Post images of any historic and colorful mosques, churches and temples from all across Bangladesh.

Naya Dighi Mosque

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/chotosonamasjid.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/nayadighiosque.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/chotoshonamosque8.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/chotoshonamosque10.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/unknownmosuq6.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/chotoshonamosque9.jpg

Chhoto Shona Mosque: Jewel of Chapai Nababganj.

Grand feast for eyes. A masterpiece of architecture. 13th century mosque has simplistic design and weight of history. Time has written its scribble in black on on its sand stone bricks. A jewel in North west of Bangladesh.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/unknownmosque10.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/chotosonamosque2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/chotosonamosque.jpg

Kushumba Mosque, Naogaon.

Kusumba Mosque is named after the village of Kusumba, under the Manda upazila of Naogaon district, on the west bank of the Atrai river. It is inside a walled enclosure with a monumental gateway that has standing spaces for guards. It was built during the period of Afghan rule in Bengal under one of the last Suri rulers Ghiyasuddin Bahadur Shah, by one Sulaiman who was probably a high ranking official. The inscription tablet in Arabic (only the word 'built by' is in Persian) dating the building to 966 AH (1558-59 AD) is fixed over its eastern central entrance. Although built during Suri rule, it is not influenced at all by the earlier Suri architecture of North India, and is well grounded in the Bengal style. The brick building, gently curved cornice, and the engaged octagonal corner towers are typical features. The mosque, presently protected by the Department of Archaeology of Bangladesh, was badly damaged during the earthquake of 1897.

Although the main fabric of the building is of brick the entire exterior walls, and the interior up to the arches of the pendentives have stone facing. The columns, platform, floor, and perforated side screens are of stone. The mosque has a rectangular plan with three bays and two aisles, three entrances on the east and two each on the north and south sides (Fig. 2). The central mihrab is projected in the west. The interior west (qibla) wall has two mihrabs on the floor level opposite the central and southeastern entrances, but the one in the northwestern bay is above a raised platform ascended by a staircase on the east. The presence of such a platform in a non-imperial mosque indicates that not only royalty, but nobility and high-ranking officials were also separated from the general public during prayers.

The mihrabs have elaborate stone carving. They have cusped arches crowned with kalasa (water pot) motifs, supported on intricately carved stone pillars which have projections and tasseled decorations hanging from chains. Bunches of grapes and vines curve in an almost serpentine manner on the mihrab frames, and kalasas, tendrils and rosettes are reduced to dots. The platform edge has grape vine decoration, and there are rosettes on the spandrels of the arches supporting the platform, as well as on the mihrab wall.

The stone used in the exterior facing is of a coarse quality and carved in shallow relief. Mouldings are most prominent decorative feature on the outside. They divide the walls into upper and lower sections, run all along the curved cornice, around the corner towers, in a straight line below the cornice, and frame the rectangular panels in the east, south and north walls. The spandrels of the central entrance arch are filled with small kalasa and rosette motifs. The north and south sides have screened windows.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/KushumbaMosque.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/KushumbaMosque2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/KushumbaMosque3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/KushumbaMosque4.jpg

Jagannath Temple in Comilla

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/jagannathtemple-comilla.jpg

Golden Temple in Bandarban

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/bandarban7.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/bandarban6.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/goldentemple20.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/buddsisttemple.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/bandarban5.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/bandarban4.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/bandarban.jpg

Colorful mosques near highways.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/unknownmosquesunamganj.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/mosquebeardhakahighway.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/colorfulmosque.jpg

60 Dome Mosque, Bagerhat

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/sixtydomemosque5.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/shatgombuzmosque7.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/satgombuzmosque.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8b/Bagerhat01.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/shatgombuzbagerhat.jpg

A buddhist temple in Bandarban. According to the buddhists, the top 6 floors represent the six stages of heaven, the ground floor represents the world we live in.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/103/258043597_ad81f50575_b.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/25/101274299_19d968ab1b_o.jpg

A chakma temple in Rangamati

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/rangamatibuddhisttemple7.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/rangamatibuddhisttemple5.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/rangamatibuddhisttemple6.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/29/101274698_e9d6b3e754_o.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/25/101274752_373911a721_o.jpg

Nice thread Tmac; I will contribute when I can.

These are some great pictures, Tmac.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/unknownmosque10.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/unknownmosque11.jpg

This one is a beautiful mosque. Where is it?

A temple in Rangamati

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/templerangamati16.jpg

Tmac, where is the mosque in first pic of post 12?

it's somewhere in Dhaka. I am not sure of the exact location.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/buddhistpogodarangamati10.jpg

One domed Mosque

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/onedomemosque.jpg

Nine domed Mosque

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/ninedomemosque.jpg

Kantazir Temple, Dinajpur

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/2/1863777_a4ead1209a_o.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/137/350158073_14942fbe37_b.jpg

A temple in Rangamati

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/templerangamati15.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/templerangamati14.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/templerangamati13.jpg

A Buddhist temple in Bandarban

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/templerangamati12.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/templerangamati11.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/templerangamati10.jpg

Siva Temple, Rajshahi

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/sivatemple22.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/sivatemple23.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/sivatemple24.jpg

Siva Temple, Rajshahi

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/sivatemple21.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/sivatemple20.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/sivatemple25.jpg

Puthia Temple

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/templeofputhia14-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/templeofputhia15.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/templeofputhia16.jpg

Lalon Shah Mosque and Mazar, Kushtia

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/lalonshahmazarkushtia2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/lalonshahmazarkushtia3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/lalonshahmazarkushtia.jpg

Lalon Shah Mosque and Mazar

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/lalonshahmazarkushtia5.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/lalonshahmazarkushtia4.jpg

a temple in Rangpur

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/rangpurtemple.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/unknowntemple4.jpg

Chandanpura Mosque, Chittagong - built in 1952

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/chandanpuramosque10.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/chandanpuramosque11.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/chandanpuramosque13.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/chandanpuramosque12.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/chandanpurapuramosque14.jpg

A beautiful mosque in Sylhet

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/mosquesylhet5.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/mosqueinsylhet2.jpg

In my opinion, Dhaka Star Mosque is the most beautiful mosque in the country. It is situated at Mahuttuly on Abul Khairat Rd; just west of Armanitola Govt. High School. Architecturally faultless (Mughal style) is a five-dome mosque with hundreds of big and small twinkling stars as surface decorations. The stars have been created by setting pieces of chinaware on white cement. Seen from the front and from far it looks as if shining above the surface of the earth. The inside of it is even more beautiful that the outside, lovely mosaic floor and excellent tiles with many floral patterns set on the walls, are all in complete harmony. The sitara Masjid was built originally with three domes in early 18th century by Mirza Ghulam Pir, a highly respectable Zamindar of Dhaka. The first image of post #12 in this thread was a picture of that same mosque.

http://www.greatestcities.com/2928pic/655/CP97655.jpg/StarMosque03438.JPG

http://travel.discoverybangladesh.com/Pic-Bangladesh-Travel/Dhaka-Tara-Star-Mosque.jpg

http://banglapedia.search.com.bd/Images/S_0543A.JPG

http://www.journeyplus.com/p_gellary/picture_down/21.jpg

http://www.bangladeshonline.com/tourism/dhaka/dh_24_l.jpg

http://www.kontynenty.tpi.pl/5dha520.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/98/Tara-masjid.jpg

