The contribution of Khan Jahan to the socio-economic welfare and religious development in Bengal during the 15th century CE

Abstract

This study investigated the Sufi-governor Khan Jahan's biography, socio-economic welfare activities, and the dawah approach in the 15th century CE in Bengal. The sources and method of data collection and their analysis were based on the qualitative method, which involved textual analysis and archaeological sources. Data were collected from books, journal articles, and archaeological sites. To achieve the aims of this research, the study analyzed Khan Jahan's identity and biography, administrative history, socio-economical welfare movement, dawah approach, and Islamic civilizational development. The findings showed that Khan Jahan set up administrators and Sufi centers, and he had dug hundreds of ponds and tanks and set up deep wells for fresh water. He built roads and charity institutions as well as, established safe housing areas for the local people to protect them from the storms and cyclones that occured in the coastal region every year. These socio-economic welfare activities proved that Khan Jahan enriched local economic prosperity. This study also analyzed Khan Jahan's dawah approach in Bengal during the 15th century CE. It was found that he had established Islamic centers (Dargah) and installed hundreds of Masjids, Madrasahs (Islamic School). Moreover, he promoted Islamic architecture and enhanced the beauty of Islamic calligraphy and art, which attracted the non-Muslim community to Islam. This study also revealed that Khan Jahan and his representatives had magnetic leadership qualities, characteristics, and personal moral behavior, all of which was a significant part of the dawah approach. Overall, this research evaluated Khan Jahan's biography, administrative and socio-economic welfare works including his religious mission and dawah approach in Bengal during the 15th century CE.