mughal heritage in bengal

7/28/2019 Mughal Heritage in Bengal

1/6

ARIF HOSSEN, IUB

[BPH-101]

1he Heritage of Mughals in Bengal

Introduction

From the early history, many dynasty ruled Indian subcontinent after defeating one by another.

The Muslim rule in Bengal continued for about five centuries and a half, from Bakhtyar khaljis

conquest in 1204-05 to the Battle of Plassey in 1757. This period of Muslim rule is divided intotwo phases- Sultanate and Mughal. The Sultanate rule ending in 1576,when Sultan Daud Karrani

was defeated by Mughal genenal Shan Jahan of Emperor Akbar in the battle of Rajmahal. But

Bengal not conquest by Mughals at a time, Akbar made tough efforts by sending general after

general, to bring the whole of Bengal under his control but Whole Bengals came under Mughals

at the reign of Jahangir.

With the coming of Mughals into Bengal, the country witnessed the working of new forces in

administrative, social, economic and cultural life. Unlike the previous period, Bengal enjoyed

independence and became a province of centralized Mughal Empire. During Mughal conquest of

Bengal, the capital was in Tanda , then Rajmahal but in the reign of Jahangir , subahdar Islam

khan transferred the capital into Dhaka as name as Jahangirnaghar. So, we can understand that

how Bengal was important province for the Mughals.

As Mughal emperor ruled Bengal for a long tenure, they developed the infrastructure of Bengal,

build Mosque, tombs, forts, hammams (baths), bridges, saraikhana(Katra) and many other things.

Still we can find these establishments in many areas of united Bengal. Mughal also has a strong

influence in our culture also. We still follow many ritual and customs that introduced by

Mughals. These all are become the heritage of Mughal.

Why I choose Mughal Heritage as my research topic

It is for sure that the social and cultural situation of Bengal in the Mughal period was somewhat

different. In this period Bengal was not an independent and separate country rather the region

became a province under Delhi. In the Mughal period direct communication with North India

was established. Also relations grew with middle and western Asia and outside India. As a result,

the people of Bengal came into direct contact with thoughts and ideas, and behaviors of people

of different countries. These had profound impact on different aspects in their lives, including

their dressing pattern and food habit, education, religion, art and architecture among others.As

Bengal was important place for trade and commerce from early history so it was the hub of trade

and melting place of people of different culture. So we have an indigenous culture with influence

of many cultures.

I have an interest to learn what customs of our culture came from which foreign culture and

history of the ancient structure we see in different places specially who and when it was build.

Thats why when I asked to select a topic from BPH lecture; I select The Great Heritage of

Mughals in Bengal as my research topic. I wonder by seeing the beauty Tajmahal, red fort,


2/6

ARIF HOSSEN, IUB

[BPH-101]


Agra fort and other establishment of Mughal in different media and make an effort to identify if

anyone in Bengal.

Mughal Architecture

All the early Mughal Rulers were great bui1ders. With the coming of the Mughals, Indianarchitecture was greatly influenced by Persian styles. The Mughals constructed excellent

mausoleums, mosques, forts, gardens and cities. The Mughal buildings show a uniform pattern

both in structure and character.

The main characteristic features of Mughal architecture are the bulbous domes, the slender

minarets with cupolas at the four corners, large halls, massive vaulted gateways and delicate

ornamentation.

Mughal Heritage in Bengal

I stated earlier that Mughal emperor ruled Bengal for many years so they have contributed in

different aspect of society. There are many structure of mughal still available throughout the

Bengal. Some are preserved with historical importance some are still remain ignorant.

We can divide the remaining Mughal Heritage in Bengal in two subdivisions-

Structural Heritage

Cultural Heritage

Structural Heritage of Mughal in Bengal: By structural Heritage I mean that the landmark,

mosque, building, monument and other establishment like saraikhana, eidgah, tombs, forts,hammams (baths), bridges that are build in Mughal period and still exist in Bengal.

Although during their rule nothing was built in Bengal that can be compared to the grandeur of

monuments built in Delhi, Agra or Fatehpur Sikri. But the Mughals did create an architectural

tradition in Bengal that suited the local taste and needs. From the thousands of establishment

covered few of landmarks in Bengal that represent Mughals sovereignty and culture in Bengal.

Mosque: the Mughal are very well known for establishing mosque. During the mughal period,

they set up lots of mosque all over the subcontinent including Bengal. The Moti Masjid (Pearl

Mosque) in the Agra Fort and The Jama Masjid at Delhi are model of mughal mosque.

