Kushumba Mosque (Black Gem of Bengal)
The 1558 CE black basalt stone architectural marvel immortalised on the 5 Taka banknote
Quick Travel Facts & Visitor Guide (2026)
Kushumba Mosque (Black Gem of Bengal) is a prominent travel destination in Manda, Naogaon, Rajshahi Division, Bangladesh. The optimal time to visit is October to March for cool, pleasant walking temperatures and bright sunny lighting for photography. for a recommended trip duration of Half day (Easily combined with Somapura Mahavihara in Paharpur or Puthia). Entry ticket is Free Entry and weekly off day is Open Daily. A world-renowned 16th-century Bengal Sultanate stone mosque built in 1558 CE in Manda, Naogaon, constructed entirely of dark grey-black basalt stone and renowned as the 'Black Gem of Bengal' (featured on the 5 Taka banknote).
Overview
Kushumba Mosque (Kushumba Jame Masjid, affectionately renowned as the 'Black Gem of Bengal' / 'Kalo Manik') is one of the most aesthetically sublime, architecturally monumental, and celebrated Islamic heritage structures in Bangladesh, situated in Kushumba village of Manda upazila in Naogaon district, roughly 35 kilometres southwest of Naogaon town along the Rajshahi highway.
Built in 1558 CE (966 Hijri) during the Suri Dynasty rule of Bengal, the mosque is celebrated for its extraordinary stone masonry. Constructed of dark grey-black basalt stone slabs sourced from the Rajmahal Hills and fine brick mortar, the exterior walls and interior pillars gleam with a dark, polished sheen. The mosque's iconic image is immortalized on the national 5 Taka banknote.
Measuring 58 feet by 42 feet externally, the rectangular mosque is crowned by six hemispherical domes supported by massive stone columns and arches, anchored by four heavy octagonal corner minarets with ribbed moldings. The interior houses three magnificently sculpted black basalt stone mihrabs displaying exquisite relief carvings of hanging chains, lotus blossoms, floral arabesques, and intricate rosettes.
In the northwestern corner sits an elevated stone gallery (Badshah-ka-Takht or Ladies' Gallery) approached by a carved stone staircase. Facing the mosque lies the vast, historic 77-bigha Kushumba Shahi Dighi, creating a breathtaking, serene heritage sanctuary.
History & Culture
According to the Arabic stone inscription tablet over the central doorway, the mosque was constructed in 1558 CE by Sulaiman, a prominent noble during the reign of Afghan Sultan Ghiyasuddin Bahadur Shah II.
The massive dark basalt stone blocks were quarried from the Rajmahal hills and transported via river barges along the Atrai River.
Declared a protected national monument by the Department of Archaeology, Kushumba Mosque is revered as one of the best-preserved stone mosques in South Asia.
Top things to do in Kushumba Mosque (Black Gem of Bengal)
Admire 16th-Century Black Stone Masonry
Examine the intricately sculpted black basalt stone mihrabs, lotus medallions, and ornamental stone pillars.
Pray Inside the Historic Stone Sanctuary
Experience congregational prayers inside the cool, high-arched stone prayer hall beneath the six domes.
Climb to the Royal Stone Gallery
Inspect the carved stone staircase leading to the elevated Badshah-ka-Takht royal mezzanine gallery.
Stroll Along the Kushumba Shahi Dighi
Walk around the massive historic royal lake and admire the reflection of the black stone mosque on the water.
Video Guide: Experience Kushumba Mosque (Black Gem of Bengal)
Watch cinematic 4K footage and essential visual travel highlights before planning your trip to Kushumba Mosque (Black Gem of Bengal).
Kushumba Mosque (Black Gem of Bengal) in pictures
Curated photography via Wikimedia Commons under Creative Commons licensing.
Highlights
- ✓World-famous 1558 CE black basalt stone architectural masterpiece (Featured on the 5 Taka banknote)
- ✓Six hemispherical domes supported by massive stone arches and octagonal minarets
- ✓Three exquisitely sculpted black stone mihrabs with hanging chain and lotus motifs
- ✓Elevated royal stone gallery (Badshah-ka-Takht) with carved stone stairs
- ✓Vast 77-bigha historic Kushumba Shahi Dighi reflecting the black stone facade
- ✓Pristine condition maintained by the Department of Archaeology
How to reach Kushumba Mosque (Black Gem of Bengal) (Transport Routes)
Take a 45 to 55-minute car, bus, or CNG auto-rickshaw northeast from Rajshahi along the Naogaon highway directly to Kushumba Mosque gate (approx. 45 km).
