Photo: BSS

By Faraji Ahmed Rafiq Baban

NATORE, Feb 24, 2026 (BSS) - The historic Bri-Chapila Shahi Jame Baro Mosque, locally known as the 'Gayebi Mosque', stands as a rare and remarkable example of Mughal architecture in Natore's Gurudaspur upazila, carrying nearly 400 years of heritage.

Located in Bri-Chapila village under Chapila union, about 26 kilometers from the district town, the three-domed and three-doored mosque reflects the grandeur of the Mughal era. Though parts of the mosque have been renovated and extended over time, the original foundation structure, design and craftsmanship have been preserved, creating a unique blend of ancient and modern architecture.

According to information from the Gurudaspur Upazila Administration, the mosque was constructed between 1628 and 1658 A.D. [Anno Domini} during the reign of Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal Emperor.

Historical accounts suggest that Chapila once served as an administrative center during Mughal rule. Shah Shuja, son of Shah Jahan, was appointed governor of Bengal at the time, and a Mughal military outpost was established in the area.

The mosque was reportedly built by a Mughal official, Munshi Enayetullah, for the prayers of local residents and Mughal officials. His name was inscribed on the mosque as its founder. Historical records from 1920 mentioned that he donated 65 bighas of land in the name of the Shahi Mosque.

Before British rule, Chapila was a vibrant settlement with forts, court houses, buildings, water bodies and religious structures. A criminal court was reportedly established here on June 27, 1787 during the East India Company period. Over time, however, the city declined and was eventually abandoned, leaving the mosque hidden beneath dense forest for years.

Following the partition of 1947, settlers from Murshidabad, Kolkata, Dhaka and Mymensingh began moving into the area. While clearing thick forests, locals rediscovered the mosque, which had been covered under a massive cane tree.

Faruk Hossain, treasurer of the mosque management committee, said his grandfather, Mia Hossain Sarkar, who migrated from Mymensingh after 1947, witnessed the mosque's rediscovery. "The mosque was found while clearing the forest. Later, Muslims from different areas cleared the jungle and resumed prayers," he said.

Emdadul Haque, an elderly resident of Chapila Sadhupara, recalled that the area was once filled with cane forests and wild animals, including tigers and snakes. Even after the mosque was cleared in the 1960s, devotees reportedly offered prayers in shifts under guard due to fear of wild animals.

Later, local folklore spread that the mosque had appeared mysteriously in a single night, earning it the name 'Gayebi Mosque'.

The brick-and-mortar mosque measures approximately 40-feet in length and 20-feet in width, with walls nearly four feet thick. It features three large domes and two minarets on either side. Crescent moons and stars crown the domes and minarets. The golden hue of the domes gives the impression of being gilded when viewed from a distance.

Three intricately designed entrances lead into the mosque. The interior walls and arches are adorned with exquisite terracotta motifs and craftsmanship typical of Mughal architectural style. Despite the passage of time, much of the original artistry remains visible, though some decorative elements have deteriorated.

Maulana Mahmudullah, the mosque's khatib, said the original mosque could accommodate 60-65 worshippers in three rows. Since the 1990s, expansions have been made to accommodate a growing Muslim population. Currently, 50-60 people offer daily prayers, while Friday congregations attract 200 to 250 worshippers. During Eid, additional worshippers pray on tarpaulins in the adjacent Eidgah field due to limited space.

Abdul Hannan, a ward member of Chapila Union Parishad, said that while Munshi Enayetullah was a Mughal government employee, detailed information about his lineage remains unknown.

Lutfar Rahman, principal of Moukhara Islamia Degree College, emphasized the mosque's cultural significance. "This traditional mosque stands as a symbol of Muslim heritage in our area. If expansion is undertaken, the original structure's size and design must be preserved," he said.

Md. Abdul Aziz, newly elected Member of Parliament for Natore-4 constituency, described the mosque as a valuable historical asset. "The Bri-Chapila Shahi Jame Baro Mosque is a unique example of Mughal architectural style and a keeper of our heritage. Initiatives will be taken to renovate its terracotta craftsmanship and make the mosque more tourist-friendly," he added.

Today, the centuries-old mosque continues to attract visitors and devotees from far and wide, standing tall as a testament to Mughal-era architectural excellence and the enduring faith of the local community.