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

Shi’ism developed by Iranian immigrant since the early 17th 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 al- Din 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)