Reviewing the History of Shi’a Muslims in Bengal of India From the Beginning to Mongols Era

Authors

1 Assistant Professor of History Department in Al-Mustafa International University.

2 PhD student of the history of Ahl al-Bayt in Al-Mustafa International University.

Abstract

Shi’ism developed by Iranian immigrant since the early 17
th
century in
Bengal of India. Shah Shuja, the king of Mongol, was among the first
independent Shi’a rulers of Bengal. Shi’ism flourished in time of Akbar,
Jahangir and Shah Jahan by Iranian scholars and religious leaders. Zahir alDin Muhammad Babur was the ruler of the first Shi’a Mongol Emperor in
India who entered Bengal; while Shayesteh Khan was the last Shi’a ruler of
Bengal. There is not much available information on the relations between
Shi’ism with Iranian on one hand, and with Shi’a Bengal rulers on the other
hand. In addition, only few numbers of works have been published on this
subject. Therefore, the main question of the present paper is: What is the
influence of Iranian Shi’a Muslims in Bengal from the beginning to Mongols
era? (Question) Despite all the challenges, Shi’a Muslims of Bengal were
able to achieve remarkable accomplishments in various historical, cultural
and social aspects. (Hypothesis) The present article tries to demonstrate
these widespread activities. (Goal) To achieve such goal, the paper applies a
historical-analytical study on Bengal. (Methodology) As a result, it will
represent the relationship between Iranian politics, insight of religious
leaders, Shi’ism and generally power and religion of Iranians far from their
territories. (Finding)

Keywords