Decoration Detail

http://archnet.org/mediadownloader/LibraryImagesBig/image/23242/0/IAA5337.JPG

Pillars

http://archnet.org/mediadownloader/LibraryImagesBig/image/23243/0/IAA5338.JPG

Interior

http://archnet.org/mediadownloader/LibraryImagesBig/image/23244/0/IAA5339.JPG

http://archnet.org/mediadownloader/LibraryImagesBig/image/23245/0/IAA5340.JPG

http://archnet.org/mediadownloader/LibraryImagesBig/image/23246/0/IAA5341.JPG

http://archnet.org/mediadownloader/LibraryImagesBig/image/23247/0/IAA5342.JPG

http://k43.pbase.com/u37/bmcmorrow/upload/24182392.dhaka287u.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/bmcmorrow/dhaka&page=10

http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/235/11814/640/tara%20new.jpg

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7702/1941/1600/star%20mosque%20inside.0.jpg

There are some terrific architecture here. such diversity is amazing.

Syedpur 'Chini mosque' is one of the best architectural pieces of work in Bangladesh. Uniquely created with local initiative, designs and finance, the mosque is a enticing tourist attraction.

To glorify and draw people towards religion, the practice of building artistic mosques from the ancient period by renowned Islamic saints and leaders with royal support was going on till the end of the nineteenth century.

The historical 'chini mosque' built in 1863, is situated at Islambagh in the northern end of Syedpur town alongside the Nilphamari-Syedpur road.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1390/531832069_16a6e2b829_o.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1086/531670380_ad29fdddd6_o.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1323/531727088_9c924f39e0.jpg?v=0

http://www.thedailystar.net/heritage/2004/03/03/heritag02.jpg http://www.thedailystar.net/heritage/2004/03/03/heritag03.jpg

60 dome mosque

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1274/575879093_cb57af60e9_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1130/575624948_31d0aed1bb_b.jpg

inside the mosque

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1212/575663038_1f7d56f427_b.jpg

Golden Temple, Rangamati

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/goldentemple25.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/ban11.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/ban12.jpg

Oldest church in BD: St. Nicholas Tolentino in Nagori

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/add7.jpg
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/add8.jpg
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/add5.jpg
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/add6.jpg

a temple in Rangamati

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/ranamatitemple11.jpg

Historic Armenian Church in Dhaka

The Armenian Church, one of the oldest constructions in this city was built in 1781. The Armenians were a rich and influential community at that time. Even during the height of their influence in the mid-19th century, they numbered no more than about 40 families However. Because of their close business ties with the British East India Company, many Armaeians became rich zamindars with palatial houses. Unfortunately during the the course of the Liberation war, the silver setting and organ were stolen from the church and many of the graves were desecrated. Now in reasonably good shape, the church is an oasis of tranquility in the heart of crowded city and about twice a year the Armenian Archbishop from Australia comes here to hold ceremonies. The Church is a small chapel with a balcony and the original wooden pews seat about 100 people. The grounds cover nearly a hectare and are paved with old graves stones, some quite ornately carved, with some fruit trees down the back.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/bangladesh1/Bangladesh2/Bangladesh3/armenianchurch3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/bangladesh1/Bangladesh2/Bangladesh3/armenianchurch5.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/bangladesh1/Bangladesh2/Bangladesh3/armenianchurch4.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/bangladesh1/mosqueinolddhaka.jpg

Golden Temple in Bandarban

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/goldentemple30.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/goldentemple32.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/goldentemple31.jpg

colorful Chandanpura Mosque in Chittagong

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/mosquechittagong5.jpg

A temple in Rangamati

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/templerangamati20.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/templerangamati21.jpg

Shat Gombuz Moshzid (Mosque of sixty Domes), Bagerhat

photo credit: Omer

entrance to the mosque

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/shatgombuzomer3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/shatgombuzomer2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/shatgombuzomer.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/shatgombuzmosque20.jpg

Shonar Madir, Bandarban

photo credit: Nazmul

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/bandarbannazmul.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/unknowntemple24.jpg

Kantazir Temple

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/kantazirtemple32.jpg

Siva Temple in Puthia

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/puthia13.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/puthia12.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/puthia14.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/puthia15.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/puthia16.jpg

From these pictures of Puthia temple(s) and the pictures of Puthia reajbari in the other thread - it looks like they are being maintained. At least they don't look like they are falling apart.

From these pictures of Puthia temple(s) and the pictures of Puthia reajbari in the other thread - it looks like they are being maintained. At least they don't look like they are falling apart.

That depends on how you look at it...the temples of course have some degree of maintenance through continuous usage, but clearly no formal restoration has been undertaken...the Rajbari on the other hand is in worse condition...although used as college, look closely...things are falling apart.

Kantazir Temple

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/kantazirtemple30.jpg

a replica built in one of the heritage parks.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/kantazirtemple23.jpg

a colorful temple in Cox's Bazar

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/coxsbazartemple12.jpg

Chini Mosque, Syedpur

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/chinimosque.jpg

Baitul Mukarram Mosque in Dhaka

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/bangladesh1/Bangladesh2/Bangladesh3/baitulmukarrammosque13.jpg

Maintenace is so bad on Baitul Mukarram

Maintenace is so bad on Baitul Mukarram

Baitul Mukarram is the least photographed building in Dhaka. I don't know why but it's near impossible to find a good quality, high res, digital, recent, large size photo of it. No one cares about it for some reason. I know some construction is going on currently. There is never any update anywhere.

Baitul Mukarram is the least photographed building in Dhaka. I don't know why but it's near impossible to find a good quality, high res, digital, recent, large size photo of it. No one cares about it for some reason. I know some construction is going on currently. There is never any update anywhere.

I will make sure to take some pics the next time I go to BD. There is some small chance that I might be able to go this winter...but that's anything but decided. As our national mosque, I think, at some point, that it should be rebuilt with nicer materials. The national mosques of all other major Muslim countries are impressive structures...by contrast Baitul Mukarram is cheap inside and out, though the "kabah" shape is nice and possibly unique. This building would look really nice if rebuilt in white marble with black marble highlights. All in time I suppose.

On the topic of Baitul Mukarram, take a look at this current GoogleEarth photo below. It seems that the south courtyard of the mosque has been paved over, possibly to increase outside room for worshipers...I do not see the garden / reflecting pool that used to be there. Does anybody know if this is in fact the case?

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/baitul-1.jpg

Qassabtuly (aka Koshaituli) Mosque - a gem of Old Dhaka. Has the same cut china clay tilework (chini-tikri) found in the more famous Star Mosque - but here even more elaborate. Another wonderful photo essay by Ershad Ahmed (more photos as http://dhakadailyphoto.blogspot.com)

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/koshai1.jpg
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/koshai2.jpg
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/koshai3.jpg
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/koshai4.jpg
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/koshai5.jpg
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/koshai6.jpg
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/koshai7.jpg
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/koshai8.jpg

See the details? Amazing. I always thought Koshaituli was really Koshaituli.

See the details? Amazing. I always thought Koshaituli was really Koshaituli.

