Indo Islamic Heritage
Choti Masjid (Fazal Mohammed Masjid) in Dargah Bazaar, Cuttack, is conveniently located near major transport hubs. The nearest railway station is Cuttack Railway Station, just about 1.5 km away. The closest bus station is Badambadi Bus Stand, approximately 2.5 km from the masjid. For air travel, the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar is the nearest, located around 30 km away, providing easy access to domestic and international travelers.
Choti Masjid, officially known as Fazal Mohammed Masjid, is a historic mosque situated on Jail Road in Dargah Bazaar, Cuttack, carrying a rich legacy rooted in the region’s Muslim heritage and colonial history. It was constructed in the late 19th century by Atharuddin Mohammed as a tribute to his father, Khwaja Fazal Mohammed, a revered Sufi saint of the Niʿmatullāhī order who played a key role in spreading Sufi teachings across Odisha. Atharuddin, who later became an influential nationalist, significantly contributed to the growth of the Indian National Congress in coastal Odisha and donated land for the construction of the nearby colonial jail. The mosque, often called Choti Masjid or “small mosque,” was built near his residence to honor his father’s spiritual and social legacy. Architecturally and culturally, the mosque is located near the Qadam-e-Rasool complex, a significant Mughal-era shrine known for housing the Prophet’s footprint and reflecting a blend of Mughal and Odia styles. The Old Jail, established by the British, further adds to the area’s historical depth, as it once held local freedom fighters. The entire Dargah Bazaar and Ganjam Bazaar area is a unique cultural mosaic—home to Mughal shrines, colonial structures, and vibrant Muslim marketplaces that continue to thrive. Choti Masjid thus stands not only as a sacred place of prayer but also as a symbol of spiritual lineage, anti-colonial resistance, and the diverse architectural heritage of Cuttack.
Year of Built: 20th Century
Address: Jail Rd, Dargah Bazaar, Cuttack, Odisha 753002
Country: India
State: Odisha
District: Cuttack
Pincode: 753002
Longitude: 85.8784° E
Latitude: 20.4651° N