Katra Mosque

Katra Mosque, also known as Katra Masjid, is a historic 18th-century mosque located in Katra, Murshidabad, West Bengal. Built between 1723 and 1724 by Nawab Murshid Quli Khan, the first Nawab of Bengal, it served as both a mosque and a caravanserai (katra). Notable for its massive brick construction, large domes, twin minarets and surrounding double-storeyed cells, it houses the Nawab's tomb under the entrance staircase. Partially damaged in the 1897 earthquake, it remains a major heritage attraction.

Visitors can expect a large brick-built mosque complex set on a raised plinth with a vast courtyard, five domes and two tall corner minarets. The complex is surrounded by double-storeyed arched cells that once housed shops and travellers. Inside, visitors can see the prayer hall, arched entrances, and the tomb of Murshid Quli Khan beneath the entrance steps. The site is open and spacious with views of domes and minarets, suitable for sightseeing and photography.

Built in 1723-1724 by Murshid Quli Khan, the first Nawab of Bengal and founder of Murshidabad, the Katra Mosque was conceived as a mosque and caravanserai (katra) to provide accommodation for travellers and traders. The Nawab, who shifted the capital of Bengal from Dhaka to Murshidabad, is buried under the flight of steps at the entrance as per his wish to be trodden upon by visitors. The structure was partially damaged in the 1897 earthquake, which destroyed two of its domes and affected the minarets.

The mosque is an important Islamic religious site and a prominent example of Indo-Islamic architecture in Bengal, combining Mughal and Bengali styles. It reflects the patronage of the early Nawabi period and remains a significant heritage and pilgrimage site for visitors interested in Murshidabad's Nawabi history and Islamic architectural traditions.