devotion in Cumilla. As daily visitors continue to flock to Mughaltuli, calls are growing louder to protect and expand the mosque while safeguarding its centuries-old Mughal character.