Khania Dighi Mosque (খনিয়াদিঘি মসজিদ)

Khania Dighi Mosque stands in Chapai Nawabganj District in the Rajshahi Division of Bangladesh, close to the better-known Choto Sona Mosque in the old Gaur area near the Indian border. Local people also call it the Rajbibi Mosque or the Chamchika Mosque.

Around 1480, and the unknown royal lady

The mosque is dated to about 1480 and is attributed to an unknown noblewoman, which may explain the name Rajbibi, meaning royal lady. It belongs to the period from 1450 to 1565 when Gaur was the capital of Bengal, and it is believed to be one of the earlier works of that city's builders. The large pond beside it is called Khania Dighi, and the mosque is known by the same name. Another mosque called Darasbari stands nearby.

One large dome and a ruined verandah

The building measures about 17.78 by 13.05 metres. Its main prayer room is a square of about 9 metres on each side covered by a single large dome, with a verandah on the east side whose remains can still be seen. The mosque is built of brick and has been repaired by the Department of Archaeology. Its design is close to that of the Chamkatti Mosque in Malda, West Bengal, across the border.