Nawab Islam Khan had gone down in history as one of the most iconic Mughal subahdars, a leader who successfully brought (majority of) Bengal under Mughal authority. But other than his political and military prowess, there are many curious stories that revolve around him. 

A few days ago, we discussed about the two royal Mughal barges in Dhaka that belonged to Islam Khan.  

Today, we shift our focus to another matter of opulence related to the same Nawab — his luxurious court in Dhaka and the fame of its musicians. 

The artistes were illustrious not just in our city; their repute spanned throughout the Mughal Empire in general. 

An anecdote between Emperor Jahangir and Nawab Islam Khan stands as a testament to that eminence. The emperor once sent his own court-musician, named Premrung, with the intent of exchanging some courtesans and singers of the Dhaka durbar.

The punch however, is that it is believed the emperor's demand was declined! Nawab Islam Khan did not let go off his Dhaka court performers.

Source: Glimpses of Old Dhaka by Syed Muhammed Taifoor