I think perhaps the main reason that beautiful structures like the Kar Talab Khan and Koshaituli mosques are not better known is because their front facades are obscured by large modern annexes. For example the Star Mosque has no such visual impediment and therefore is easier to photograph and appreciate.

A mosque in Bogra

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/bogramosque.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/bogramosque3.jpg

The Shrine of Lalon Shah and the Mosque, Kushtia

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Lalonshahtomb.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/lalonshahmosque6.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/lalonshahShrine8.jpg

a modern mosque in Dhaka

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/bangladesh1/Bangladesh2/Bangladesh3/dhakamosque13.jpg

Baitul Aman Jame Mosque in Barisal

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/BaitulAmanJameMosqueBarisal.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/BaitulAmanJameMosqueBarisal4.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/BaitulAmanJameMosqueBarisal3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/BaitulAmanJameMosqueBarisal5.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/BaitulAmanJameMosqueBarisal6.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/BaitulAmanJameMosqueBarisal7.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/BaitulAmanJameMosqueBarisal2.jpg

Baitul Aman Jame Mosque in Barisal at night.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/BaitulAmanJameMosqueBarisal9.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/BaitulAmanJameMosqueBarisal8.jpg

what a beautiful mosque it is!!

^^ Very fanciful structure! Must be very new as well...have never seen a picture of this before. Looks rather expensive as well...I wonder who paid for it?

Edit - oops...I missed the sign in the first pic...established 2003...so that answers one question.

Bishyanath Mandir in Mymensingh

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Bishyanath_Mandir1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Bishyanath_Mandir2.jpg

BHAWAL RAJAS' TEMPLES in Joydevpur

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/27/67813027_96932e9053_b.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/ancienttemple2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/ancienttemple.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/unknownmosque7.jpg

Hazaribagh Mosque in Old Dhaka

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/hazaribaghmosque.jpg

A temple in Moheskhali

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/116/301877914_76123d0664_o.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/goldentemple4.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/buddhisttemple7.jpg

Jora Moth

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/59/158730008_48e660096e_b.jpg

Another temple near Moheskhali

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/181/406677124_c27b98d4fd_o.jpg

Hindu Shrines along the road side north of Moulavi Bazar

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/178/407347029_8e17bd0c25_b.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/161/407347040_ffec6d9efe_b.jpg

A temple in Bandarban

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/BuddhistentempeBandarbarn.jpg

Tmac on overdrive again!

Chittagong Jam-E Mosque

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/chittagongJam-E-Mosque.jpg

Khania Dighi Mosque, Gaud - The remains of the ancient city of Gaud lie along the Indian border a couple of hours drive from Rajshahi.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/khaniadighimosque.jpg

Chunakhola Mosque, Bagerhat

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/chunakholamosque.jpg

Chhota Sona Masjid, Gaud

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/chotosonamosque4.jpg

Darasbari Mosque, Gaud

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/darasbarimosque.jpg

Siva temple and the village of Puthia near Rajshahi

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/sivatemple7.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/puthiavillage16.jpg

Temples in Puthia

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/177/457938507_0277155cc9_b.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/180/457938503_b5ed6daa87_b.jpg

Shiva Temple, Rangpur

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/shivatemplerangpur.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/shivatemplerangpur2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/shivatemplerangpur3.jpg

Golden Temple, Bandarban

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/ban5.jpg

Another temple in Bandarban

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/ban3.jpg

Photos by stehiley:

Nayabad Mosque, Dinajpur:
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/stehiley-nayabad-dinajpur.jpg

Left - Inside Shiva Temple, Puthia; Right - Tomb of Haji Khwaja Shabaz, Dhaka:
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/stehiley-puthia-shiva.jpg http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/stehiley-shabaz.jpg

Mosque of Musa Khan - second oldest building in Dhaka and oldest to survive intact.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/800px-Musa_Khan27s_Mosque.jpg

Thanks - Tmac and Tan

Government should get serious about saving these

Tmac, since you had been looking for some Baitul Mukarram pictures - here are a few, though rather old (early 1980s) and not the greatest quality. Looking at recent GoogleEarth photos it seems the row of fountains (2nd pic) and gardens on the south side have been paved over...probably to increase prayer space. There is also now some framework suspended above the entrance courtyard to the east (5th pic)...possibly for awnings or other covering. And of course a minaret has been under construction for some time now.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/b9.jpg
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/b5.jpg
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/b4.jpg
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/b3.jpg
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/b6.jpg
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/b8.jpg
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/b7.jpg
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/b2.jpg
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/b1.jpg

these are very old pics in archnet. I have seen them many years ago.

Shahjalal Mosque, Sylhet

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/shahjalalmosquesylhet.jpg

Sylhet Dargah Gate

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/dargahgatesylhet20.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/dargahgatesylhet21.jpg

couple of temples in Puthia

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/puthiatemple25.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/puthiatemple24.jpg

A mosque in Mohakhali

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/bangladesh1/Bangladesh2/Bangladesh3/mohakhalimosque4.jpg

A mosque in Chowkbazar.

photo credit: Ershad Ahmed

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/bangladesh1/Bangladesh2/Bangladesh3/mosquechowkbazar.jpg

Photos by Danny Cambre:

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/untitled2-1.jpg
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/untitled-1.jpg

Kantazir Temple, Dinajpir

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/kantazirtemple43.jpg

Chandanpura Mosque, Chittagong

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/chandanparamosque10.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/unknownmosque7.jpg

Lalon Shah Mazar and Mosque, Kushtia

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/LalanShahMazar26.jpg

Golden Temple in Bandarban

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/goldentemplebandarban18.jpg

temples in Moheskhali

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/moheskhalitemples6.jpg

Oxford Church

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/oxfordchurch.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/oxfordchurch3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/oxfordchurch2.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/oxfordchurch4.jpg

Gulshan Central Mosque

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/bangladesh1/gulshanmosque10-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/bangladesh1/gulshanmosque11.jpg

A mosque in Old Dhaka

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/bangladesh1/mosqueinolddhaka.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/bangladesh1/unknownmosque6.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/bangladesh1/unknownminerat.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/bangladesh1/unknownmosque5.jpg

Dhakesshwari Temple, Dhaka

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/bangladesh1/dhakesshwaritemple17.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/bangladesh1/dhakesshwaritemple18.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/bangladesh1/dhakesshwaritemple16.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/bangladesh1/dhakesshwaritemple15.jpg

Shat Gombuz Mosque, Bagerhat

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/shatgombuzBagherhat17.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/shatgombuzBagherhat18.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/shatgombuzBagherhat15.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/shatgombuzBagherhat16.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/shatgombuzBagherhat14.jpg

Ram Krishna Mission Temple, Dhaka

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/bangladesh1/Bangladesh2/Bangladesh3/rkmission.jpg

Ram Krishna temple looks so clean -- wan't like this before.... much better care of buildings these days

Mohakhali Mosque, Dhaka

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/bangladesh1/Bangladesh2/Bangladesh3/mohakhalimosque11.jpg

Tmac, where is the mosque of post #109?

Dhakeshwari pictures are nice. Looks like it's being maintained.

Tmac, where is the mosque of post #109?

Dhakeshwari pictures are nice. Looks like it's being maintained.

