History of Bengal

7/22/2019 History of Bengal

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History of BengalFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Part of aserieson the

History of Bengal

Ancient Bengal

Vedic Period

Ancient Bengali States

Gangaridai Kingdom, Vanga Kingdom,

Pundra Kingdom,Suhma Kingdom,

Anga Kingdom,Harikela Kingdom

Mauryan Period

Classical Bengal

The Classical Age

Shashanka

Age of Empires

Pala Empire

Candra Dynasty

Sena Empire

Medieval Bengal
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Arrival of Islam

Sultanate of Bengal

Deva Kingdom

Bakhtiyar Khilji, Raja Ganesha

Mughal Period

Pratap Aditya,Raja Sitaram Ray

Principality of Bengal

Baro-Bhuyans

Modern Bengal

Company Raj

Zamindari system,Bengal famine of 1770

British Indian Empire

Bengal Renaissance

Brahmo Samaj

Swami Vivekananda,Jagadish Chandra Bose,

Rabindranath Tagore, Subhas Chandra Bose

Post-Colonial

1947 Partition of Bengal, Bangladesh Liberation War

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman,Jyoti Basu

See Also

Bangladesh,West Bengal

Outline of South Asian history

History of Indian subcontinent

70003000 BC:Stone Age[show]

30001300 BC:Bronze Age[show]
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_Uddin_Muhammad_bin_Bakhtiyar_Khiljihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deva_dynastyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sultanate_of_Bengalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muslim_conquest_in_the_Indian_subcontinent


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170026 BC:Iron Age[show]

211279 AD:Middle Kingdoms[show]

1206

1596:Late medieval age[show]

15261858:Early modern period[show]

15051961:Colonial period[show]

Other states (11021947)[show]

Kingdoms of Sri Lanka[show]

Nation histories[show]

Regional histories[show]

Specialised histories[show]

V

T

E

The history ofBengalincludes modern-dayBangladeshandWest Bengal,dates back four millennia.[1]

To

some extent, theGangesand theBrahmaputrariversseparated it from the mainland ofIndia,though at times,

Bengal has played an important role in thehistory of India.

Contents

[hide]

1 Etymology

2 Ancient history

o 2.1 Pre-historic Bengal

o 2.2 Bengal in early literature

o 2.3 Proto-History

o 2.4 Overseas Colonization
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o 2.5 Gangaridai Empire

3 Early Middle Ages

o 3.1 Gauda Kingdom

o 3.2 Pala Empire

o 3.3 Sena Empire

4 Medieval Bengal

o 4.1 Deva Kingdom

o 4.2 Ilyas Shahi dynasty

o 4.3 Ganesha dynasty

o 4.4 Hussain Shahi dynasty

o 4.5 Mughal Period

4.5.1 Hindu Raj

4.5.1.1 Kingdom of Bhurshut

4.5.1.2 Koch Bihar Kingdom

4.5.1.3 Burdwan Raj

o 4.6 Maratha Empire

5 Modern Bengal

o 5.1 British East India Company

o 5.2 Establishment of English Trade in Bengal (16001700)

o 5.3 British rule

o 5.4 Bengal Renaissance

o 5.5 Independence movement

o 5.6 Partitions of Bengal

o 5.7 Present Bengal

6 See also

7 References

8 Further reading

9 External links

Etymology[edit]

Further information:Bengali people

The exact origin of the word Banglais unknown, though it is believed to be derived from the Dravidian-speaking

tribe Bang/Bangathat settled in the area around the year 1000 BCE.[2][3]

