Kedar Ray
This historical ambiguity is often linked to a lack of concrete records in traditional sources like the 'Kul-Panji' or 'Ghatakkarika'—genealogical chronicles that document the lineage of certain Bengali families.
[10] A significant tradition among the descendants of Kedar Ray in the Bikrampur Pargana (now in modern-day Bangladesh) suggests that their ancestors originally hailed from Nimra, a region in Karnataka.
This title was possibly granted as a hereditary honor by the reigning monarch of the time, allowing the Ray family to establish themselves as a significant lineage in Bengal.
[10] Despite the lack of comprehensive records, the descendants of Kedar Ray have maintained their identity as Bengalis, with deep roots in the historical and cultural fabric of the region.
[10] The genealogy of Kedar Ray, though shrouded in mystery, offers a fascinating glimpse into the migratory patterns and historical developments that have influenced the Bengali Kayastha community.
Situated six leagues from the port of Sripur, Sandwip was naturally fortified by sea walls, making it difficult to access without intimate knowledge of its terrain.
This unique position made the island not only a hub for trade but also a coveted prize for various powers, including the Bengali rulers, the Mughals, the Portuguese, and other European colonial forces.
[11] Among the most notable figures in Sandwip's history was Kedar Roy, a local leader who exhibited extraordinary bravery and military prowess in defending the island.
Kedar Roy's unyielding defense of the island highlighted the importance of Sandwip not only as a trade hub but also as a symbol of regional pride and autonomy.
By 1518 AD, Portuguese traders, such as John Silveria, had already begun to exert influence in regions like Bengal, further complicating the political landscape of the area.
Sandwip, with its natural resources and strategic location, became a key battleground in the ensuing struggle for control between local rulers like Kedar Roy and foreign powers.
[2][3][11]The Portuguese presence in Bikrampur was marked by their involvement in the local military efforts against the Mughal Empire, showcasing their crucial role in regional power dynamics.
[10] This victory not only ended Arakanese ambitions but also established the Bikrampur Kingdom as a dominant power in the Bay of Bengal, showcasing Kedar Ray's strategic brilliance.
Aware of Kedar Ray's military expertise, Kirmak Khan avoided a direct assault on the Bikrampur capital and instead targeted the smaller city of Srinagar.
The Kalinga forces, unable to withstand the onslaught, retreated from the battlefield, marking another triumph for Kedar Ray and solidifying his dominance in the region.
Without Kedar Ray's unifying presence, the troops' morale began to falter, and the tide of the battle quickly shifted in favor of the Mughals.
[10] The battle between the Mughals and Bikrampur, led by Man Singh of Amber, remains a testament to the strength of smaller kingdoms in their struggle against the might of empires.
While the kingdom ultimately fell, the story of Kedar Ray's resistance against overwhelming odds endures as a symbol of bravery and the will to fight for independence.
