Bengal sultanate
Also called: Ilyas Shahi and Husain Shahi dynasties · Topic: Turkic Invasions and the Delhi Sultanate · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
The Bengal sultanate was an independent kingdom in Bengal. It broke away from the Delhi Sultanate when its power was weakening. Shamsuddin Ilyas Shah united Bengal around 1352 and founded the Ilyas Shahi dynasty. Its capitals were Pandua and later Gaur. The Husain Shahi dynasty ruled later. Bengali language and literature grew strongly under these rulers.
Example
Alauddin Husain Shah ruled from 1494 to 1519 and was the best-known Husain Shahi ruler. He was known for his tolerance. Bengali literature flourished during his reign, including Bengali versions of the Mahabharata made under his court circle. The saint Chaitanya also lived in his time.
Don't confuse with
- Bakhtiyar Khilji's conquest of Bengal: around 1203–04, Bakhtiyar ended Sena rule in Bengal on behalf of the Ghurids, which brought Bengal under Delhi's commanders. The Bengal sultanate came about 150 years later, when Bengal broke free of Delhi.
Related concepts
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