DescriptionThis dedicatory inscription in "tughra" script, dated A.H. 905 / 1500 A.D., is from a mosque in western Bengal built for Prince Daniyal, a son of Sultan Husayn Shah. The inscription is an outstanding example of Indo-Muslim epigraphy: the regular pattern in which the vertical letters are arranged and the skillfully inserted, bowlike words that structure the pattern are typical of Muslim calligraphy in medieval Bengal and later in the Deccan.

Signatures, Inscriptions, and MarkingsInscriptions: In Arabic, in tughra script: "The Prophet, the blessing of Allah and peace be upon him, said: 'He who builds a mosque for Allah, Allah builds for him a palace the like of it in paradise.' In the reign of Sultan 'Ala' al-Dunya wa'l-Din Abu'l-Muzaffar Husayn Shah al-Sultan, may Allah perpetuate his rule and sovereignty, Shahzada Daniyal, may his honour endure, built this congregational mosque on 10 of Dhu'l-Hijja, of the year 905." (Translated by S. Digby, 1973)