Islam in Pre-Colonial Bengal and the 'Puran-Quran' Literary Project/ উপনিবেশ-পূর্ব বাংলার ইসলাম এবং ‘পুরাণ-কোরাণ’ সাহিত্য প্রকল্প

Abstract

The remarkable spread of Islam in Bengal was not an isolated phenomenon. It was intricately linked to the region's history, culture, societal dynamics, and socio-economic conditions. In pre-colonial Bengal, an alternative form of Islam, known as Folk Islam, gained immense popularity as opposed to strict Shariatic Islam. This paper seeks to explore the significant role of Islamic Bengali literature in the proliferation of this popular form of Islam in Bengal.Through the present study, we aim to analyze a notable literary initiative undertaken by Muslim poets of Bengal, which contributed significantly to the local understanding and acceptance of Islam during the pre-colonial period. By delving into these literary creations, we hope to shed light on how this distinct and localized version of Islam, deeply embedded in the cultural and spiritual fabric of Bengal, evolved and flourished. This exploration not only highlights the syncretic traditions that shaped Bengal's Islamic identity but also underscores the vital influence of regional literary expressions in bridging religious, cultural, and social divides. The paper, therefore, attempts to provide a comprehensive perspective on the interplay between literature and religion in shaping the unique trajectory of Islam in pre-colonial Bengal.