Questions about Kartalab Khan Mosque

Short answers, pulled from the story.

Who built the Kartalab Khan Mosque in Dhaka?

Nawab Diwan Murshid Quli Khan, also known as Kartalab Khan, constructed the Kartalab Khan Mosque in Dhaka between the years 1700 and 1704. He commissioned a raised platform called a tahkhana to house the prayer hall and carved rectangular rooms underneath to create commercial spaces for shopkeepers.

When was the Kartalab Khan Mosque built?

The Kartalab Khan Mosque was built between the years 1700 and 1704 under the commission of Nawab Diwan Murshid Quli Khan. The construction involved creating a high platform foundation and carving out commercial rooms beneath the stone floor to fund the religious structure.

Where is the Baoli located relative to the Kartalab Khan Mosque?

The Baoli or stepped well is located to the east of the raised platform of the Kartalab Khan Mosque. This structure serves as a vital water source for worshippers and the surrounding market and is believed to be of North Indian or Deccan origin.

Why does the Kartalab Khan Mosque have five domes?

The Kartalab Khan Mosque features five domes resting on octagonal drums to distinguish it from other contemporary structures in the region. This specific configuration was a deliberate architectural choice that provided a commanding view of the city and elevated the structure above the surrounding landscape.

Who is buried under the entrance of the Kartalab Khan Mosque?

Nawab Diwan Murshid Quli Khan is buried directly under the entrance to the Kartalab Khan Mosque he constructed. This burial site was placed beneath the threshold of the prayer hall to ensure his presence was felt by every worshipper who entered the sacred space.

When did the Begum take control of the market around the Kartalab Khan Mosque?

In 1777, the control of the market surrounding the Kartalab Khan Mosque was taken over by the Begum, the daughter of the then Naib-e-Nazim Sharfaraz Khan. This event marked a pivotal shift in the history of the locality and led to the area being named Begum Bazar.