Take a 35-minute bus or CNG southwest along the Rajshahi highway to Manda / Kushumba (approx. 35 km).
Best time to visit Kushumba Mosque (Black Gem of Bengal)& Seasonal Advisory
November to February: Cool winter weather; ideal for photographing the dark basalt stone architecture in soft natural sunlight.
Year-round: Active and welcoming daily for prayers and visitors.
Where to stay near Kushumba Mosque (Black Gem of Bengal)
Stay at hotels in Rajshahi city (Grand River View, Hotel Nice) 45 km away, or modern hotels in Naogaon town (Hotel Raj, Circuit House) 35 km away.
Local food & dining
- 🍽️Traditional northern beef bhuna and fresh haor fish in Manda bazaar
- 🍽️Authentic Naogaon Sandesh and sweet curd (Doi)
- 🍽️Fresh coconut water and local tea from mosque stalls
Essential Travel Tips & Rules for Kushumba Mosque (Black Gem of Bengal)
- 💡Remove footwear before stepping onto the stone-paved mosque platform and prayer hall.
- 💡Do not scratch or deface the delicate historic black basalt stone carvings.
- 💡Combine with Paharpur Somapura Mahavihara (approx. 60 km away) and Dubalhati Rajbari.
- 💡Conveniently located right along the smooth Rajshahi–Naogaon regional highway.
Nearby Places to Visit around Kushumba Mosque (Black Gem of Bengal)
Combine your visit to Kushumba Mosque (Black Gem of Bengal) with these closely located attractions and scenic destinations.
0.3 km (N)Kusumba Mosque in Manda, Naogaon is a beautifully preserved 1558 Suri dynasty black basalt stone mosque, famous for its exquisite stone carvings, six domes, and feature on the Bangladesh 5-Taka banknote.
19.3 km (E)An immense 200-year-old zamindari palace complex spanning 5 acres in Dubalhati, Naogaon, featuring over 200 rooms, four grand courtyards, Victorian colonnades, and royal dighis.
39.3 km (E)The historic riverside estate, agricultural bank, and memorial museum of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore in Patisar, Atrai, Naogaon, set along the peaceful Nagor River.
43.1 km (NE)The vast 8th-century Somapura Mahavihara — once one of the largest Buddhist monasteries south of the Himalayas, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Curated Destination Highlights
Frequently Asked Questions about Kushumba Mosque (Black Gem of Bengal)
Why is Kushumba Mosque called the Black Gem of Bengal?+
It is called 'Kalo Manik' (Black Gem) because it is constructed entirely of dark grey-black basalt stone slabs that give the structure a distinctive, polished dark sheen.
Is Kushumba Mosque featured on Bangladeshi currency?+
Yes, the iconic image of Kushumba Mosque is proudly featured on the reverse side of the 5 Taka banknote.
Is there an entry fee to visit Kushumba Mosque?+
No, visiting the mosque and surrounding grounds is completely free.
Related Destinations & Travel Guides
Explore 5 interlinked destinations in Manda, Naogaon, Rajshahi Division& surrounding regions
An immense 200-year-old zamindari palace complex spanning 5 acres in Dubalhati, Naogaon, featuring over 200 rooms, four grand courtyards, Victorian colonnades, and royal dighis.
The historic riverside estate, agricultural bank, and memorial museum of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore in Patisar, Atrai, Naogaon, set along the peaceful Nagor River.
The celebrated royal temple city and terracotta heritage cluster in Puthia, Rajshahi, featuring the monumental 1823 CE Bhubaneshwar Shiva Temple, the ornate Pancha-Ratna Gobinda Temple, and the grand Puthia Rajbari.
A pristine 16th-century brick mosque built in 1582 CE during the transitional Sultanate-Mughal era in Sherpur, Bogura, famous for curved cornices, three ribbed domes, and fine terracotta arabesques.
Kusumba Mosque in Manda, Naogaon is a beautifully preserved 1558 Suri dynasty black basalt stone mosque, famous for its exquisite stone carvings, six domes, and feature on the Bangladesh 5-Taka banknote.