Narsingdi’s Atkandi Masjid

Immortalized in a tomb is Shahjahan’s Tajmahal. What Alim Uddin has left behind in present-day Bangladesh is not a shrine or a sarcophagus. The Deobond scholar loved his wife Sadetunnesa. To garner fondness for his most loved one, Alim Uddin built Atkandi Masjid beside his wife’s graveyard.

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After completion of Islamic studies, Alim Uddin chose the profession of a teacher. He tutored at a madrasa, or center of rigorous religious education, under the patronage of Dhaka’s famous Khawaza family. It is believed that the Deobond trained scholar had grown close ties with the Khawazas.   Atkandi Masjid is notably identified as the Nilkuthi Mosque. Built in the 18th century, the mosque resembles Mughal era architecture. Why a mosque inspired by Mughal heritage is named after indigo plantation is, however, contested.  

Not too far away flows the river Meghna. One of its tributaries is Chhoto Meghna River or, small stream of the river. Locals tell a tragic tale. There was a time when Dewan Ram Krishna Ray, a near-tyrant planter, was infamous for his indigo factory.   Notorious stories emerged in connection with the plantation lying by the banks of Chhoto Meghna River. Atkandi Masjid or Nilkuthi Mosque is perhaps an overlaid structure erasing the once-unbearable tales of ignominy and oppression.   The mosque makes up of three distinct plans for its interior and exterior. Divided into inner, outer and porch area, it is built with stones and craftsmanship by masons brought from Mahishur of India.  

The inner area has three bulb-shaped domes. The biggest dome is in the middle. A mihrab, or niche in wall of the mosque, is part of the plan. Two entrances are also parts of the inner area.   Atkandi Masjid sprawls across north-southward direction. Rectangular in shape, its exterior area has five domes. These are relatively smaller than the inner area domes. Exterior’s five entry ways are nicely designed in foil shape. They are arched and length-wise typify Mughal era practice. Merlon design parapet accompanies the outer-wall having a pitcher design.   Porch area of the mosque has open space as for large congregations during prayer. Its plastered square shaped floor is bordered by one feet high wall. The main entrance runs through the porch area of Atkandi Masjid.  

Take-ins, Take-away and More

Marvel at Atkandi Masjid or Nilkuthi Mosque and its eclectic design. Burrow in its chambers and find the unexplored. Take pictures to up on social networking sites. After all, moments of serenity fleet and what lasts are memories captured.   Chhoto Meghna River Ghat is very near to the mosque. So, be there to enjoy a reverie by the riverside while indulging in a cool breeze.   Also wear a face-mask while on the tour. Keep a hand-sanitizer in the itinerary to use it once in a while for personal safety and hygiene.    

Route to Atkandi Masjid or Nilkuthi Mosque

Buy tickets for bus ride from Dhaka to Narsingdi. Bhairab, Meghaloy Luxury, Monohordi Paribahan, Anna Super Service, BRTC Bus, PPL Super Fare, Chalan Bil Transport, Arabian Transport, Badsha Paribahan buses leave from Dhaka’s Gulistan, Mohakhali, Abdullahpur and Tongi. Fares range from Tk.80 to Tk.105 depending on AC and non-AC.   Get off at the Old Bus Stand in Narsingdi. Take a rickshaw or CNG auto ride to Arshinagar CNG Station. Then on, pass by Amirgonj Railway Station. Within 20-30 minutes onward, the destination will be right in front. It is at Atkandi village of Raipura upazila in Narsingdi. So, it can’t be missed.   Since waterway commute is an easy mode of transportation, tickets of launch or steamers can be availed. Sail to Narsingdi from Dhaka’s Sadar Ghat. It can be an anecdotal journey by boat story that can be told later.  

More Places in Narsingdi Worth a Visit Bir Sreshtha Matiur Rahman Memorial Museum, Monu Mia Zamindar Bari, Wari-Bateshwar, Bhai Girish Chandra Sen’s Old House, Ashrafpur Mosque, Parulia Mosque, Arshinagar Park-and-Mini Zoo, Belabo Central Jame Mosque and Single Domed Mosque-and-Tomb of Shah Mansur are some of the finest places to visit in Narsingdi. So, don’t miss out any after a tour of Atkandi Masjid or Nilkuthi Mosque.  

Accommodation and Boarding Facilities Hotel Tanim, Hotel Reaz, Hotel Aziz are some of the residential hotels in Narsingdi. Besides, Circuit House, LGRD Rest House and District Council Bungalow are also fine for a night-stay available upon request to the concerned authority.  

Restaurants and Eating Places On the way to Narsindi’s Raipura, travelers will find Anondo Park Restaurant, Panthoshala, Saudagar Hotel & Restaurant, Munna Restaurant, Kala Miah Tea Stall and many more restaurants and eateries. Try out local food varieties and other sumptuous delicacies.   The Narsingdi specialties are, however, rasgolla, lalmohan, khir-mohan and shahi jilapi. These are very popular in the area and to the tourists alike.  

A Cautionary Note Accommodation expenses, ride fare, cost of boarding facilities etc change over time. For this, the information published on the web might only reflect the going rate. It is requested that, whenever and wherever a traveler starts for a destination, it is compulsory to know the current fare and expenses for inclusion in itinerary and a safe travel.   Besides, another important issue is to have a prior knowledge about relevant amenities before booking at a hotel or ordering at a restaurant in the touring destination. The website or the author will not be liable for any misdeed or comeuppance followed by an unwanted or undesirable transaction.  

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Written by,  Md. Piare Ashek-E-Rasul

Information Collected          

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