Adina Masjid

Nestled in the heart of Malda district, West Bengal, the Adina Masjid stands as an architectural marvel and a testament to the rich Islamic heritage of India. Constructed in 1373 by Sultan Sikandar Shah, it was once one of the largest mosques in the Indian subcontinent and remains an important symbol of the Bengal Sultanate's architectural prowess.

The mosque's design is a blend of Persian and indigenous Indian styles, featuring a vast rectangular courtyard surrounded by rows of stone pillars, which once supported a roof to shelter the faithful during prayers. The central nave of the mosque is accentuated with a higher roof, distinguishing it from the aisles, and is marked by an intricately decorated mihrab, indicating the direction of Mecca.

Adina Masjid is renowned for its striking stone carvings, geometric designs, and inscriptions from the Quran, which adorn its walls and pillars. The mosque also features a series of domes and towers, though many have not withstood the ravages of time, leaving behind a haunting silhouette of its former grandeur.