2G4 Proceedings of the Asiatic Society. [Dec 



Wliat was the Sundarban originally, and when, and wherefore 

 did its assume it existing state of utter desolation ? By H. J. Rainey, 

 Esq., Khoolnah, Jessore. (Abstract.) 



The writer states that he advisedly adopts this interrogative form 

 of title, desiring to elicit information rather than to attempt to dog- 

 matize. His wish is to ventilate the subject, so that a satisfactory 

 solution may finally be arrived at. Such a solution he believes would 

 be of practical value also as affecting the extent and character of the 

 various works for reclamation or improvement of the Sundarban. 



The author then proceeds to shew that the Sundarban " origin- 

 ally" was not only populated, but apparently equally, if not more, ad- 

 vanced in civilization than the country lying immediately to the 

 northward of it. The remains of temples, mosques, and other 

 buildings of much symmetry and even magnificence, are supposed to 

 prove this. These appear to have belonged to both Hindus and 

 Musulmans, though the latter predominate. 



It then proceeds to discuss the history, so far as known of this 

 tract. In the reign of Akbar, (16th century) " Maharajah Pratapa- 

 ditya established a magnificent city (founded by his father and uncle, 

 Maharajah Bikramaditya and Rajah Bosontori respectively) in the 

 grant of one Chand Khan, (who dying without heirs, his property was 

 escheated by the paramount power, Nawab Daud, and transferred to 

 the said Maharajah and Rajah,) in what may now be considered 

 the 24-Parganah portion of the Sundarban, then appertaining to 

 Jessore. This Maharajah Pratapaditya became so powerful as to 

 exercise sway over all the Rajahs of Bengal, Behar, and Orissa, 

 including even Assam. His great successes induced him to refuse to 

 pay his tribute, and to throw off his allegiance to the Great Mogul. 

 For many years, he succeeded in defeating the armies sent against 

 him. The first general sent was Abram Khan, whose army was 

 nearly annihilated near the fort of Mutlar(? Mutlah, now Port 

 Canning)*. Twenty-five other generals are stated to have been 



* " The high embankment, or rather the remnant of it left, not far from 

 Canning, is very likely the remnant of the road which led to this fortress ; 

 or probably debris of the fortification (or garb as termed by the natives) ; for 

 snch appear in Lower Bengal to have been built simply of mud." — The Author. 



The general Abram (?) Khan is not mentioned in the histories of Akbar's 

 reign. For the facts mentioned in the following sentence the author should 

 have specified his sources. — The General Secretary. 



