| Panbari Mosque | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Islam |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Mosque |
| Status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | Dhubri,Assam |
| Country | India |
 Interactive map of Panbari Mosque | |
| Coordinates | 26°09′18″N90°03′17″E / 26.15500°N 90.05472°E /26.15500; 90.05472 |
| Architecture | |
| Type | Mosque |
| Style | Indo-Islamic |
| Specifications | |
| Capacity | 150 worshippers |
| Dome | 3 |
| Minaret | 1 |
ThePanbari Mosque, also known as theRangamati Mosque, is an historicmosque innortheast India and is considered to be the oldest mosque in theIndian state ofAssam.[1][2][3] The mosque is situated on theNational Highway 17, near Panbari and Rangamati, approximately 25 kilometres (16 mi) east fromDhubri town. This 15th to 16th century three-domed mosque presents an excellent example of great architectural achievements[citation needed] of theSultanate of Bengal.
The mosque was believed to have been commissioned by theSultan of BengalAlauddin Husain Shah to celebrate the victory of theConquest of Kamata in 1498.[4] However, the exact details of the mosque's history is uncertain and the possible date of construction spans between 1493 and 1519CE.[1][5][6][7] On the other hand, there is a less common theory which attributes the mosque's construction toMir Jumla II, theMughal governor of Bengal who may have passed through the area during hisinvasion of Assam in 1662.[1] Theeidgah and deep well within the complex is considered to have been constructed during the same time as the mosque. The vast paved courtyard andminaret were constructed later on.[8]
It is said[by whom?] that the mosque later became surrounded by deep forest, and fell in use. In 1928, a villager caught a glimpse of some minarets from the hills of Rangamati whilst he was collecting some firewood. The news then reached theNawab of Dhaka who even dispatched a team to investigate the matter, and they returned having confirmed its existence.[1]
TheArchaeological Survey of India, Ministry of Culture has taken some steps to conserve the monuments of this area.[6] However, local people are not happy with the token steps of the government and demand more.[citation needed]
During the reign of theKoch rulers Rangamati area was a very prosperous place. It was the frontier post of the Koch rulers. Invading army ofBengal sultans andMughals also used Rangamati fort. The area, as some believe, was also the headquarters of Alauddin Husain Shah. And this mosque was used as a prayer hall by the Muslim soldiers.[9]
It is said[by whom?] that about 200 years ago, the local people of this place found this mosque in Panbari "Pahar" under the thick foliage. They cleaned this place and started to offerNamaz there. Today, Panbari "Pahar" is known as the holy seat and the mosque is a holy shrine for the people of western Assam. Of late,[when?] a township consisting of brick-plinths,terracottaantiquities as also a hoard of coins have been discovered near the mosque, which have been tentatively attributed to theMughal regime. The mosque has the capacity for 150 worshippers.[10]
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The mosque is run by a local body, Panbari mosque management committee, who appoints theimam and other employees. Various religious services like imamat and leading namaz are performed by the imam. The expenses of the mosque are covered from different kind of donations obtained by the mosque. As the mosque enjoy a special place in the society of western Assam, people donate generously irrespective of religion, caste or creed.[10]
The mosque is located adjacent to the national highway 17, and hence, regular bus services are available fromGuwahati,Dhubri andCooch Behar. The nearest railway station isFakiragram, 30 kilometres (19 mi) away, and the nearest airport is theRupsi Airport, 21 kilometres (13 mi) away. TheBrahmaputra is 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) away from the mosque.[11]
