Rupsa Ray

This Foundation Project implemented by IFA will explore various methods of worship across different Sufi traditions in West Bengal. In addition, it will inquire into the religious and political conditions in which Sufi Dargahs and Majars in the region have flourished over time. Rupsa Ray is the Coordinator for this project. 

Rupsa is a senior sub-editor at the Ei Samay Patrika of the Times of India Group. Previously, she worked as the sub-editor with the Anandabazar Patrika and free-lanced with Ajkal. Rupsa has been studying Sufism and Sufi practices in West Bengal for some time, and is a disciple herself. Her experience makes her a suitable Coordinator for this project. 

Sufism or Tasawwuf is among the significant Bhakti traditions in the Indian subcontinent. Although a lot has been written about the origin of the Sufi traditions, its evolution and various layers of philosophy, not much scholarly work has been done on the contemporary Sufi traditions in India. The characteristics of its geographical and spiritual implications also remain an understudied domain. This is particularly the case with the various Sufi traditions of West Bengal. 

This project will study the evolution and presence of a myriad of Sufi traditions in West Bengal and their connections with each other. Its primary objective is to map various Khankah Durbars in the region exploring their specialities, while also studying other Dargahs and mausoleums. Secondly, the project will examine the relationship between lesser-known Majar-Dargahs and Khanka Durbars that devotees flock to more frequently. 

The project will locate places and methods of worship across various Sufi traditions such as Chisti, Naqshbandi, Qadiriyya, Madariya, Razakiyah, Suhrawardiyya and Mujaddidi across West Bengal. It will inquire into the forms in which these traditions are present today. Furthermore, it will investigate the religious and political background against which Sufi Dargahs and Majars have flourished in the region. 

Primary research will include attending Sufi Durbars of Pirs and Fakirs in Malda, Murshidabad, Birbhum, Bardhaman and Hooghly districts in West Bengal to understand the various ways in which Sufism is practised here. In addition, in-depth interviews will be conducted with Pirs, Fakirs, and devotees to understand their diverse views about each Sufi tradition’s beliefs and value systems. Observation and participation will also form a part of the methodological framework. 

The outcome of this project will be a manuscript for a book. The Project Coordinator’s deliverables to IFA with the final report will be the manuscript for the book and audiovisual documentation from the field.

This project suitably addresses the framework of IFA’s Arts Research programme in the manner in which it attempts to study the presence and evolution of known and lesser-known Sufi traditions in West Bengal against the political and religious backdrop of the region. 

IFA will ensure that the project is implemented on time and the funds expended are accounted for. IFA will also review the progress of the project at midterm and document it through an Implementation Memorandum. After the project is complete and deliverables are submitted, IFA will put together a Final Evaluation to share with the Trustees.

This project is supported by BNP Paribas India.