Shah Muhammad mosque is representative of the Transitional Phase of Bengali architecture that saw a blending of early Mughal and pre-Mughal architectural features. It is a small, square, 32'-0" wide, brick building built on a raised platform. The square domed mosque layout is considered pre-Mughal while the ornamental reliefs indicate strong Mughal influence. Octagonal towers that are faceted at regular intervals with delicately carved moldings define the corners of the mosque. Each is crowned by handsomely carved, blind kiosks. The dome is prominent due to its expansive size and sits on a high, octagonal drum, which is highlighted by a border of carved lotus leaves. It is almost a perfect semi-hemisphere and is capped by a beautifully molded lotus finial.
The mosque is entered from the east through three doorways. The east, north and south facades are identical except that blind doorways flank the central entrance of the north and south facades. The façade is divided into three bays. The central bay is slightly wider and has a raised cornice. It is also projected slightly forward with slender pinnacles on either side to enhance its central position in the composition of the façade.
Brick relief work embellishes the façade and interior. The relief work in the shallow cusped niches of the rectangular panels covering the façade and the five-leaf floral motif adorning the top of each entrance arch, indicate a much greater awareness of Mughal traditions than seen in earlier mosques like Sadi mosque. The rectangular panel above the central archway once contained inscriptions but is now missing.
The most interesting of architectural feature, however, is the gatehouse done in the dochala style. It is constructed of brick but copies the formwork of a common Bengali reed hut (dochala or two-segmented hut).
Sources:
Ahmed, Nazimuddin. 1984. Discover the monuments of Bangladesh. Dhaka: University Press Limited, 165,166.
Hasan, Syed Mahmudul. 1980. Muslim Monuments of Bangladesh. Dhaka: Islamic Foundation, 97.
Asher, Catherine B. 1984. Inventory of Key Monuments. Art and Archaeology Research Papers: The Islamic Heritage of Bengal. Paris: UNESCO, 64.