Bengal Under the Mughals: Religion, Society, and Economy

The Mughal period (16th to 18th century) marked a significant transformation in Bengal's history. The region witnessed remarkable economic prosperity, cultural synthesis, and social evolution under Mughal rule. This article explores various aspects of Bengal during the Mughal period, including religion, social customs, economic conditions, and governance.

Religion in Bengal During the Mughal Period

Bengal was a religiously diverse region under the Mughals, where Islam and Hinduism coexisted alongside other faiths like Buddhism and Jainism.

Islam

Islam became increasingly influential in Bengal during the Mughal period due to state patronage and Sufi missionary activities. Mughal emperors, particularly Akbar and Aurangzeb, extended their rule over Bengal, integrating it into the broader Islamic governance framework. Sufi saints such as Shah Jalal in Sylhet and Khan Jahan Ali in the southwest played a crucial role in spreading Islam. Many rural communities embraced Islam, leading to a distinct Bengali Muslim identity.

Hinduism

Hinduism remained deeply rooted in Bengal, with the majority of the population adhering to various Hindu traditions. The Bhakti movement gained prominence, with figures like Chaitanya Mahaprabhu advocating devotion (bhakti) to Krishna. Temples and religious institutions continued to flourish, despite Mughal political dominance. The zamindars, often Hindu, played a crucial role in local governance and religious patronage.

Other Religious Communities

Although Buddhism had declined by this period, some Buddhist communities persisted, particularly in Chittagong. Jains and other minority religious groups were also present, though in smaller numbers. The Mughal policy of religious tolerance, particularly under Akbar, allowed these communities to practice their faith freely.

Social Customs and Society

Bengali society during the Mughal era was hierarchical and influenced by both Islamic and Hindu traditions.

Caste System and Social Hierarchy

Hindu society in Bengal adhered to the caste system, with Brahmins at the top, followed by Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras. However, the fluidity of caste mobility in Bengal allowed for some social flexibility. Among Muslims, the society was divided between the ruling elite (ashraf) and the common people (atraf). The Mughal administration, primarily composed of Persian and Central Asian officials, dominated the upper social strata, while Bengali Muslims mostly belonged to the lower social tiers.

Family and Marriage Customs

Family life in Bengal was patriarchal, though women played significant roles in household management and artisanal work. Child marriage was prevalent among Hindus, whereas Muslim families followed Islamic marriage customs, allowing polygamy and a formalized system of divorce. Dowry was a common practice among Hindus, while Muslims followed the system of mahr (dower).

Clothing and Lifestyle

Men commonly wore dhotis, lungis, and turbans, while women wore sarees. The aristocracy and Mughal officials dressed in more elaborate Persian-style garments, including long robes, embroidered caps, and jewelry. Bengali cuisine, influenced by both Hindu and Muslim traditions, featured rice, fish, and an array of spices.

Economic Conditions

Bengal was one of the most prosperous regions of the Mughal Empire, often referred to as the "Paradise of Nations" due to its economic wealth.

Agriculture

Bengal was agriculturally rich, producing rice, jute, sugarcane, betel nuts, and various fruits. The land revenue system, introduced by Emperor Akbar, structured taxation on agricultural produce, with zamindars acting as intermediaries between the peasants and the Mughal administration.

Trade and Commerce

Bengal was a hub of international trade, exporting textiles (especially muslin and silk), saltpeter, and spices to markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. The cities of Dhaka, Murshidabad, and Chittagong emerged as significant trading centers. The Dutch, Portuguese, and later the British established trading posts to tap into Bengal’s commercial wealth.

Handicrafts and Industry

The textile industry was the backbone of Bengal’s economy, with weavers producing the famous Dhaka muslin, silk, and cotton fabrics. Metalwork, pottery, and shipbuilding also flourished under Mughal patronage. Artisans and craftsmen formed guilds, ensuring high-quality production standards.

Governance and Administration

The Mughal administration in Bengal followed a highly organized bureaucratic system, with a governor (subahdar) overseeing the province.

Mansabdari System

The Mughal emperors introduced the mansabdari system, where officials were assigned ranks (mansabs) and granted land (jagirs) in return for military and administrative services. The zamindars played an essential role in tax collection and maintaining law and order.

Law and Justice

The judicial system was based on Islamic law (Sharia) for Muslims, while Hindus followed their traditional laws. The qazi (Islamic judge) adjudicated legal disputes, while village panchayats handled local matters.

Conclusion

Bengal during the Mughal period was a flourishing region characterized by religious pluralism, social stratification, and economic prosperity. The influence of both Islamic and indigenous Bengali traditions shaped a unique cultural and historical identity, leaving a lasting impact on the region’s heritage.