I think it's near Banani, close to the airport road. I may be wrong.

colorful Dhakesshwari Temple, Dhaka

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/bangladesh1/Bangladesh2/Bangladesh3/dhakesswaritemple25.jpg

Ram Krishna Mission Temple, Dhaka

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/bangladesh1/Bangladesh2/Bangladesh3/rkmissiontemple5.jpg

^^nice

a temple in Comilla

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/unknowntemplecomilla.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/unknowntemplecomilla2.jpg

a temple in Comilla

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/unknowntemplecomilla.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/unknowntemplecomilla2.jpg


I really like this colorful temple.

A temple in Moheskhali

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/moheshkhalitemple10.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/moheshkhalitemple11.jpg

another temple in Moheskhali

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/moheshkhalitemple12.jpg

A temple in Joypurhat

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/templejoypurhat.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/templejoypurhat2.jpg

Golden Temple, Bandarban

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/goldentemplebandarban12.jpg

a buddhist temple in Bandarban.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/buddhisttemple20.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/buddhisttemple21.jpg

A nice mosque in Fenchuganj, Sylhet.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/mosquefenshuganj3.jpg

In the next few posts I will be posting some photos of lesser known historic mosques in Bangladesh. The pictures are not of great quality but other images of these buildings aren't around. These are also probably somewhat dated images so I am not certain the condition of the structures today.

Baba Adam's Mosque, Kazi Qasba, Munshiganj - built 1483. This low rectangular structure with sloping roofline and octagonal corner piers is a common mosque type of the Sultanate period. Surface treatment in brickwork and terracotta is also typical of this time.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/babaadam1483.jpg

Laldighi Mosque, Laldighi, Rangpur. Date of construction is not known but from the architecture you can tell it's of the Mughal period. Three domed mosque type very common to this time, with typical flat modular (and largely unornamented) plasterwork, also characteristic of the age.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/laldighi.jpg

Continuing from my previous post:

You could kind of guess the age of these two mosques without knowing the exact dates. The first one, for example, has a single hemispherical dome over a cubic chamber. Such mosques were a common type during the Sultanate period. This lasted from 1200s - 1500s but most surviving buildings in BD are from 1400s - 1500s (there are a few older structures in West Bengal). However, the treatment of surfaces of this mosque is not typical of Sultanate style, which is typified by high quality brickwork and terracotta decoration. Instead we see plasterwork in flat unornamented panels, which was common during Mughal times (1600s). So we could guess that this is a Sultanate period mosque modified in Mughal times, which is in fact the case. A better known...and unaltered...example of this type is the Goaldi Mosque, at Sonargaon near Dhaka.

Mosque of Fath Shah, Nagar Sadipur, Narayanganj - built 1484, renovated 1700-1701.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/fath.jpg

Similarly, looking at the second mosque, this three dome type is highly typical of the Mughal period and carried on into the colonial period. However, the decoration...somewhat eclectic and occasionally overly exuberant...is typical of colonial period. So you would think that this either a Mughal period mosque renovated in colonial times or a Mughal-style mosque built in colonial period. In this case, the former is true.

Mirzapur Jami Mosque, Mirzapur, Panchagar - built in Mughal period, renovated 1831.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/mirza.jpg

Continuing from above:

Tenga Iswaripur Mosque, Iswaripur, Satkhira. The date which this sizable mosque was built is unknown. However, the architecture gives some clues. This five dome type was a Mughal trait, the most elegant example being the Kar Talab Khan Mosque in Dhaka (now sadly obscured by modern annex). However the architecture also has a heavy set quality more typical of the Sultanate era. Therefore most likely this is transitional period structure, built around 1600.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/tenga.jpg

Sura Mosque, Ghoraghat, Dinajpur, built 1504. Although the mosque is clearly highly delapidated, nonetheless it is easy enough to tell that this is probably a Sultanate period building. The mosque type here is a common variation on the style of Fath Shah mosque in the previous post. To the single domed cubic chamber is added a front veranda with three smaller domes. This type was common in the late Sultanate period. The best known example of this 1+3 dome type is a transitional period building - the Atia Mosque in Tangail.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/sura.jpg

Continuing from above:

This is the very elegant Pakulla Mosque, Pakulla, Tangail. The central structure is typically Mughal, but note the attractive addition, at each end, of rooms shaped to look like a typical Bengali village hut. The incorporation of such locally inspired elements into formal architecture began in the Sultanate period, when a uniquely Bengali style was developed. Later on, the Mughals also used in this "chau-chala" motif, borrowed from Bengal, in many of their buildings...some famous examples are the pavilions flanking the Khas Mahal in the Agra Fort and the Naulakha in the Lahore Fort. The overall form of the Pakulla Mosque is very similar to that of the Kar Talab Mosque in Dhaka, the main difference being that the latter is a larger five-domed structured as compared to the three domed Pakulla. The facade of the Kar Talab mosque has been integrated into a modern expansion and is no longer visible, so it is nice to see a frontal view of this mosque type at Pakulla. We do not know the exact date this mosque was built but again from the style, we can be pretty sure late 1600s or early 1700s. Since the picture below is itself somewhat old I do not know if this mosque has survived unchanged or has also acquired a modern appendage.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/pakulla.jpg

I'll continue with a couple more pics tomorrow since it's high time for me to be hitting the sack tonight.

A temple in Mymensingh

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/templemymensingh4.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/templemymensingh5.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/templemymensingh6.jpg

A large mosque in Bogra

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/unknownmosquebogra.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/bangladesh1/Bangladesh2/Bangladesh3/unknownmosque33.jpg

Wow looks like Bogra is becoming pretty dense.

^^ That last minaret looks to be a copy of those of the mosque in Mecca.

On another note, I am away for the next few days...I'll rejoin you guys Thursday night or Friday.

On another note, I am away for the next few days...I'll rejoin you guys Thursday night or Friday.

have fun in your trip man. I will be going to Washington DC for the weekend as well.

Hasta luego, guys. I'll go on a one week trip around the middle of next month.

beautiful Golden Temple in Bandarban

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/goldentemple31.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/goldentemple30.jpg

^^maintained - you can tell

Shatt Gombuz Mosque, Bagerhat

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/shatgombuzmosque23.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/shattgombuzmosque8.jpg

beautiful Baitul Aman Mosque Barisal.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/baitulamanbarisal12.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/baitulamanbarisal15.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/baitulamanbarisal13.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/baitulamanbarisal14.jpg

Sylhet Shahjalal University Mosque

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/sylhetunimosque.jpg

Baitul Aman is a beatiful mosque. Even though Dhaka is known as the city of mosques... it doesn't have any nice, big, and well maintained mosque from modern time. Baitul Mukarram is big and nice but not receiving proper care. Gulshan mosque is the next big one. It's nice but not complete yet.

Shatt Gombuz Mosque, Bagerhat

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/shatgombuzmosque10.jpg

Historic Armenian Church, Dhaka

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/bangladesh1/Bangladesh2/Bangladesh3/armenianchurch8.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/historicmosque4.jpg

^^what mosque is this?

^^what mosque is this?

