Indo Islamic Heritage
Masjid Chhote Sarkar is a historic 13th-century mosque and Sufi shrine in Qubool Pura, Badaun, dedicated to the revered saint Hazrat Khwaja Syed Abu Bakr Muetab Badruddin Shah Wilayat Soharwardi, known as Chhote Sarkar. It forms a key part of Badaun's Sufi heritage, alongside the nearby Bade Sarkar shrine, and attracts devotees for its spiritual significance and annual urs celebrations.
Masjid Chhote Sarkar stands as a testament to Badaun's prominence as a center of Islamic learning and Sufism during the Delhi Sultanate era. Constructed in the mid-13th century, around 1250 CE, the mosque is intrinsically linked to the shrine (dargah) of Hazrat Khwaja Syed Abu Bakr Muetab Badruddin Shah Wilayat Soharwardi, a Sufi saint of the Soharwardi order who settled in Badaun after migrating from Yemen. Born into Arab royalty, the saint's early life was marked by deep religious devotion, leading him to embrace Sufism and establish a spiritual legacy in the region. His tomb within the mosque complex serves as the focal point, drawing pilgrims seeking intercession and blessings, much like the nearby dargah of his contemporary and relative, Bade Sarkar (Hazrat Sultan Afreen Shah). The mosque's architecture reflects the simplicity and spiritual austerity typical of early Sultanate-era structures, with a prayer hall oriented toward the qibla and an adjoining courtyard that facilitates communal worship and gatherings. Though modest in scale compared to grander monuments like Badaun's Jama Masjid, it embodies the khanqah tradition—serving as both a place of prayer and a retreat for Sufi disciples. Historical records note that the shrine gained imperial patronage during the Mughal period; Emperor Akbar visited in the late 16th century, underscoring its enduring reverence among rulers and common folk alike. Today, Masjid Chhote Sarkar remains a vibrant hub of devotion, particularly during the annual urs in the month of Ramadan, which marked its 750th observance in 2019, highlighting over seven centuries of continuous spiritual activity. The site hosts qawwali sessions, prayers, and charitable distributions, fostering a sense of community among visitors from across Uttar Pradesh and beyond. As part of Badaun's network of Sufi shrines, it contributes to the city's identity as a "holy land of Auliya, Wali, and Peers," preserving the syncretic traditions of Indian Islam.
Year of Built: Not Available
Address: 24R6+PCQ, Qabool Pura, Budaun, Uttar Pradesh 243601
Country: India
State: Uttar Pradesh
District: Budaun
Pincode: 243601
Longitude: 79.1215° E
Latitude: 28.2364° N