When I first heard a vague description of it from a boatman in the late 1980s, I dismissed it as nothing more than a tall tale. Later, after gathering information from different sources and carrying out a small exploration with the generous support of a Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), my understanding changed completely. The experience shattered the colonial scholarly notion about the Sundarbans.
Since then, I have come to realize that the Sundarbans we see today is only a ghostly fragment of a once vast and prosperous ancient landscape. How far south this great ancient territory once extended can only be determined through detailed marine archaeological research. However, one thing can be said with certainty: the land that ancient Chinese texts referred to as Banga, and which the Greco-Roman world described as the land of the Gangaridai, included this very Sundarbans region.
The Island of KenduaIn an earlier post we mentioned Saimari Island, which lies within the Mayadwip block. At the far edge of that block, near the mouth of the Bhangaduni River, a small island floats in the open waters of the Bay of Bengal like a butterfly pupa. Today the island appears as two smaller sub-islands: the northern one called Bhangaduni Island and the southern one known as Kedokhali Island
They are separated by a channel known as Garkhali, a narrow tidal creek. In the past, however, the entire landmass was known as Kendua Island. Over time the island has shrunk considerably.
What makes the island remarkable is that its entire structure seems to have been designed like a fortress or “garh.” Perhaps that is why the channel was named Garkhali (the canal of the fort). Within several creeks and tidal channels there appears to have been ample space to anchor fleets of war boats with trained naval warriors.
Archaeological evidence suggests that there were once settlements consisting of brick and wooden houses enclosed within wooden defensive walls. The fortress may have been constructed in very ancient times to monitor foreign enemies and unwanted merchant vessels approaching from the Bay of Bengal.
Archaeological Finds
With this post only two terracotta vessels are shown.
The first vessel is presented in three views. It was made using well-levigated clay and a fast-rotating potter’s wheel, indicating a high level of craftsmanship. Based on its style and technique, it can confidently be said that it was not produced after the 1st century CE.
The second vessel, grey in color, is believed to date from around the 3rd century CE. The engraved miniature motifs on its body represent a distinctive cultural feature of grey ware pottery found in the Sundarbans region.
Because the island is heavily inhabited by tigers, much of its archaeology has fortunately been protected from treasure hunters and looters.
Connection with the Bonbibi Legend Many of you may have read Bonbibir Johuranama, the famous narrative poem about Bonbibi. In that story, it is said that Bonbibi once ruled from a golden throne on Kendo Island. According to the legend, Kendo was the seat of her kingdom.
This story about Kendo Island was not created out of thin air. It is rooted in a very ancient historical tradition.
Author: Debishankar Middya
Photographs: Sundarban Archaeological Research Center
Comment (0)