Origins of Islam in Bengal: A Historical Survey

This scholarly programme explores the historical narrative of Islam’s entry into the Bengal region, tracing back to early maritime trade and the influence of Sufi missionaries. Students will examine the arrival of Arab traders via the Bay of Bengal, the military expeditions of the 13th century, and the socio-cultural shifts led by influential saints. The course provides a critical analysis of primary sources, archaeological findings, and authentic references—such as the Tabaqat-i-Nasiri and the travelogues of Ibn Battuta—to present an objective account of how the faith became an integral part of the region's identity.