Bagha Mosque in Charghat near Rajshahi. This was built in 1523 and is one of the best preserved Sultanate period mosques in BD...it is also one of the best examples of terracotta and brickwork of the era. Terracotta and brickwork of a high calibre typifies many of best buildings of ancient and medieval Bengal. Since there was no local stone, only a few stone buildings were built, in whose cases the material was typically imported from Bihar...for example Chhotta Shona Masjid.

Shingra Mosque, Bagerhat

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/ShingraMosqueBagerhat.jpg

Shatt Gombuz Mosque, Bagerhat

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/shattgombuz24.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/shattgombuz25.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/shattgombuz26.jpg

Photos by Pipul12345:

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/misc/pipul1.jpg
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/misc/pipul3.jpg

7th century temple remains uncared for

http://www.thedailystar.net/photos/2008-01-22__back01.jpg
The early 7th century temples in Joypurhat decorated with terracotta plaques, which were indiscreetly painted white recently.

The early 7th century Baroshivaloy temple in Joypurhat is on the verge of ruin due to sheer negligence of the authorities, lack of maintenance and high salinity in the soil seeping through the structures.

The Baroshivaloy is a large brick-built temple with clay terracotta plaques and 11 other smaller similar temples surrounding it, according to Department of Archaeology officials. They said they cannot maintain the temples, at Delamla about four kilometres from Joypurhat town, due to lack of funds.

According to sources, poor maintenance work and high ground salinity have caused much of the ornamental terracotta plaques and the walls of the temples to erode over the years.

The Daily Star correspondent saw that the temples have lost much of their charm of terracotta beauty as the archaeology department turned a blind eye to them. The situation got worse when the locals painted the brickworks of the temple with white lime. The terracotta plaques bear images of religious events but the beauty of the walls, pillars and the rooms is almost all gone.

According to local historians, the temples were built between 700AD and 800AD by the devotees of Shiva for their prayer needs.

Shituram Mohanto, caretaker of the temples, said high salinity, lack of maintenance and protection from the weather have eroded a large number of the terracotta plaques and there has never been any renovation work.

A number of the plaques and bricks on the walls have also been stolen. Fearing further theft, the maintenance committee of the temples encircled the temples with concrete walls.

The archaeology department officials, however, claimed the temples could be restored to their former glory if funds were made available.

http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=20123

^^ I am not familiar with this temple in particular but I do know that there are no such temples surviving from the 7th century. Maybe there has been a temple on the site since then but these buildings probably date from the colonial period. It's sad that they are neglected...but there are more important monuments in worse condition that need attention first.

a church in Dhaka

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/bangladesh1/Bangladesh2/Bangladesh3/churchdhaka5.jpg

An unknown church

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/unknownchurch5.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/unknownchurch6.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/unknownchurch7.jpg

An unknown church

This is the church of St Antones in Panjorah, one of my favorite historic churches in BD. Thanks for the pic...the only other one I have seen is in a book from a few decades ago. Since then it looks like some restoration work has been done on the building...very good to see.

A mosque near Buriganga River, Dhaka

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/bangladesh1/Bangladesh2/Bangladesh3/burigangamosque.jpg

Golden Temple, Bandarban

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/goldentemple14.jpg

Darbar Mosque Complex, Faridpur

photo credit: herenthere2

The mosque is part of the Darbar Complex in Faridpur. Once completed, it will be the largest mosque in Bangladesh.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/darbarcomplexfaridpur.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/darbarcomplexfaridpur2.jpg

^^ Very nice. I like the surface decoration of the Baitul Aman mosque but the overall form of Darbar mosque is much more harmonious.

Looks like Dhaka is behind other cities in terms of modern mosques. I hope Baitul Mukarram would be rebuilt with nicer materials and replacement of unimpressive 50s - 60s era interior decor.

Looks very nice.

couple of temples in Moheshkhali.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/templemoheshkhali16.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/templemoheshkhali15.jpg

Here are a few hard-to-find-pictures of one of the nicest (IMO) Mughal mosques in Bangladesh, that of Shah Muhammad (built 1680) at Egaro Shindur in Kishorganj. Although the surfaces are decorated in Mughal style the single domed chamber is a throw back to the Sultanate period. Entrance to the courtyard is through an elegant gateway shaped like a rural hut. The mosque is picturesquely sited by a pond. These pics are by Pappu2323.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/misc/mos11-pappu2323.jpg
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/misc/mos2.jpg
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/misc/mos12.jpg

Another similar mosque at Egaro Shindur which I do not know much about:

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/misc/mos1.jpg

Also in Egaro Shindur are the remains of a Mughal Fort. I have not seen any pictures of it.

Golden Temple, Bandarban

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/goldentemplebandarban25.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/goldentemplebandarban21.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/goldentemplebandarban22.jpg

Golden Temple, Bandarban

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/goldentemplebandarban16.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/goldentemplebandarban17.jpg

Kantazir Temple

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/kantazirtemple44.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/Dhaka1/Dhaka2/kantazirtemple45.jpg

Golden temple is being maintained - one can tell

Kali Temple

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/dhaka4/KaliTemple.jpg

Siva Temple

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/dhaka4/sivatemple13.jpg

Gulshan Central Mosque

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/bangladesh1/Bangladesh2/Bangladesh3/gulshancentralmosque8.jpg

Gulshan mosque has a lot of space in front of it. This picture is not showing all of it. This can be a very nice mosque complete with multi-storied prayer space, library, information center, etc.

Golden Temple

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/dhaka4/goldentemple27.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/dhaka4/bandarbantemple20.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/dhaka4/bandarbantemple21.jpg

Bangladesh government should give golden temple management some kind of award for maintaining the place so well.

the famous Armenian Church in Dhaka

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/bangladesh1/Bangladesh2/Bangladesh3/armenianchurch6.jpg

Shat Gombuz Mosque, Bagerhat

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/dhaka4/shatgombuzmosque24.jpg

Baitul Aman Mosque in Barisal

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/dhaka4/baitulamanmosquebarisal20.jpg

baitul aman is a beautiful mosque. that's a well maintained mosque

Golden Temple, Bandarban

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/dhaka4/goldentemple30.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/dhaka4/goldentemple31.jpg

historic Chowk Bazar Mosque can be seen from far away.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/bangladesh1/Bangladesh2/Bangladesh3/chowkbazarmosque2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/bangladesh1/Bangladesh2/Bangladesh3/chowkbazarmosque3.jpg

Very nice pictures of temples, gurudwara, churches and mosques...

Hindu Kali Mandir at Sharwardi Park,Dhaka

http://clip2net.com/clip/m7984/1210831554-clip-541kb.jpg

Sharwardi Park = Suhrawardy Uddyan?

Sharwardi Park = Suhrawardy Uddyan?

yep, It probably is.

Jahangirnagar University Mosque

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/Bangladesh1/jumosque.jpg

Temple in Moheskhali

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/dhaka4/buddhisttemple10.jpg

my favorite Baitul Aman Mosque in Barisal

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/dhaka4/BaitulAmanMosqueBarisal10.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/dhaka4/BaitulAmanMosqueBarisal11.jpg

mashallah.. Baitul Aman mosque is truly beautiful.. btw tmac do you have any new pics of Baitul Mukkaram after the extension work and the completion of the minars?

