Was Jalal-ud-Din the Patron of Rayamukuta?
By Dinesh Chandra Bhattacharya
Summary
Addressing a historiographical question, this article examines whether the medieval poet Rayamukuta was patronised by the Muslim ruler Jalal‑ud‑Din. Assessing manuscript colophons, biographical notes and the chronology of Bengal sultans, the author finds that the dates do not align and that earlier scholars’ conjecture lacks firm evidence. The article suggests alternative patrons but ultimately concludes that the question remains unresolved due to insufficient documentation. The study highlights the complexities of tracing literary patronage across religious and cultural boundaries in medieval India.
Conclusion
By demonstrating the weakness of the evidence linking Jalal‑ud‑Din with Rayamukuta, the article cautions historians against definitive statements when sources are ambiguous. It encourages more comprehensive study of regional histories and manuscript traditions to better understand patronage networks.