MONUMENTS

This mosque is rectangular in plan. The dimensions are: 45.5m X 7.32m. It has been divided into five bays, each with an arched entrance and the central one is the most prominent one as it has a slender turret. The mosque has five domes. Some of them have been destroyed others have survived the great earthquake of 1897, which almost destroyed most of the building. The total area is 19.5 acres and can accommodate 2000 Namaz readers, that is the reason one can find 2000 squared type mats depicted on the floor, each of them used by a single Namaz reader

The clock tower is surmounted by a heavy sounding bell. Four masonry shields are placed on the ground level four corners. The dial of the clock tower faces eastwards, towards the Bhagirathi River, most probably for the sailors and passengers travelling on boats. The tower was designed by Sagore Mistri, the native assistant of Colonel Duncan MacLeod, who was the architect of the Hazarduari Palace.

The Naubatkhana or the main entrance is aregal three storied intricate limestone molded entrance to the magnificent Gardens. Guests were greeted with Shehnai Vadan and Nagaras from the upper decks and welcomed with the sprinkling of rose water and flowers from the lower decks intraditional Indian greeting.

The Bauri also known as a step well, is a lovely 3 storied structure with 3 levels being below ground. The broad steps lead down to different 2 levels, the 1stduring the monsoon season when the water table is high, continuing to the lowest during the summer. The steps going down to all floors and a dais on the ground are made of intricately carved Mirzapuri stone. The dais is made for an air conditioning effect during the summer. The walls surrounding the Bauri resemble those of a fort. Bulls going round the Bauri lifted water for an ingenious irrigation system for the extensive and lush gardens.