In Bengal Saat Ghambuj(seven dome) MosqueDhaka,Khutub Shahi mosque at kishorganj,

Chaukbazar mosque, Babubazar mosque, Lalbagh mosque, Bibir Majid are the remaining

archaeological heritage of Mughals in Bengal.

According to theArcheologists of Bangladesh the Saat Ghambuj Masjid was made by Shaista

Khan. He was a Subadhar and army general of Mughal Empire in Bengal from 1664 to 1688.


3/6

ARIF HOSSEN, IUB

[BPH-101]


This mosque is also looked like the other mosque of Mughal period with large dome and massive

gateway.

Shahi Mosque is situated in the Austogram(Town) on the bank of the Gorautra in the district of

Kishorgonj, is one of the best conserved monuments in Bangladesh. Kutub Shahi Mosque is a

five doomed mosque which represents Mughal tradition in Bangladesh. This Mosque was named

after Kutub Shah, one of the prominent saints of Kishorgonj region. The graveyard of this great

pious man is adjacent to the Mosque.

Another archaelogical heritage of Mughal era is the The Tomb of Dara Begum, built on the east

bank of a huge pond nearly three acres in size in what is now Lalmatia Bibir Majid to the locals.

Traditionally the tomb is ascribed either to a daughter of Shaista Khan or to the wife of a

Subahdar before him.

Fort: Many forts were built in the time of Mughal as they divided subcontinent in many

provinces (shuba). Each of the provinces was controlled by subhedar under central Mughal

administration. The fort was the residence of the subhedar. The general characteristics of the

forts are almost the same high rampart walls, iwan shaped gateways with machicoulis and oriel

windows. The most important ones are the remnants of some forts in Bengal such as the

LALBAGH FORT (1678), IDRAKPUR FORT (1660), SONAKANDA FORT.

Lalbagh Fort was built in 1678 A.D. by Prince Mohammad Azam, son of Mughal emperor

Aurangazeb. Outstanding among the monuments of the Lalbagh are the tomb of Pari Bibi,

Lalbagh Mosque, Audience Hall and Hammam of Nawab Shaista Khan. It is one of the most

beautiful heritage which is conserved by the govt. The Hammam of Nawab Shaista Khan now

housing a museum.

Idrakpur Fort is situated at Munshiganj proper, on the west bank of the canal running through

the town, and in the eastern vicinity of Deobogh village. This water fort was built on the bank of

the river Ichhamati, probably by the Mughal Subahdar MIR JUMLA in about 1660 AD. It was

intended to counter the advances ofPORTUGUESEraiders by water. The surroundings of the fort

Saat Ghambuj Mosque Shahi Mosque Tomb of Dara Begum
http://www.banglapedia.org/httpdocs/HT/P_0233.HTMhttp://www.banglapedia.org/httpdocs/HT/P_0233.HTMhttp://www.banglapedia.org/httpdocs/HT/P_0233.HTMhttp://www.banglapedia.org/httpdocs/HT/P_0233.HTM


4/6

ARIF HOSSEN, IUB

[BPH-101]


are now filled with earth and in some places the silt has risen up to the level of the parapet. It

also represents the great architecture of Mughals.

Saraikhana: Saraikhana or Katra is another unique identity of Mughal heritage. It is the palace

which built to take rest in journey from one province to another. As Bengal was the commercial

and trading hub, people from different place visit here, thats why so many saraikhana in manyplaces was built by mughals. In a Katra there was arrangement of sleeping rooms, kitchen, dining

space, lavatories, mosque and even a hospital for the passersby.

Two Katras built at Dhaka by the Mughals deserve special mention- the Bara Katra and the

Chhota Katra. These two are among the important architectures of the Mughals at Dhaka.

Bara Katrais situated to the south of the Chawk Bazar and is located just on the Buriganga. The

Bara Katra contains two inscriptions in Persian: one records that it was built in 1053 AH (1643-

44 AD) and the other contains the date 1055 AH (1645-46 AD) and confirms thatSHAH SHUJA

gave the building to Mir Abul Qasim to be used as a Katra on the condition that the officials in

charge should not take any rent from any deserving person.

Chhota Katrais situated about 200 yards east of the Bara Katra at Hakim Habibur Rahman lane.

Slightly smaller than the Bara Katra, it is similar in plan and was built almost for the same

purpose. The Chhota Katra is built bySHAISTA KHANin about 1664 AD.

