Pedras Negras de Pungo Andongo (Black Rocks) | Malanje

Information

Landmark: Pedras Negras de Pungo Andongo (Black Rocks)
City: Malanje
Country: Angola
Continent: Africa

Pedras Negras de Pungo Andongo (Black Rocks), Malanje, Angola, Africa

The Chhota Sona Mosque is a 16th-century mosque located in the city of Gaur, near Rajshahi, Bangladesh.

Visual Characteristics

Constructed primarily from brick, the mosque features a single dome and is adorned with terracotta ornamentation. The exterior walls are decorated with carved floral motifs and geometric patterns. The main prayer hall measures approximately 23.5 meters by 10.7 meters. The mosque has three domes, with the central dome being the largest.

Location & Access Logistics

The Chhota Sona Mosque is situated approximately 2 kilometers south of the Gaur city ruins. Access is typically via local roads from Rajshahi city. Rajshahi is served by a domestic airport and a railway station. From Rajshahi, local taxis or auto-rickshaws can be hired to reach the site. There is limited designated parking at the immediate vicinity of the mosque.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The mosque was built during the reign of Sultan Alauddin Husain Shah, likely between 1493 and 1519. It served as a place of worship and was part of the larger Gaur Sultanate's architectural complex. The construction utilized locally sourced brick and terracotta.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can observe the intricate terracotta detailing on the facade and interior. Examination of the mosque's architectural design, including its domes and arches, is a primary activity. The surrounding area offers context to the historical significance of Gaur.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Basic amenities such as restrooms are generally not available directly at the mosque site. Shade is minimal, primarily provided by existing trees in the vicinity. Cell phone signal is typically available. Food vendors are not consistently present at the immediate location; options are more likely in nearby towns or Rajshahi city.

Best Time to Visit

The best time for photography is during the early morning or late afternoon when the sunlight provides optimal illumination for the terracotta work. The dry season, from October to March, offers the most pleasant weather conditions for visiting.

Facts & Legends

The mosque is known for its extensive use of terracotta art, which is a distinctive feature of Bengali Islamic architecture from this period. The name "Chhota Sona" translates to "Small Gold," possibly referring to the mosque's former gilded dome or its rich ornamentation.