Katra Masjid

The Katra Masjid is a mosque and the tomb of Nawab Murshid Quli Khan built between 1723 and 1724. It is located in the north eastern side of the city of Murshidabad, in the Indian state of West Bengal. Its importance lies not only as a great centre of Islamic learning but also for the tomb of Murshid Quli Khan, who is buried under the entrance staircase. The most striking feature is the two large corner towers having loopholes for musketry.At present it is maintained and protected by the Archaeological Survey of India and the Government of West Bengal.EtymologyClose to the mosque was a bazaar and Katra means bazaar while Masjid means mosque. So the total sums up to: Katra Masjid or Market Mosque, a mosque in a market.ConstructionMurshid Quli Khan on reaching old age, expressed his desire to construct his tomb adjacent to a mosque. He entrusted the responsibility for constructing the mosque to his trusted follower who was an architect, Murad Farash Khan.