An Unpublished Late Mughal Mosque Inscription: Exploring the Local History of Greater Cumilla

Abstract

Inscriptions in Bengal, primarily in Arabic and Persian, became prevalent after the arrival of Islam, which, along with associated architectural projects, filled the gaps in historical knowledge with rich textual content and diverse forms. Although Sultanate and Mughal mosques and inscriptions have been published and documented, most of the late Mughal mosques and inscriptions remain undocumented and undeciphered, which can be cross-referenced with other sources, illustrated historical narratives, and reconstructed local history. An unpublished mosque inscription was found during fieldwork in Shuagazi Bazar, Cumilla Sadar Dakshin. The three-domed mosque, influenced by the Mughal style, is locally known as Shuagazi Boro Jame Masjid and is approximately 280 yards from the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway. The mosque's architectural features reflect its historical significance and modern adaptations, making it a notable religious and cultural landmark in the area. The inscription in Arabic and Persian, using Bahri al-Bangali thulth, Bahri thulth, and Nastaliq as calligraphic styles. It records the construction of a mosque by Shuagazi, son of Shamser Gazi, in 1218 AH (1803 CE). Shamsher Gazi (1712-1760) was a mutineer of the British and the ruler of Chakla Raushanabad, known as ‘Bhatir Bagh’ (Tiger of Bhati), and was a leader of the peasants. This research aims to decipher this inscription, providing a detailed archaeological analysis of the Shuagazi Mosque and reconstructing the history of Shamser Gazi and his son Shuagazi.

Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bangladesh (Hum.), Vol. 70(2), December 2025, pp. 229-250