Gaud

Gauda was the medieval capital of Bengal. It is virtually in ruins. The ruins of the historical city are divided between Bangladesh and West Bengal, India. Once it was a well populated and magnificent city. The Muslim rulers, the Ilias Shah dynasty, built many monuments. Among those buildings some are located in the Bangladesh part of the city. These are all famous for their architectural beauty and have a great significance for the development of the Muslim architecture in Bengal. Though all of the monuments are now in badly damaged shape, the Archaeology Department of Bangladesh is trying to repair or reconstruct these.

• Gaud is 38 km from Chapai Nawabganj. One can take the hassle of using an irregular bus service (takes about an hour) or hire a tempo.
• The Bangladesh-India border is just beyond the Sona Masjid check post.

• 🌍 Chhoto Sona Masjid (Small Golden Mosque). One of the most graceful monument of the Sultanate period is the Chhota Sona Masjid or Small Golden Mosque built by one Wali Muhammad during the reign of Sultan Alauddin Husain Shah (1493-1519). Originally it was roofed over with 15 gold-gilded domes including the 3 Chauchala domes in the middle row, from which it derives its curious name. There are terracotta designs on the inside of the dome. The inside walls have intricate carvings. The exterior has been done up by the Archaeology Department of Bangladesh. 
• 🌍 Khania Dighi Masjid and Balia Dighi (Dighi means tank). The Khania Dighi Masjid, also known as Rajbibi Masjid, has terracotta designs. 
• 🌍 Darasbari Masjid. It resembles the Adina Masjid at Pandua in Malda and was built by Yusuf Shah in 1479. There are floral designs of mihrabs 
• 🌍 Dhunichak Masjid. It had crumbled partially but Archaeology Department of Bangladesh has restored it. It is located in Shahbajpur village. It is believed to have been built by Dhanpat Saudagar, brother of Chand Saudagar, in the 16th century. 
• 🌍 Firozpur Masjid (Shah Syed Niyamatullah Mosque). It was built by Shah Niamatullah Wali. Alongside the three domed masjid, the Shah’s tomb is there and the Tohakhana Palace. It is part of the Tohakhana complex. 

• 🌍 Guest House (Archaeology Department). 
• Some accommodation is available at Chapai Nawabganj but better accommodation is there at Rajshahi, 34 km away.