Bhurshut

The Kingdom of Bhurshut is an independent domain nestled in the marshy expanse of the Ganges and Brahmaputra delta, almost entirely encircled by the Moghul Empire. Within this region, a bustling hub of both local and foreign traders thrives, primarily engaging in wholesale transactions related to essential commodities like sugarcane and rice.

While Bhurshut pays substantial tribute to the Moghuls, its inhabitants enjoy a relatively undisturbed way of life, largely exempt from direct taxation. The bustling city of Bardhaman, situated on the Rarh plain, functions as a central trading post for goods sourced from across India, which are subsequently transported to several ports along the Hoogli River. Buttor on the eastern bank serves as a crucial departure point for ships bound for China, Arab territories and Europe, particularly England. These ports also bear a reputation for interactions with pirates, particularly those hailing from Hajipur.

The Kingdom covers an area of 32.1 hexes and has a population of 690,934. It borders on Bengal, Hajipur, Balasore and Odisha.

Geography

The Rarh plain stretches between the Chota-Nagpur plateau in the west and the Ganges Delta in the east, encompassing parts of West Bengal, Jharkand and Bihar. It's a low-lying area, suitable for agriculture, but also boasting lush, moist deciduous forests that possess a diverse wildlife of rhinoceroses, elephants and tigers. The plain is criss-crossed by several rivers and tributaries, with some areas of dense fens. The Damodar River, also known as the "Sorrow of Bengal" due to its devastating flooding, is a major river. Flooding is considerable during the monsoon, with starvation droughts sometimes occurring in the dry season.

The Hoogli River is a vital waterway in Bhurshut, serving as a crucial route for accommodating large ships, facilitating trade and transportation. However, the river is notorious for its powerful tidal bore, which can surge upstream with heights often exceeding 7 feet. This tidal phenomenon is a significant navigational challenge, especially during the dry season when the difference between low water levels and the high-water mark in the monsoon season can reach up to 20 feet. Due to this tidal variation, vessels anchored in port may find themselves trapped in the river during low tide, particularly in the dry season. This poses logistical difficulties for loading and unloading cargo, as ships must anchor several hundred yards away from the points of loading, necessitating the use of smaller boats for transportation to and from the vessels.

History

The Kingdom of Bhurshut traces its origins back to the early 14th century when it emerged in the largely deserted delta region. During this period, Arabs and various other traders began venturing inland in search of essential foodstuffs. It wasn't until the mid-15th century that a monarchy was formally established in Bhurshut, marking a significant milestone in its history. This newfound monarchy gained substantial autonomy when Akbar the Great, a prominent Mughal emperor, granted it official recognition and self-governance in 1583.

Bhurshut quickly evolved into a remarkably prosperous Hindu kingdom, amassing considerable wealth and influence through its active participation in trade. Its strategic location and robust trading endeavors became instrumental in ensuring its survival, as it offered valuable commodities and resources to the Mughal Empire. This symbiotic relationship allows Bhurshut to maintain its independence and solidify its position as a flourishing realm.

Trade

Region

Place	Topography	Product References
Bhurshut	region	ghee
Damodar	river basin	coal (2)

Settlements

Name	Population	Year founded	Product References
Bankra	3,365	1225
Bardhaman	34,239	527 BCE	market (2), rice, sugarcane
Barrackpore	775	1030	rice, sugarcane (2), fruits (2), bananas
Bhatpara	13,483	1189	flour, jute, rough fibres, rice (2), sugarcane, bananas
Buttor	28,447	1350	cotton cloth, rough fibres, pig iron (2), tools
Contai	859	962
Faridpur	1,002	848
Haldia	841	977
Jessore	1,275	630