The mosque was originally covered in gilded copper plates, which have since been lost, leaving only the stone and brick base.
It is built entirely of brick, but the outer face is finished with polished hornblende, a type of dark stone often sourced from the Rajmahal Hills.
The mosque features five arched entrances on the front facade, each featuring intricate relief carvings.
It served as a private place of worship for the local governor, Wali Muhammad, during the Husain Shahi dynasty.
The prayer hall contains five mihrabs, all of which are aligned with the building's five eastern entrances.
The roof consists of 15 domes, with the central three domes being larger and semi-elliptical in shape.
Choto Sona Masjid is a 15th-century Sultanate-era mosque located in the Gaur region of Bangladesh, notable for its original gilding that gave it the name 'Small Golden Mosque'. Constructed during the reign of Sultan Alauddin Husain Shah, the structure features fifteen domes and heavy brick walls faced with carved hornblende stone. The interior is divided into three longitudinal aisles and five bays, supported by massive stone pillars. The exterior walls are decorated with intricate terracotta floral patterns and geometric motifs characteristic of the Husain Shahi architectural style. Despite its name, the mosque is distinct from the larger Bara Sona Masjid located in the Indian portion of the Gaur ruins. The site is a protected monument under the Department of Archaeology of Bangladesh.
From the front eastern facade during mid-morning when sunlight highlights the intricate texture of the carved stone pillars.
Hire a local guide to explain the specific terracotta motifs, as signage is minimal.
Bring a polarizing lens for your camera to reduce glare from the stone surfaces during sunny periods.
Combine this visit with nearby ruins in the Gaur archeological zone to maximize your time.
Attempting to climb on the exterior brick carvings or touching the delicate stone reliefs, as they are prone to erosion.
Dress modestly by covering shoulders and knees; remove shoes before stepping onto the raised plinth or entering the prayer hall area.
