Kusumba Mosque
About Kusumba Mosque
Kusumba Mosque stands in the village of Kusumba in Manda upazila, Naogaon district, on the edge of a large tank (pond) known as Kusumba Dighi. An inscription dates it to 1558–59, during the Afghan period of Bengal’s history, shortly before the Mughal conquest.
Unlike most old mosques in Bangladesh, which are of brick, Kusumba is faced with grey-black stone outside, with brick behind. It has six low domes in two rows and sturdy octagonal corner towers. Inside, the carved stone mihrabs and a raised stone platform, thought to have been used by women or by an important person, show fine decoration of vines and rosettes.
The mosque is so well known in Bangladesh that it appears on the five taka note. It is still in active use and the setting by the water is peaceful. Evergreen Bangladesh Tours often pairs it with Paharpur and Balihar Rajbari on private tours of Naogaon.
Things to do
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Stone carving
Look for the carved vine and rosette patterns on the mihrabs and around the doorways.
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Walk by Kusumba Dighi
Stroll along the bank of the large pond beside the mosque.
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Photography
The dark stone facade looks striking against the green of the village.
Getting there
From Rajshahi: About 40 km north-east on the Naogaon road, roughly an hour by car.
From Naogaon town: Around 45 minutes to an hour by car.
From Dhaka: A long day by road, so most travellers come from Rajshahi or Bogura.
Where to stay
Stay in Rajshahi, Naogaon or Bogura and visit as part of a day trip to the region’s ancient sites.
More to see in Naogaon
Tours that visit Kusumba Mosque
Holiday Tours
Bangladesh Cultural and Heritage Discovery Tour
from $800 per person
Short Tours
Heritage Treasures of North Bengal
from $550 per person
Holiday Tours
Ten Days Across Bangladesh
from $800 per person
Questions
When was Kusumba Mosque built?
An inscription dates it to 1558–59, in the Afghan period before the Mughals.
Is Kusumba Mosque on a banknote?
Yes, it is pictured on the Bangladeshi five taka note.
Can visitors go inside?
Yes, outside prayer times, if dressed modestly. Remove shoes before entering.
How far is it from Rajshahi?
About 40 km, roughly an hour by car.