Char Angul Mosque

Char Angul Mosque is a historic mosque located in the Pan Dariba locality of Jaunpur. It was built in 1417 CE during the reign of the Sharqi ruler Ibrahim Shah. The mosque was commissioned by Ibrahim Shah's brothers, Malik Khalis and Malik Mukhlis, in honour of the renowned Sufi saint Sheikh Usman Shirazi. The mosque is particularly notable for its unique historical association and distinctive local tradition.

A fascinating tradition is associated with a stone placed at the entrance of the mosque. According to the local belief, whether measured by a child, an elderly person, or an adult, the stone was always found to measure four fingers in length. This unusual tradition is believed to have given the mosque its popular name, ‘Char Angul Mosque’, meaning the ‘Four-Finger Mosque’. The story has contributed to the monument's distinctive place in the local history and cultural traditions of Jaunpur.

The main structure of the mosque is imposing and architecturally impressive. It features a large central dome flanked by two smaller domes on either side, creating a balanced and distinctive architectural composition. The mosque does not currently have minarets. Its roof is supported by ten pillars, each approximately 30 feet high, while the main gateway, traditionally described as the Singh Dwar, is approximately 67 feet wide. These features reflect the substantial scale and architectural character of the monument.

In 1495 CE, after defeating Hussain Shah Sharqi, Sikandar Lodi carried out destructive actions in Jaunpur, and the mosque was also affected during this period of destruction. Despite the damage and changes over time, the mosque continues to represent an important part of Jaunpur's Sharqi-era historical heritage.

Char Angul Mosque represents a distinctive combination of history, architecture, religious tradition, and local folklore. Its association with Sheikh Usman Shirazi, the story of the four-finger stone, its large central dome, smaller side domes, and connection with the historical events of medieval Jaunpur make it a noteworthy heritage monument of the city.