Terracotta Mosque Motichur Masjid in Rajnagar, Birbhum
While the mention of terracotta temples in Bengal might evoke familiarity among some, terracotta mosques of Bengal are seldom heard of or discussed, even among heritage enthusiasts in the state. I was fortunate enough to see one, the terracotta mosque in Birbhum.
Despite the fact that these beautiful and decaying masjids date back centuries earlier than the terracotta temples built between the 16th and 19th centuries, they are not as prominently featured on West Bengal’s built heritage lists.
If you have been following my road trip through top tourist attractions of West Bengal, then by now you would be familiar with terracotta temples. Did you know about the terracotta mosques? I visited the terracotta mosque Motichur Masjid in Birbhum during my road trip through Bengal. Here is my travel blog on one of the rare terracotta mosques of Bengal.
Terracotta Mosques of Bengal
Terracotta art refers to the use of fired clay to create decorative or functional objects, such as tiles, sculptures, and architectural details. This art form flourished during the 13th and 14th centuries in India.
One peculiar social reason for this was that in those days, stone sculptors who made statues of Gods and Goddesses had a higher social status than those who made terracotta panels, even though both produced similar forms of images. This was because stone was considered a superior material, and the creation of stone sculptures required more skill and labor-intensive work than the creation of terracotta panels. As a result, stone sculptors were held in higher esteem and were often patronized by the ruling elites.
There are similar terracotta mosques in Bangladesh too.
Geometric designs on terracotta panel Motichur Mosque Birbhum
However, during the Islamic rule, the creation of stone sculptures was discouraged due to the Islamic prohibition against creating images of living beings.
Instead, their requirements were limited to the use of geometric and vegetal patterns in the decorative elements of their architecture. As a result, the demand for terracotta wall panels increased, as these could be used to create intricate and beautiful designs without depicting human or animal figures.
Terracotta tiles were used extensively to decorate the walls and facades of buildings, particularly mosques. Entire mosques were constructed using terracotta tiles, with walls and roofs adorned with intricate patterns and designs. The use of terracotta tiles also allowed for greater flexibility in design, as they could be easily molded and carved to fit any shape or size required.
Interior of Motichur Masjid Birbhum
Terracotta Panels for Mihrab and Qibla
During the Islamic rule in Bengal, special emphasis was placed on the decoration of the mihrab and the qibla in mosques.
The mihrab is a semicircular niche in the wall of a mosque that indicates the direction of Mecca, the holy city towards which Muslims pray. It is typically located on the qibla wall, which is the western wall of the mosque. The mihrab is an important architectural feature in Islamic mosques.
The decoration of the mihrab and the qibla wall was seen as a particularly important aspect of mosque architecture during the Islamic rule in Bengal. Terracotta artists were particularly skilled at creating decorative elements and many of the finest examples of terracotta art can be found in these areas. These designs often featured geometric shapes and intricate floral patterns, and they were designed to be visually striking and awe-inspiring.
The intricate and elaborate designs that were created during this period are a testament to the skill and creativity of the artists who created them.
Motichur Mosque Birbhum google road map
The architectural influence of Central Asia and the Delhi Sultanate can be seen in the use of glazed terracotta and the decorative technique of pierced mosaic. Additionally, Bengali artisans added ornamental designs and compositions inspired by folk art, resulting in a unique style.
Motichur Mosque History
Rajnagar is north of Hetampur Town in Birbhum district. Rajnagar was ruled by a series of Pathans from 17th century. Their names: Jonad Khan (1600) – son, Bahadur Khan, alias Ranmast Khan – Asadullah Khan (1697-1718), grandson of Bahadur Khan – his son, Badi-uz-zaman Khan (1718–52) – his son, Asad-uz-Zaman Khan (1752-1777).
They were invested with the title ‘Raja’. The last Raja was faithful to the Nawab and after the Battle of Plassey, was on bad terms with the British. He was defeated by the combined forces of the British and Mir Qasim in 1761. Rajnagar soon reduced to a deserted town with dilapidated palaces, mosques and ruins of habitation.
(Sorry for this boring history lesson. I just wished to explain what took me there. I was keen to see the palace and a terracotta mosque.)
Khilji captured the Sena kingdom in 1203 CE, laying the foundations of Islamic rule over Bengal. Other unique terracotta mosques built after the arrival of Bakhtiyar Khilji in 1204-05 AD, the Bengal Sultanate era are:
- Kadam Rasul Mosque (1530 AD)
- Lattan Mosque (1475 AD)
- Adina Mosque in Malda (Adina is considered to be one of the largest medieval-era mosques in Bengal. It was built in 1373 AD by Sikandar Shah, the second sultan of Bengal.)
- Chamakti Mosque
- Chika Mosque
- Gumti Gate
Motichur Masjid Ruins
There we saw ruins of an old mosque called the Motichur Masjid (mosque). It had 12 towers but some have fallen down. As we walked in, we realized the roof is missing. Just the walls and some terracotta work on them. The floor area was strewn with rubbish, plastics, dry leaves and what not. Hard to believe prayers were offered in the same area some day.
Interested in Mosques of India? Read this –> Tajul Masajid in Bhopal
Palace of Muslim Raja
The former palace of Muslim Raja we saw there was in ruins, we stared at it in disbelief. Was it a palace some day in the past! It was evident all grandeur was ripped off the once magnificent structure.
Nearby there is one more mosque which is preserved well and prayers are offered. We wanted to visit that but the interiors inaccessible to us. The architectural details and terracotta ornamentation on the mosques have worn off with time, but they look good.
Once a palace of a Muslim King
The Kalidaha pond. The island seen in the middle of the pond is believed to be connected with the palace through an underground tunnel. Sheer neglect! I was terribly disappointed seeing the palace; I had gone there with high hopes.
