1874. j 
89 
J. Wise— Notes on Sun 6rgdon, Eastern Bengal. 
What increases the surprise of the visitor at seeing this tomb is the 
contrast between these beautifully carved stones strewing the bank of a filthy 
hole and the wild luxuriance of the surrounding forest. In close proximity 
are various tombs, reported to be those of the monarch’s ministers. The 
roots of trees have destroyed them, and nothing now remains to mark the 
spot except the brick “ pushta,” which preserves the mounds from being 
washed away. 
III.—The village of Magrapara is considered by the natives of Sunar- 
gaon to be the site of the ancient city. It has in its immediate neighbour¬ 
hood several undoubtedly old buildings, and within a short distance is an 
eminence which still bears the name of “ Damdamah,” or fort. This mound, 
which has a magnificent tamarind tree growing on its top, is circular, but 
no traces of fortifications are visible. It has been used for many years by 
the Muhammadans as their ‘ ’ Ashurkhanah’ during the Muharram. On the 
tenth day, all the garlands and ornaments that are made in place of ta'ziyahs 
are here collected and admired by the people. 
In the small market of Magrapara is the tomb of Munna Shah Darwish. 
At the foot, a light is always burned at night. Every orthodox Muham¬ 
madan as he passes the tomb stops and mutters a prayer. This saint, about 
whom nothing is known, is said to have lived at the same time as the more 
famous Pir whose tomb stands a little to the north. This latter is called the 
dargah of Khundkar Muhammad Yusuf. It contains the tombs of the 
saint, of his father, and of his wife. It consists of two elongated dome- 
roofed buildings, each surmounted by two pinnacles covered with or formed 
of gold. 
If any attempt is made to steal the balls, the residents assert that the 
thief will certainly be struck blind. Some hardened sinner, however, has of 
late years succeeded in cutting off one; but the believers in this tale cannot 
tell what his fate was. These tombs are destitute of any ornament inside. 
They are kept scrupulously clean, and are covered with sheets, on which 
devotees throw a few pith-necklaces. When a ryot has reaped an unusually 
abundant harvest, he, in gratitude, presents a few bundles of ripe rice at the 
tomb. If any calamity, as the illness of a member of his family, is threaten¬ 
ing, he brings rice, or “ batasa,” and prays the saint to avert the affliction. 
Hindus are as confident of the efficacy of this propitiatory offering, and as 
frequently employ it as the Muhammadans. 
Close to the tombs is a modern Masjid with a “ kitabali,” or inscription, 
dated A. H. 1112 (A. D. 1700). It was probably erected by the Pir 
Muhammad Yusuf. Facing the mosque is a small grave-yard, enclosed by a 
brickwall. The graves are numerous, but none are of any celebrity. 
Inserted in the wall at the left-hand side of the entrance is a large, black 
stone (2 feet by 1|). The natives believe that if a person has lost any 
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