Baitul Aman looks so nice. Why can't they maintain Baitul Mukarram better?

Nayadighi Mosque

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/Dhaka/dhaka4/nayadighimosque9.jpg

Where is this Nayadighi Mosque please?

I think the design reflects Turkic/Central Asian influences a lot more than Iranian or Arab influence. By the shape of the domes I mean.

^^well maintained too.

Where is this Nayadighi Mosque please?

I think the design reflects Turkic/Central Asian influences a lot more than Iranian or Arab influence. By the shape of the domes I mean.

It is at Gaur in Rajshahi division. I am delighted to see that it has been so nicely restored. More proper name for it would be "Mosque and Tomb of Shah Nimatullah." These buildings date from the Mughal period, and the architecture is very typical of the pan-South Asian Mughal style. The most important period of Gaur was however before the arrival of the Mughals...what we call "Sultanate" period. During this time a uniquely Bengali style of architecture was developed. Today the buildings are split between India and BD. Most of the largest structures are on the Indian side of the border...but BD has the nicest one (Chhotta Shona Masjid). Many of these Sultanate period buidings are in bad need of restoration...I hope they benefit from the same attention as the Nimatullah compound...as they are even more significant to our history (and that of West Bengal), being the product of a regionally developed archtiectural vocabulary (which in turn went on to exert a strong influence on the Mughal aesthetic).

Thanks Tan --where would we be if not for your love of archeology :)

I think these structures are quite similar (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Gorskii_03978u.jpg) to those from Central Asia (shape of domes) -- where Babur came from. As we all know Babur was descended from Timurlane and Genghis Khan, and the Farghana area (his birthplace) in Kazakhstan-turkmenistan region had similar styles (One of Babur's sons was a ruler of Bengal I think).

R.K Mission in Dhaka

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v193/Bangladesh/Bangladesh1/rkmission5.jpg

Whoaa dude! This is new, I haven't seen this before.

What's the location please? Don't tell me R.K. Mission road :)

BTW very tastefully done with even a little side-tribute to our own architectural heritage (those little 'charchala's' on four corners).

Whoaa dude! This is new, I haven't seen this before.

What's the location please? Don't tell me R.K. Mission road :)

BTW very tastefully done with even a little side-tribute to our own architectural heritage (those little 'charchala's' on four corners).

There have been some other pictures posted before...it is pretty new though...certainly wasn't around when I was living in Dhaka. And I agree, it looks very nice. In general this is a great time in the history of Hindu temple architecture...there have been some truly stunning examples built (or being built) in India and elsewhere in recent times...some IMO more impressive than historic ones.

Yup -- heady times for Hindu temple lovers I guess. Whatever happened to the massive one they were planning to build (sort of a skyscraper itself --some 50 stories high or so?).

I took Indian architecture as a filler course in college and remember reading about the massive Thyagaraja temple in South India.

In Bangladesh understandably Hindu temple building hasn't been very much in vogue because of lack of patronage and/or funds.

This is a great thread, shows the diversity of our nation.. from the wonderful Buddhist monastery to mosque and Hindu temple...

Our government should highlight all these factors in order to portray us a great tourist destination abroad.

Bagerhat...photos by dead end doll:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3170/2592426512_08c8f4e649_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3285/2592428208_52d4beb27b_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3279/2591660405_d5ce87be05_b.jpg

Better than average manicuring and landscaping to be sure...very nice and rustic

Better than average manicuring and landscaping to be sure...very nice and rustic

They get money from UNESCO I think. The interior of the main mosque has been completely restored...for the most part this has been positive, though they have taken some liberties with the columns...the current design may or may not have affinity to the historic ones (most likely, they just improvised).

Hazrat Shah Sultan Bolkhi Mohi Showar, Mohasthangahr (photo by Riy Csedu):

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3267/2649219260_2d23aa5c3d_b.jpg

Madhab Gourio Math and Naat-mandir, Narinda (photos by Ershad Ahmed...a temple I have not seen before):

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/misc/e8.jpg
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/misc/e7.jpg
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/misc/e6.jpg

More at http://dhakadailyphoto.blogspot.com

This one is a good example of the difference in stylistic cues from the grand temples in the central subcontinental plain. More inviting for the worshipers, more friendly in scale and less imposing...

This one is a good example of the difference in stylistic cues from the grand temples in the central subcontinental plain. More inviting for the worshipers, more friendly in scale and less imposing...

Incorporates a lot of Mughal-ish details. I wonder the age of it though? I can't figure out just by looking at it, whether this is from the colonial period or some recently built structure. Certainly I haven't seen it any books on Dhaka history, yet it's a sizeable temple.

Incorporates a lot of Mughal-ish details. I wonder the age of it though? I can't figure out just by looking at it, whether this is from the colonial period or some recently built structure. Certainly I haven't seen it any books on Dhaka history, yet it's a sizeable temple.

Seems to be of recent vintage if the styling is anything to go by.

Older temples usually have round columns and have more 'formal' styling that follows subcontinental design grammar. This one is quite informal -- though still nice.

Seems to be of recent vintage if the styling is anything to go by.

Older temples usually have round columns and have more 'formal' styling that follows subcontinental design grammar. This one is quite informal -- though still nice.

You think so? Generally speaking I find most architecture of the colonial period to be highly eclectic...temples included. Though I agree this particular one is most likely new, nonetheless I have no problem thinking of it as a colonial period building.

I'm not certain, but I don't think there are any Bengali temples which have survived from before the Mughal period. By that time temple architecture had already absorbed many Islamic elements...and later it became even more varied by absorbing European decorative elements and concepts of interior space (Kantajir temple is late Mughal / nawab period and the ones in Puthia are mostly colonial era structures. There are a few older Mughal period ones here and there as well). So I'm not sure, at least as far as surface decoration goes, that there is any fixed formal vocabulary for Hindu temples in Bengal.

You think so? Generally speaking I find most architecture of the colonial period to be highly eclectic...temples included. Though I agree this particular one is most likely new, nonetheless I have no problem thinking of it as a colonial period building.

I'm not certain, but I don't think there are any Bengali temples which have survived from before the Mughal period. By that time temple architecture had already absorbed many Islamic elements...and later it became even more varied by absorbing European decorative elements and concepts of interior space (Kantajir temple is late Mughal / nawab period and the ones in Puthia are mostly colonial era structures. There are a few older Mughal period ones here and there as well). So I'm not sure, at least as far as surface decoration goes, that there is any fixed formal vocabulary for Hindu temples in Bengal.

You're the expert Tan (I mean it hundred percent). :)

My opinions aren't arrived at by diductive research -- it's more hunches and hearsay. I'll take your opinion over mine any day :)

I am by no means an expert on this topic. Hindu temples in BD traditionally can however generally be grouped into several classes based on their appearance. I won't bore anyone by listing them :)

One thing I am curious about is there doesn't seem to be any record of when Dhakeshwari temple was built. Strange for the most important temple in Dhaka. Just looking at the details, it has to be Mughal period or later, but beyond that I couldn't say.

Right this minute -- they have a special program running on NTV about the 400th Anniversary of Dhaka's Cityhood.

They had interesting comments about Bara and Chhota Katra, Islam Khan's legacy etc.

