Mughal river forts in Bangladesh (1575-1688): An archaeological appraisal

The existing scholarship on the Mughal river forts fails to address some key issues, such as their date of construction, their purpose, and the nature of their construction, how they relate to Mughal military strategy, the effect of changes in the course and river systems on them, and their role in ensuring the defence of Dhaka. While consultation of contemporary sources is called for to reflect upon these key issues, it tends to be under-used by modern historians. Furthermore, the unavailability of inscriptional evidence for the river forts has led the relevant researchers to an unremitting debate concerning the river forts and the identity of their builders. These limitations suggest the need for further study. This study suggests that an advanced study, analysing and discussing contemporary and modern sources, along with field work conducted on the sites of the river forts, can clarify and resolve the various outstanding problems, thereby present and defend an improved understanding about the building and purpose of the river forts. This study suitably focuses on the historical changes in the course of the river systems and their impact on the building of river forts. Moreover, it examines in close details the role of river forts in the defence of Dhaka against various enemies, such as internal (bhuiyans, zaminders and their Afghan allies) and external (sea-borne invaders, such as the Maghs of Arakanese and the Portuguese) during the period 1575-1688. Finally it reasons out that a satisfactory study on the Mughal history in Bangladesh largely depends on pursuing a comprehensive and advanced study of the physical evidence and on wider consultation of contemporary and modern textual sources such as Persian, Bengali, Assamese and Arakanese