From Foreign Forms to Local Identity: The Architectural Legacy of Bengal’s First Bengali Sultan

Bengal's first Bengali Sultan, Jalal Uddin Muhammad Shah, marked a pivotal shift in the region's architectural identity during his reign in the early 1400s. His rule saw the emergence of the distinctive Eklakhi style, characterized by do-chala roofs, curved cornices, bamboo-inspired corner turrets, and terracotta ornamentation. This study reveals how Sultan Shah's local roots led to a fusion of indigenous elements with Islamic architectural traditions, setting a precedent for subsequent Sultanate and Mughal architecture in the region. By analyzing political and cultural contexts alongside architectural innovations, researchers trace the lasting influence of this style on Bengal's unique Islamic architectural heritage.

Siddique, A. B., Bhuiyan, Md. M. H., & Abdullah, Md. F. (2026). From Foreign Forms to Local Identity: The Architectural Legacy of Bengal’s First Bengali Sultan. Journal of Al-Tamaddun, 21(2), 211–225. https://doi.org/10.22452/jat.vol21no2.12