They mentioned that Ballal Sen supposedly founded Dhaka by defining the city limits by how far you could hear the 'Dhaks' (festival drummettes).

Is that the time period for Dhakeswari Temple's founding? It could be that Ballal Sen built it (or one of the Hindu royal patrons).

Right this minute -- they have a special program running on NTV about the 400th Anniversary of Dhaka's Cityhood.

They had interesting comments about Bara and Chhota Katra, Islam Khan's legacy etc.

These two won't be around for the 500th, unless someone in a position of power is moved to act on their behalf.

They mentioned that Ballal Sen supposedly founded Dhaka by defining the city limits by how far you could hear the 'Dhaks' (festival drummettes).

I don't think there is any record of Ballal Sen founding Dhaka...this is likely just urban myth. While people have probably been living in the area of the present day city for several thousand years, the modern metropolis has its roots in the Mughal provincial capital. The Sen capital was at Vikrampur, not far from Dhaka.

Is that the time period for Dhakeswari Temple's founding? It could be that Ballal Sen built it (or one of the Hindu royal patrons).

I have read that a Dhakeshwari temple was built on the current site around the time of the Sens, however again I don't think there is any historical proof to back up this statement. The current building most certainly does not date from before the 1600s.

Thanks for your comments Tan :)

Hey could you recommend a nice historical book published in Dhaka with pictures of these older structures. I think several architects have published books on the subject. I saw a recent interview on NTV with an architect who published a large format picture-book but don't remember the gentleman's name.

Then there are the historical books published by Muntasir Mamun I've heard of. Like "DHAKASOMOGRO" series (1-4). But wanted a book in coffee table format with larger pages.

^^ As you know I have been gone from the country a long while so there may be recent publications that I don't know about BUT I started with some very nice guide books by Dr. Nazimuddin Ahmed written in the eary 1980s..."Discover the Monuments of Bangladesh" and "Buildings of the British Raj in Bangladesh." I think I also have a book of his that focuses on Bagerhat. The first of these a good section on temples with many important ones listed. However what I've found from browsing on the net these past few years is that there a good number of old mosques, temples etc that are not included in book. The book categorizes temples into a number of different classes, namely Sikhara, Bangla, Composite, and Ratna. The few ancient ruined temples that exist, probably do not fall into these classifications (at any rate, we have only the vaguest idea of what they looked like intact, so they would be hard to categorize even if they did belong to one of these classes). Furthermore "ratna" temples are divided into more subclasses. The Dhakeshwari temple is an example of the Sikhara style.

^^ As you know I have been gone from the country a long while so there may be recent publications that I don't know about BUT I started with some very nice guide books by Dr. Nazimuddin Ahmed written in the eary 1980s..."Discover the Monuments of Bangladesh" and "Buildings of the British Raj in Bangladesh." I think I also have a book of his that focuses on Bagerhat. The first of these a good section on temples with many important ones listed. However what I've found from browsing on the net these past few years is that there a good number of old mosques, temples etc that are not included in book. The book categorizes temples into a number of different classes, namely Sikhara, Bangla, Composite, and Ratna. The few ancient ruined temples that exist, probably do not fall into these classifications (at any rate, we have only the vaguest idea of what they looked like intact, so they would be hard to categorize even if they did belong to one of these classes). Furthermore "ratna" temples are divided into more subclasses. The Dhakeshwari temple is an example of the Sikhara style.

Interesting.

I found out you can order Muntasir Mamun's books through Boi-Mela (http://www.boi-mela.com/Booklist.asp?authorn=Muntasir%20Mamun) and they do take Paypal.

Maybe they have some other authors you may be interested in.

On the temple note -- I remember driving through DAC-CTG Highway through Comilla in the mid-80's and South of Comilla town there are all sorts of Shikhara (?) type temples on both sides of the highway (very numerous). Unfortunately some are crumbling and keeling over because of lack of care and patronage.

The whole Comilla area used to be under the Tripura Kingdom where the Burman dynasty used to build temples under a public grant program I've been told by elders of my family.

On a side note the musician S.D. Burman was a 'shoukhin' member of the Tripura royal family and used to speak 'pure Comilla dialect' :)

I have one of Muntasir Mamun's books on Dhaka, though that's sitting at my parent's house in another state just right now, and I can't recall the exact title (it is in Bangla).

On a side note...has anyone seen a picture of the Kantajir Mandir as it used to be? For those who don't know...this used be a "Nava-Ratna" or nine-towered temple whose towers collapsed after an earthquake in the 19th cent. The main body of the temple survived and that is what we see today. If anyone is interested I can scan and post the photo.

...If anyone is interested I can scan and post the photo.

Why yes -- count me in :)

Why yes -- count me in :)

OK...I'll do get round to it sooner or later...since the work week is starting most likely will be later :lol:...but I will get round it in the not-too-distant future.

A couple of mosques in Bagerhat...circa 1400s...Zinda Pir Masjid and Robijoypur Masjid (photos by onbangaldesh):
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3172/2983959058_dd00caff64_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3271/2983958140_d991511576_b.jpg

Baitul Aman Masjid, Barisal (photos by MMH Riyad):

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/barisal1-MMHRiyad.jpg
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/barisal3-1.jpg

^^ Beautiful.

^^ Beautiful.

The style of the mosque is a little too eclectic for me, but certainly the quality of the materials and details exceed other mosques built in BD in modern times. Among major Muslim nations I feel BD lags behind others in high quality modern mosques...hope this changes in the coming decades.

Does anyone have recent pictures of Baitaul Mukkarum mosque? I heard it is going through some upgrade with Saudi financing.. a minarat and other beautification

Thanks for posting the pics TAN :)

I like the mosque in Barisal the most

Pagla Boro ( :) ) Jame Masjid, Sunamganj (photos by Kashem Lais...an attractive mosque with not-so-attractive name):

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3034/3059370521_dc8e050102_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3017/3060201270_b9647dd825_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3055/3060208656_022013ed81_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3200/3059365705_ffb50e6716_b.jpg

Looks like Khan Jahan's mausoleum in Bagerhat (1400s AD) may be getting a garish red coat of paint (the pics below, by aminul hassan, show only the outer wall and gate painted, but I would not be surprised if someone has had this great idea ( :ohno: ) for the whole building):

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/aminul_h2.jpg
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/aminul_h-1.jpg

First photo is of a mosque at Arphail, photo by F. Zaman...not sure of the history of this one...looks possibly to be of Mughal period. The second pic I think is likely the tomb of whoever built the mosque...as such the duo is very similar to the mosque and tomb of Haji Khwaja Shahbaz in Dhaka...even down to the fact that that both tombs sport appendages modeled after rural huts in Bengal. Unfortunately also like many other historic mosques it is sporting a gaudy new paint job. I think Mughal buidlings in Bangladesh look best with the rustic orange coat we see in the Lalbagh compound.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/arphail2-fzaman.jpg
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/arphail.jpg

beautiful Arphail Mosque. Needs immediate attention maintenancewise.

A mosque near Sonargaon (photo by F. Zaman):

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/fz-sonargaon.jpg

Khania Dighi Mosque, Gaur (photo by Ariful Bhuiyan):

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3395/3616270390_1253103d2d_o.jpg

Atia Mosque, Tangail (photos by Nasir Khan):

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/nasirkhan2.jpg
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/nasirkhan1.jpg

Awesome historic religious heritage.

