The Historiography of Mass Islamization in Bengal: An Analysis

This essay explores the historiography of mass Islamization in Bengal, examining whether Islam became more prominent after the Mughal invasion. It discusses the political landscape under the Delhi Sultanate, the Mughal administration's initiatives to transform rural areas, and the blending of Islamic concepts with Bengali culture. The essay also addresses the British Raj's realization of the vast Muslim population in Bengal, the role of conversion among lower-caste Hindus, and the limited impact of Mughal immigration. Furthermore, it considers the influence of Arab traders and the coexistence of Islam and other religions in regions like Chittagong. The essay concludes that while Bengali culture initially regarded Islamic concepts as unfamiliar, the successful conversion was deeply rooted in Arab culture during the sixteenth to eighteenth centuries. Desklib provides access to similar essays and study resources for students.

Running head: MASS ISLAMIZATION IN BENGAL
Mass Islamization in Bengal
Name of the student
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1MASS ISLAMIZATION IN BENGAL
It is believed that the second largest religion in India, Islam was introduced to the
country after the invasion of Arab traders. At first, people residing in Western coast of India
started to become familiar with their culture and economically dependent over the trade
relationship. Not only that Islamization of Indian people was largely because of political
instability. Although, people were becoming interested and following the path of Islam being
failed to maintain grand rituals of Hinduism; it is perceived that specifically mass
Islamization of Bengal did not occur until Mughal invasion and its expansion. The purpose of
this essay to discuss historiography of the Islamization in Bengal arguing about the concept
that whether Islam was more prominent in Bengal after expansion of Mughal Dynasty or the
situation was same before their invasion.
Bengal was politically under Delhi Sultanate and among all the districts of Bengal
Murshidabad was the one to be chosen as their capital. According to the perception of
Mughal authorities from Dhaka (contemporary capital of Bangladesh); rural mosques and
shrines are the proof of initiatives to transform remote areas of eastern Bengal into societies
of Mughal state. Government documents recorded arrangement of Friday assembly which
strictly support the concept of Islamization. The current needs of cultivation has led to
clearance of greenery that revealed appearance of such establishments. Religion conversion
are blend of two of concepts; understanding of Islam and meaning of conversion. The idea of
almighty Allah started to be infused within the Bengali culture and the idea of transformation
was kind of confusing as people perceived that they have to leave their entire prior identity
behind. The process was slow yet steady. However, the phenomenon cannot be marked
prominently at that time.
British raj realized lately about the vast existence of Muslims in Bengal as their
concentration was initially over Calcutta which was a territory dominated by Hindu
communities mostly. After the revelation of census report in 1872, they got to know districts

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like Chittagong, Pabna, Rajshahi and Noakhali which are currently part of Bangladesh; are
comprised of 70% Islam followers. They were amazed by the fact that rather than old
capitals, Islam has been circulated massively around alluvial plains of Delta. It has been
understood later that invasion of Mughal blood has lesser influence over Bengal Islamization
than conversion of existing inhabitants as they felt Hinduism intolerable due to its rigid
beliefs and systems. In this due course, following the fifth chapter of Eaton and Eaton (1993)
pg-120, James Wise, government official of British rejected the immigration theory logically
and supported the perception of social liberation. The objection came from Muslim
communities of Mymensingh district, stating at pg-122, it is true that conversion happened
largely among low caste Hindus yet immigration and incidents of surrender happened against
the condition of keeping family estates around the areas of Bihar and Bengal. In this context,
again following the theory of James Wise; history does not support incidents of large
immigration from northern India to the Eastern region. Moreover, as discussed in pg-122 of
the same chapter, Mughal invaders felt Bengal climate too unpleasant to stay. Similarly, it is
true as well that during thirteenth and fourteenth century invaders applied the power of sword
for conversing people and spread faith of Islam. Chittagong, Silhet are some of the vast
regions which were colonized by Arab traders. Therefore, it can be stated that not only the
rigid Hinduism but also to save themselves from being murdered people converted their
practice of religion as well.
Again this concept was rejected by asraf Muslims saying they did not belong to minor
community across delta region. The literatures of that period merged superhuman beings of
mythology Adam, Eve and Ambraham which has profound impact over Bengali culture and
development. That is why still such nominative beliefs exist that roots of Islamic literature is
deeply rooted in Bengali culture. According to the observations of Francis Buchanan after
travelling across the hilly and forest covered areas of Chittagong; both the religion existed

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simultaneously in the mountains of Arakanese region and Sitakund. Besides, as described in
page- 297, the role of women was prominent here rather than western region of India where
they do not participate in such social practices. However, delta’s geographic position has
always been worked as immunity against foreign invasions. Still, the fact is not supported by
any logic that why delta region is mostly crowded by Bengali Muslims. However, it can be
stated that Bengali culture has always considered the Islamic concept as unfamiliar. Yet the
successful attempt of conversion is deeply rooted in Arab culture during sixteenth to
eighteenth century.

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Bibliography
Eaton, R.M. and Eaton, R.M., 1993. The rise of Islam and the Bengal frontier, 1204-
1760 (Vol. 17). Univ of California Press.