The **Sonamosjid**, also known as the **Shona Mosque** or **Chhoto Sona Mosque**, is a historic mosque located in **Chapainawabganj District**, in the **Rajshahi Division** of Bangladesh. It is one of the finest examples of Sultanate-era architecture in the country and is part of the ruins of **Gauda**, the ancient capital of Bengal.
Key Features:*Name and Meaning**: The name *Shona* means "gold" in Bengali, and the mosque is often called the "Golden
* Mosque." While there is no evidence of the mosque being adorned with gold, its name may refer to the grandeur and the gilded appearance it may have once possessed due to polished stone and intricate work.
**Architecture**: The mosque reflects **Indo-Islamic** architecture, which blends Islamic architecture with local Bengali styles. It is built from bricks with stone embellishments, and its most striking feature is the five domes that once crowned its roof. The building is now partially ruined, but its grandeur can still be seen in the remaining structure.
**Construction**: The mosque was constructed during the reign of the **Bengal Sultanate** in the 15th century, most likely during the rule of **Sultan Alauddin Hussain Shah** (1494–1519).
**Design Elements**The **mosque's walls** are made of finely dressed stone and feature elaborate terracotta and stone carvings.
The **interior** includes mihrabs (niches indicating the direction of Mecca) and beautifully designed calligraphic inscriptions.
The mosque has five arched doorways in the front façade and three bays deep.
**Cultural Significance**: This mosque is an important relic of the Bengal Sultanate's Islamic architecture and a notable historical and religious site. It reflects the prosperity and the strong influence of Islamic culture in Bengal during the medieval period.
Sonamosjid is part of the larger Gauda city ruins, which include other notable buildings like the **Darasbari Mosque** and the **Lattan Mosque**, all contributing to the rich architectural heritage of the region.
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