Tipu Sultan Mosque

The Tipu Sultan Mosque, located in Calcutta, is a magnificent example of Muhammadan architecture. It was constructed by Prince Ghulam Muhammad, the eleventh son of Tipu Sultan, in 1842. The construction of this grand mosque began in 1839 on a plot of land that the prince had purchased in Calcutta. Today, the mosque stands proudly beside the Statesman House on Dharmatala street.

Visitors to Kolkata should not miss the opportunity to witness the beauty of the Tipu Sultan Mosque. Its historical significance and architectural grandeur make it a must-see destination for anyone interested in the rich cultural heritage of India.

There are also two other Mosques in Calcutta built by the descendants of Tipu Sultan: the Mosque of Ghulam Muhammad at Tollygunge and the Mosque of Shahbani Begum.

Tipu Sultan, a prominent figure in Indian history, ruled over Mysore from 1782 to 1799. Despite his valiant efforts to resist British colonialism, he ultimately succumbed to his wounds during the 4th Anglo-Mysore war on May 4th, 1799.

Following the fall of Srirangapatna, the British gained control over Tipu Sultan's dominions and riches. The families of Tipu Sultan and his father, Hyder Ali, were forced to leave their homes and settle in Vellore, where they were granted British pensions. The Vellore Mutiny, a rebellion against British rule, erupted on July 10th, 1806, leading to the expulsion of the families to Calcutta.

An inscription on the Tipu Mosque' plaque reads: "This Masjid was erected during the Government of Lord Auckland, G.C.B., by the Prince Ghulam Muhammad, son of the late Tipu Sultan, in gratitude to God and in commemoration of the Honorable Court of Directors granting him the arrears of his stipend in 1840."

Above the middle arch upon a tablet over the entrance to the Majid is the following inscription: 

'The son of Sultan Tippoo, deceased, 
Muhammad by name and praised indeed, 
Not Muhammad himself, but his servant from the heart, 
A follower of his religion, with sincerity and purity, 
Built this pure dwelling place 
For praise, and prayer, and thanksgiving and blessing. 
In its use like the Qibla and Islam (the Kaaba of Mecca); 
In its glory like the Masjidi Aqsa (the temple of Jerusalem) 
The Angel Gabriel said as a date for that building, 
By way of its completion and as a blessing: 
May God keep thee safe as the temple of Jerusalem. 
By the blessing of the Apostles of Truth, and his family.'