History of Sylhet

 

Etymology and Historical Overview

• The name “Sylhet” is an anglicization of the archaic native name “Shilhot” (শিলহট). It is derived from “Śrīhaṭṭa”, a Sanskrit term meaning “stone marketplace”. This reflects the hilly terrain and topography of the region1.
• Sylhet’s history dates back to the 7th century when it was founded by the Hindu King Bhusuk. Later, it was conquered by Muslim rulers in the 13th century.
• During the Mughal rule, Sylhet became an important imperial outpost in the east, maintaining its significance throughout the 17th century.
• In the British colonial period, Sylhet played a crucial role in trading commodities like tea and jute.
• Post-independence, Sylhet decided to join the Pakistani province of East Bengal through a referendum in 19471.

Culture and Notable People

• Sylheti Identity: Sylhetis are an Indo-Aryan ethnocultural group associated with the Sylhet region in Bangladesh and the Karimganj district of Assam, India. They speak Sylheti, an Eastern Indo-Aryan language that is considered both distinct and a dialect of Bengali. Sylheti identity is closely tied to regional culture and language, accompanied by an ethnic Bengali identity2.
• Folklore and Literature:
  • Sylheti folklore is influenced by Hindu, Sufi, Turco-Persian, and native ideas.
  • The first Bengali translation of the Mahabharata is attributed to Sri Sanjay of Sylhet in the 17th century.
  • The Hattanather Panchali, an 18th-century Bengali ballad, details the early history of Sylhet2.
• Notable Personalities:
  • Shah Jalal: One of the greatest saints in the region, credited for the conversion of people in the Bengal region3.
  • Sir Fazle Hasan Abed: Founder of BRAC, a renowned international development organization.
  • Abdul Latif: British restaurateur known for his dish “Curry Hell”.
  • Gurusaday Dutt: Founder of the Bratachari movement.
  • Qazi Nazrul Islam: Celebrated poet and musician.
  • M. A. G. Osmani: Commander-in-chief of the Bangladesh Liberation War1.

Traditions and Sufi Shrines

• Sylhet is widely known for its Sufi shrines. The shrine of the Sufi saint Hazrat Shah Jalal is a major pilgrimage site located near Dargah Gate.
• The region is also noted for its cane products, which take several years to mature4.

And now, let me create a picture to give you an idea of what old Sylhet might have looked like! 🌿🏰