Commemorative Pasts from 15th Century CE: Examples from Present-day Dinajpur District of Bangladesh

DOI: https://doi.org/10.59815/bhs.vol27023

Dr. SANIA SITARA

Professor, Department of History, University of Dhaka

Abstract: Dinajpur is a centuries-old geographical entity that is rich in cultural and historical significance. A large number of inscriptions, historical monuments, and antiquities have been found here, which played a significant role in the process of construction/ reconstruction of the history and heritage of this region in particular and 'Bengal' or eastern India in general. This paper highlights the significance of the history and heritage of some commemorative monuments, such as mosques and shrines of Dinajpur (in present-day Bangladesh) from the 15th century, through an analysis of their ground plans and inscriptional evidences. These monuments in Dinajpur serve as definitive proof of the spread of Islam in the region. At the same time, the names of those who contributed to build them are known from the inscriptions. This research shows how these monuments have represented an amalgamation of foreign cultures with the indigenous culture. The paper employs the historical research method with extensive integration of primary and secondary sources to reach a conclusion to the research topic in question.

Key Words: Sufism, Chehel Gazi Mosque, Chehel Gazi Shire