Hope its preserved well for future generations.

Won't it be awesome if with private & public funding, the Kantaji's temple is restored to its prior to earthquake glory?

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/98/Kantaji_Temple_1870%27s.jpg

Now only reminder...
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2439/3699861592_b809169747_o.jpg

Had it survived, would have been BD's Taj for tourists!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2145/2415574256_2ede9dca2d_b.jpg

This thread never seizes to amaze me.. we have so many historical monument but I never got the chance to experience when I was back home. We should concentrate on restoring these arechitectural heritage and make them as tourist attractions.

Private companies would need to be involved since BD government probably won't have enough budget to spent on restoration work.

Thanks for posting the pic of the intact Kantaji Temple, Pakia. Long time back I had said I would scan and post the pic from a book I have, but as far as I recall I never got round to it. For those who don't know, the towers toppled during a earthquake in the late 1800s.

Thanks for posting the pic of the intact Kantaji Temple, Pakia. Long time back I had said I would scan and post the pic from a book I have, but as far as I recall I never got round to it. For those who don't know, the towers toppled during a earthquake in the late 1800s.

^^Rare find Pakia. Take a Bow! :)

A mosque in Sunamganj. Photo by Balaram Mahaldar.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/sunamganj-balaram-mahaldar.jpg

Looks like Atia Mosque has been getting some restoration work. Compare to post 130 above. I really appreciate the way they have refinished the dome...quite a few mosques in BD would benefit from this treatment. Photo by milusiddique.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/milusiddique6.jpg

Double Post

Well here's a rare look (video) inside the new prayer hall at Baitul Mukarram. Courtesy of Duniya Tv in Pakistan.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjP4YPNV6nc&feature=channel_page

I hate the fact that so many historical monuments get "restored" by painting them with oil paints or plastering them over shabbily.
You won't believe how many fantastic buildings in India get ruined by some dumbass using modern materials and designs on these heritage structures

You think so? Generally speaking I find most architecture of the colonial period to be highly eclectic...temples included. Though I agree this particular one is most likely new, nonetheless I have no problem thinking of it as a colonial period building.

I'm not certain, but I don't think there are any Bengali temples which have survived from before the Mughal period. By that time temple architecture had already absorbed many Islamic elements...and later it became even more varied by absorbing European decorative elements and concepts of interior space (Kantajir temple is late Mughal / nawab period and the ones in Puthia are mostly colonial era structures. There are a few older Mughal period ones here and there as well). So I'm not sure, at least as far as surface decoration goes, that there is any fixed formal vocabulary for Hindu temples in Bengal.

Its definitely modern. I don't think its from the Mughal period or the colonial period either.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/tanzirian/misc/mos2.jpg

You see that building on the right? That was were this Mughal pavilion design originated:

http://www.clothmen.com/PageFile/mughal-art.jpg
http://www.art-and-archaeology.com/india/agra/11-21.jpg

It was used mainly in Bengali huts and temples. Later Bengali mosques adopted it and finally it transferred over to the Mughals.

^^ Yes, those Mughal pavilions were inspired by Bengali architecture. The earliest examples of "chau-chala" rooflines in non-residential buildings that I am aware of, is in the architecture of the independent Sultanate period (1300s - 1500s AD). During this period Bengal developed its own unique architectural vocabulary. Whether or not these roofs were employed in pre-Islamic times is difficult to tell, because in cases of temples such as those Mahasthan and Paharpur the roofs have not survived. In general buildings from pre-Islamic times followed more of a pan-South-Asian aesthetic, though there were bound to have been regional variations.

^Bengali thatch-roofed huts definitely had such roof shapes. This one is in West Bengal (Its a temple).

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2079/2234372333_7256f53394_o.jpg

A temple in Bangladesh:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3586/3610055896_a1e38b2f12_o.jpg

Temple in West Bengal (Bishnupur)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3207/3051561161_1d3f6919c8.jpg

Bengali thatch-roofed huts definitely had such roof shapes.

Definitely, the origin of the roof is in village huts, which have been around for thousands of years. I was just saying that the earliest use of this type of roof for nonresidential brick or stone architecture probably dates from the era of the independent Sultans (1300s - 1500s). We see these first in buildings in places like Gaur along the West Bengal / Bangladesh border. The mosque in post 242 dates from the 1600s, while the Puthia temples (middle pic in post 244) date primarily from the 1800s. I've forgotten the age of the Bishnupur Temples but they are likely of similar timeframe.

Definitely, the origin of the roof is in village huts, which have been around for thousands of years. I was just saying that the earliest use of this type of roof for nonresidential brick or stone architecture probably dates from the era of the independent Sultans (1300s - 1500s). We see these first in buildings in places like Gaur along the West Bengal / Bangladesh border. The mosque in post 242 dates from the 1600s, while the Puthia temples (middle pic in post 244) date primarily from the 1800s. I've forgotten the age of the Bishnupur Temples but they are likely of similar timeframe.


Hmm...you're right. The earliest surviving specimen is a tomb in Gaur district as you mentioned which dates from the 17th century according to this website. (http://www.archnet.org/library/dictionary/entry.jsp?entry_id=DIA0050&mode=full)

Hmm...you're right. The earliest surviving specimen is a tomb in Gaur district as you mentioned which dates from the 17th century according to this website. (http://www.archnet.org/library/dictionary/entry.jsp?entry_id=DIA0050&mode=full)

The article you linked has good information although there are some geographical and spelling errors. Bengal is not in the northwest part of the Indian subcontinent. And what is "Bangli".

I have a very old book on Islamic Architecture of Bengal which goes into great details about some of the information posted in this thread. What I notice is a lot of the old mosques and other architectural buildings of the Sultanate and Mughal period are from Dhaka, northern and western districts of Bangladesh and hardly any from Chittagong and Comilla/Noakhali region. Curious as to why this was the case.

^Wow, that's a glaring error. I thought Archnet had better standards.

Hmm...you're right. The earliest surviving specimen is a tomb in Gaur district as you mentioned which dates from the 17th century according to this website. (http://www.archnet.org/library/dictionary/entry.jsp?entry_id=DIA0050&mode=full)

^^ 17th century? Chau chala roofs in state architecture were present long before that. I think you are referring to the Tomb of Fateh Khan on the West Bengal side of the border, but that is a late Mughal edifice from the time of Aurangzeb - certainly not an early example.

Use of a chau chala roof motif did not necessarily mean that the building had to resemble a hut - just that the roof would curve towards the four corners. Take an interesting example of the Chotta Shona Masjid (1500s) on the Bangladeshi side of Gaur. Here the overall roof slopes in chau chala fashion, but additionally the central row of domes is made to look like chau chala huts.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/70/164697730_5a9eb2771a.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3318/3613051133_2376daa182.jpg

Hindu temples which are built to resemble chau chala huts are said to be built in the "Bangla" style. My favorite example in Bangladesh is the small but elegant Jor Bangla Temple:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2022/2195464932_8e32ba1c65.jpg

Actually I was referring specifically to the shape of the Mughal pavilion. Of course, this sort of brick architecture is a lot older.