Controversy Erupts Over Adina Mosque in West Bengal: Religious Heritage or Contested Site?

Yusuf Pathan referred to the Adina as a "historic mosque"

Kolkata:

A social media post by Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP and former cricketer Yusuf Pathan has ignited controversy in West Bengal regarding an ancient mosque in Malda.

"The Adina Mosque in Malda, West Bengal, is a historic mosque built in the 14th century by Sultan Sikandar Shah, the second ruler of the Ilyas Shahi dynasty. Constructed in 1373-1375 CE, it was the largest mosque in the Indian subcontinent during its time, showcasing the region's architectural grandeur," Pathan posted on X on Thursday, accompanied by photographs of the archaeological monument.

In response to the Trinamool MP's statement, the BJP's Bengal unit contested the claim, referring to it as "Adinath Temple."

Following this exchange, numerous social media users informed the first-time MP that according to various historical references, the monument he mentioned was constructed over the site of a temple.

Last year, a group of priests conducted Hindu rituals inside the mosque. One priest, Hiranmoy Goswami, President of Vishwavidya Trust in Vrindavan, claimed to have identified Hindu deities and asserted that the mosque was built upon a Hindu temple.

Goswami and other priests performed a prayer service but were interrupted when local residents alerted the police. Subsequently, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) filed legal action against Goswami.

This incident resulted in the closure of the mosque, which is designated as a monument of national significance. Authorities installed CCTV cameras throughout the site and established a police checkpoint.

According to the official ASI website, the Adina Mosque represents the most notable surviving example of Muslim architecture from 1369 AD.

It was constructed by Sikander Shah, the second ruler of the Ilyas dynasty of the Bengal Sultanate, and also contains his tomb.