Mir Jumla gate,nowadays known as Ramna gate is also an important remaining artifact of

Mughal period in Bengal .Mir jumla was subhedar of mughal emperor.The gate was probably

meant to guard the city from the north.

LalBagh Fort Idrakpur Fort

Bara Katra Eidghah,Dhanmondi Mir Jumla gate
http://www.banglapedia.org/httpdocs/HT/S_0251.HTMhttp://www.banglapedia.org/httpdocs/HT/S_0251.HTMhttp://www.banglapedia.org/httpdocs/HT/S_0251.HTMhttp://www.banglapedia.org/httpdocs/HT/S_0279.HTMhttp://www.banglapedia.org/httpdocs/HT/S_0279.HTMhttp://www.banglapedia.org/httpdocs/HT/S_0279.HTMhttp://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/7702/1941/1600/120616/1125.jpghttp://www.banglapedia.org/httpdocs/HT/S_0279.HTMhttp://www.banglapedia.org/httpdocs/HT/S_0251.HTM


5/6

ARIF HOSSEN, IUB

[BPH-101]


Eidgah is another significant mughal heritage in Bengal. In Dhaka, Historical Eidgah at Sat

Masjid Road, Dhanmondi was constructed by Mir Abul Qasim, Dewan by the order of Prince

Shah Shuja, Mughal viceroy of Bengal, second son of Emperor Shahjahan. A Persian

inscription records the date of its erection in 1640 AD.

This oldest Mughal monument still draws a large number of visitors because of its architecturalbeauty. The Mughal Subehdars and Diwans living in this land used to come to the Eidgah for Eid

prayers twice a year. People still gather at the place in congregation for prayers on Eid day.

Cultural Heritage: By the cultural heritage I mean the customs, ritual, food habit and culture of

Mughal inherent in our culture and still remain.

Here I tried to figure out the cultural aspects of Mughal that are still dominant in our society.

Dress:Mughal dress culture influence the people of Bengal and other part of subcontinent. The

sherwani, we wear today that come from Muhals. The woman wears 'salwar' and 'kamiz',

ornamented and pearl-studded glittering are derived from Mughals still remains as part of ourculture.

Food Habit: In Bengal, people use different types of spices in the food. It is an influence of

Mughals in our food habit. 'Kabab' 'Rezala', 'Korma', Biriyani, Parata are food that added into

our food menu from the Mughal beside the usual fish, rice and vegetables.

Communal Harmony: Bengali people very know for their communal harmony and hospitality.

These things are the reflection of Mughal cuture. Mughal period is considered to be the best

rulling period for good administration, development and peace in this region. In the Mughal Age

all people could follow their respective religions independently. They were liberal in religiousmatters.

The people of Bengal became familiar with the Shiate customs and ceremonies throughthe

Mughal as some of the subhedar was the follower of Shiate. The different ceremonies of Muslim

like the holy 'Muharram' became popular from that time.

Remarks

By studying the establishments of Mughal period, it is clear that Mughal architecture is one of

the world best architecture as many of the Mughal establishments like Taj mahal, Agra fort,Lahore fort, Lalbag fort, Delhi Jame mosque are renowned as world heritage by UNESCO.

More over Taj Mahal is one of worlds seven wonders. All the establishments of Mughal

represent the economic prosperity in that time.

Although there are few artifacts of Bengal in Bengal compare to the central and north Indian

side, but these are not preserved properly. Many of the edifices built during the Mughal period

are disfigured by renovations and extensions in the name of development. In Bangladesh, only
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dewanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dewan


6/6

ARIF HOSSEN, IUB

[BPH-101]


Lalbagh fort is conserved accordingly under the patronage of UNESCO. Idrakpur Fort and many

mosque of Mughal period still remain unexposed and unpreserved. Many of these are now in the

way to demolish. If necessary steps not taken immediately, it will take place only in the page of

history book.

In our culture, we still carry the Mughal heritage. The dress sense (sherwani, salwar, kamiz),

spicy food menu and the communal harmony of Bengali culture are derived from Mughal

culture.

References

A F Salahuddin Ahmed, Bazlul Mobin Chowdury ed. Bangladesh national cultureand heritage

Ramesh Chandra Majumdar- Bahgladesher Ithihas Dr. Enamul Haque (chairmanr, International Centre for Study of Bengal Art) ed.

Mughal Mouments of Bangladesh

Banglapedia

mughal heritage in bengal

Documents