Kalidaha Pond Birbhum
How to Reach Birbhum
Birbhum is a district located in the state of West Bengal in India. It is well connected by road, rail and air. Here are some ways to reach Birbhum:
By Air: The nearest airport to Birbhum is the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, which is about 185 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Birbhum.
By Train: Birbhum has its own railway station, called Bolpur Santiniketan Railway Station. It is well connected to major cities in West Bengal and other parts of the country. You can take a train to Bolpur from Kolkata, which takes around 2.5 hours.
By Road: Birbhum is well connected to Kolkata and other major cities in West Bengal by road. You can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Birbhum. The distance from Kolkata to Birbhum is around 180 km and the journey takes around 4 to 5 hours.
Once you reach Birbhum, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach your destination, Rajnagar Motichur Masjid.
FAQ about Terracotta Mosques of Bengal
Is Motichur Masjid in Rajnagar Birbhum worth visiting?
Yes, the mosque is worth visiting for its history and architecture.
What is the history of the Motichur Masjid in Rajnagar, Birbhum?
The Motichur Masjid was built in the 18th century by the Mughal Governor of Bengal, Murshid Quli Khan. It is a beautiful example of terracotta architecture and is one of the most important heritage sites in Birbhum.
What is terracotta architecture?
Terracotta architecture is a type of architecture that uses baked clay as the main building material. It is a popular style in Bengal and is known for its intricate designs and patterns.
What is the significance of the motifs and designs in the terracotta art of Bengal?
The motifs and designs in the terracotta art of Bengal often have symbolic meanings related to Hindu mythology and other cultural influences. They also showcase the skills and creativity of the artisans who created them.
What is the best time to visit the Motichur Masjid?
The best time to visit the Motichur Masjid is during the winter months, from November to February, when the weather is pleasant and cool.
What are some other heritage sites to visit in Birbhum?
Birbhum is home to many other heritage sites, including the Shantiniketan, the Nalhati Rajbari, and the Bakreshwar Temple complex.
Parting Thoughts
As I reflect on my visit to the Motichur Masjid in Rajnagar, Birbhum, I am struck by the intricate beauty of its terracotta architecture and the rich history that it represents. Though most of it has crumbled down, whatever remains is worth seeing and framing in lens. Definitely worth visiting this stunning site if you are anywhere around to explore the many other heritage sites in Birbhum and beyond.
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Indrani, I would like to thank you for your lovely photographs, and travel journal.
Asad Uz Zaman khan is my direct ancestor (my grandfather's grandfather.) and I never thought I would get to see what my ancestral home had looked like. I have only heard stories about it from my father who visited it when he was young. It is sad to see that it is in such disarray, but I am so grateful that I got to see what it looked like. Thank you so much.
It is still interesting to see.
When do some people know the value of the precious past!?
History is neglected by our people 🙁 It would have been an amazing place!
in this case I can understand your dissappoinment. So sad!
nice place to visit !
The pictures are nice..but look at the garbage all around…We Indians are yet to appreciate the true significance of these heritage spots…
And you didn't bore us with the history,I know some of the places in India needs to be revamped,they are kept in such pathetic state that one feels sorry
Sometimes I really feel saddened by such horrible state of Heritage sites….and as usual great pics
Nice snap
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Your pictures tell the story of gross neglect. Good account.
Informative post, Indrani. Great clicks.
It's always sad to see how magnificent structures turn into ruins.
Wow! The terracota in a mosque too. I wonder the why to could be motichur, reminds me of the laddus.
It hurts when you see them in ruins, think about the past and you feel the pride of all that place would have been. Glad that it still stands and wish that the ASI instead of gold hunts and wild goose hunts would actually do something worthwhile for such building which do have a lot of historical value.
Indrani, Nice to walk down a lane of History:)
It is amazing…heritage sites should be preserved.
Thanks for the history lesson.:)
Such a historical monument . Sad to see the debris and rubbish . These heritage buildings should be looked after by the government .. I am sure it must have been splendid during its time. I liked the history behind it too.
Such an hauntingly beautiful place! Amazing stills there.
Very nice, the heritage site in West Bengal are grossly neglected. So much of glorious past lies buried under the ruins.
Your travel tales are always enlightening, Indrani.
Get to learn new things about new places every single time!
I've nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award here – http://stiryoursouls.blogspot.in/2013/12/lights-camera-versatile-blogger-award.html
Do have a look! 🙂
What a heritage, and a shame to see it wasted. But you got some nice photos of it.
Nice mosque. Thanks for sharing this.
Nice place!!! People should keep it clean..
I hope that one day these wonderful heritage building will be saved.A pity that people have no respect and litter these places…
How sad to see a country's heritage being eroded away.
The rubbish around the place dissapoints 🙁
I'm sad that this beautiful and monumental place look so poor. Thank you for sharing
It is nice to visit these places of historical interest – but sad to see the poor state of maintenance and crumbling ruins.
the red sandstone is really nice in architecture.
Beautiful pictures
What lovely shots – but sad to see so many ruins. That door is gorgeous.
Great photos and very sad to see such interesting buildings left in ruins.
Thanks for sharing this informative post dear…
I enjoy learning about the history and I think you took some great shots. I find beauty in places that are in various states of disrepair but I know it's hard to see the neglect when so much work and artistry went into it.
So sorry you were disappointed. Actually, I think it's still fascinating in spite of the fact that it's in ruins. India has such along and interesting history.
I love the history you include in your posts, Indrani, That is what makes them all the more interesting!! Thanks for sharing it all!! Hope you have a great week!
sad about the damage and the debris.
Hello Indrani, it is neat to visit and learn the history of these historical place. The Mosque and the Palace at one time must have been stunning. Thanks for sharing, have a happy day!