An Arabic Inscription from Gaur, Dist. Maldah, Bengal
Summary
The article analyzes an Arabic inscription from Gaur, Bengal. The slab, now in the Indian Museum, features Tughra calligraphy and rich decorative motifs such as a cusped arch, tri‑ratna symbols, lotus‑derived floral designs and Persian rosettes. A.K. Bhattacharyya describes how the artists combined Islamic, Buddhist and Persian elements, noting parallels with later Mughal architecture and Pala art. The border of the slab includes names of God arranged in a group of five, possibly alluding to Shiite Panj‑Tan‑Pak tradition, while the central panel quotes verse 18 of Qur’an IX, calling on true believers to frequent the mosques. The article discusses talismanic words like Buduh/Buddih, Quddus, Wahhab and Sharith, explaining their mystic uses in Islamic literature and tracing their appearance in Bengal inscriptions. Palaeographic comparison with other dated epigraphs suggests the stone dates to the early sixteenth century under Sultan Husain Shah. By deciphering the text, detailing the arch’s ornamentation and linking the motif to Persian and Buddhist influences, the study shows that Muslim epigraphy in Bengal was shaped by a fusion of regional traditions and served both devotional and protective purposes.
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Conclusion
The inscription from Gaur epitomises the syncretic art of early sixteenth‑century Bengal. Its calligraphic Qur’anic verse sits within an arch decorated with tri‑ratna and Persian floral motifs, while mystic names of God hint at talismanic purposes. Palaeographic evidence links it to Sultan Husain Shah’s reign. Bhattacharyya concludes that such pieces were more than mere epigraphs: they were art objects reflecting a blend of Islamic, Buddhist and local elements and offering insights into Bengal’s cultural history.