By Syed Aftab Abedin
IndianMuslims.info

The inscription is fixed above the central entrance in the façade of a masjid commonly known as Patthar Ki Masjid. The masjid is situated in a mohalla of Patna also of the same name, and is on the main road between Bankipore and Patna City. It appears that there were some ancillary structures, and land attached to the masjid but these seem to have been appropriated by some people. As the name itself indicates, the masjid is built largely out of stones.

The tablet measures 2'x 2.4" and the text consists of five Persian verses inscribed in as many lines and preceded by the First Creed (Kalma) and Takbir contained in three lines. It was composed by the poet Kharami, and records that in the time of Parvez Shah, son of Jahangir Badshah, Nazar Khwishgi a staunch follower of the creed of Muhammad, built the masjid out of the stone and wood material.

The builder of the masjid, Nazar Khwishgi, belonged to the Khwishgi clan of Pathans, who are noted for the integrity and nobility of their members. He was born and brought up in Qasur, near Lahore and was one of the chief attendants of Prince Parvez Shah. Parvez elder brother of Shah Jahan was the first Mughal prince to make Bihar his residence.

Pathar ki Masjid

It may also be noted that Parvez died on 6 Safar 1036 (18 October 1626). This inscription is dated 1036 Hijri (beginning 12 September 1626) but the month is not mentioned. It is possible that the masjid was built after his death and Nazar Khwishgi, like the loyal servant he was, had Parvez's name recorded with grandiloquent titles as a homage to the memory of his master.

The masjid is presently in good condition. The only change that has been made is that the walls and floor have been plastered. People still visit the masjid everyday to offer namaz twice a day on average. There used to be a well in the masjid so that people would be able to make ablutions, but now it is no longer in use. They now have tap water facility is to fulfill this need. There is an underground way which leads to another masjid situated in Gai Ghat mohalla. However, that underground way has been abandoned for years.

Bindu Gop: keyholder of the Masjid

The interesting thing about the masjid is that a person by the name of "Bindu Gop " holds the masjid's keys. Gop is a 57 year old Hindu man who lives close to the masjid. The masjid's committee members entrusted him with the task of keeping the keys to Patthar Ki Masjid. Gop has been committed to his duty as key holder for over 15 years, and he gives the keys only to those people that he knows and to visitors. Besides holding title as keeper of keys to Patthar Ki Masjid, Gop also manages a snack shop at the gate of the masjid. This way he not only makes his living, but is also able to look after this historical building.