Hooghly Imambara

The Hooghly Imambara, a two-storied structure, is an imambara cum mosque in the Hooghly (Chinsurah) city of West Bengal. It is believed to have been constructed in AD 1717 by Muhammad Aga Motahar, a Persian merchant.

The walls of the mosque have inscriptions from the holy book of Islam, Quran. Magnificent work of glass and marble decorates the interior of the building, which is illuminated by the glowing chandeliers.

The 150-foot-tall clock tower marks the grand entrance to the mosque. The key used for winding the clock, which has been running accurately till date, weighs around 20 kg and needs two persons to carry it!

Situated on the western bank of river Bhagirathi-Hooghly, the tower of the building offers an amazing view of the town and the river. Also, from the top of the tower one can enjoy the sight of the Hangseshwari Temple and the Bandel Church.

In the courtyard of the Imambara lies a sun dial built in concrete. It was used to tell the time of the day from the position of the sun in the sky.