Other accounts speculate that the

name is derived from Vanga(Bngo), which came from theAustricword "Bonga" meaning the Sun-god.
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alsohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Bengal#Present_Bengalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Bengal#Partitions_of_Bengalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Bengal#Independence_movementhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Bengal#Bengal_Renaissancehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Bengal#British_rulehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Bengal#Establishment_of_English_Trade_in_Bengal_.281600.E2.80.931700.29http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Bengal#British_East_India_Companyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Bengal#Modern_Bengalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Bengal#Maratha_Empirehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Bengal#Burdwan_Rajhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Bengal#Koch_Bihar_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Bengal#Kingdom_of_Bhurshuthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Bengal#Hindu_Rajhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Bengal#Mughal_Periodhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Bengal#Hussain_Shahi_dynastyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Bengal#Ganesha_dynastyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Bengal#Ilyas_Shahi_dynastyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Bengal#Deva_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Bengal#Medieval_Bengalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Bengal#Sena_Empirehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Bengal#Pala_Empirehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Bengal#Gauda_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Bengal#Early_Middle_Ageshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Bengal#Gangaridai_Empire


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According to theMahabharata,a number ofPuranasand theHarivamshaVanga was one of the adopted sons

of King Vali who founded theVanga Kingdom.The Muslim accounts refer that "Bong", a son of Hind (son of

Hm who was a son of ProphetNoah/Nooh) colonised the area for the first time.[4]The earliest reference to

"Vangala" (Bngal) has been traced in the Nesari plates (805 AD) ofRashtrakutaGovinda IIIwhich speak

ofDharmapalaas the king of Vangala. Shams-ud-dinIlyas Shahtook the title "Shah-e-Bangla" and united the

whole region under one government.

An interesting theory of the origin of the name is provided byAbu'l-Fazlin hisAin-i-Akbari.According to him,

"[T]he original name of Bengal was Bung, and the suffix "al"came to be added to it from the fact that the

ancient rajahs of this land raised mounds of earth 10 feet high and 20 in breadth n lowlands at the foot of the

hills which were called "al". From this suffix added to the Bung, the name Bengal arose and gained currency"[5]

Ancient history[edit]

See also:Gangaridai,Magadha,Pundra Kingdom,Suhma Kingdom,Anga Kingdom,Vanga

Kingdom,andHarikela

Pre-historic Bengal[edit]

Main article:South Asian Stone Age

Stone age tools dating back 20,000 years have been excavated in the state.[6]

Remnants of Copper Age

settlements in the Bengal region date back 4,000 years.[7]

The original settlers spoke non-Aryan languages

they may have spoken Austric or Austro-Asiatic languages like the languages of the present-day Kola, Bhil,

Santal, Shabara, and Pulinda peoples. At a subsequent age, peoples speaking languages from two other

language familiesDravidian and Tibeto-Burmanseem to have settled in Bengal. Archaeological discoveries

during the 1960s furnished evidence of a degree of civilisation in certain parts of Bengal as far back as the first

millennium BC.

Bengal in early literature[edit]

Some references indicate that the primitive people in Bengal were different in ethnicity and culture from

theVedicpeople beyond the boundary of Aryandom and who were classed as "Dasyus". TheBhagavata

Puranaclasses them as sinful people while Dharmasutra ofBaudhayanaprescribes expiatory rites after a

journey among the Pundras and Vangas.Mahabharataspeaks ofPaundraka Vasudevawho was lord of the

Pundras and who allied himself with Jarasandha against Krishna. The Mahabharata also speaks of Bengali

kings called Chitrasena and Sanudrasena who were defeated by Bhima andKalidasamentions Raghu

defeating a coalition ofVangakings.

Proto-History[edit]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahabharatahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahabharatahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahabharatahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puranashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puranashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puranashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harivamshahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harivamshahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harivamshahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanga_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanga_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanga_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noahhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noahhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noahhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Bengal#cite_note-riaj-4http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Bengal#cite_note-riaj-4http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Bengal#cite_note-riaj-4http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rashtrakutahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rashtrakutahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Govinda_IIIhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Govinda_IIIhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Govinda_IIIhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dharmapala_of_Bengalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dharmapala_of_Bengalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dharmapala_of_Bengalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ilyas_Shahhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ilyas_Shahhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ilyas_Shahhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abu%27l-Fazlhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abu%27l-Fazlhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abu%27l-Fazlhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ain-i-Akbarihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ain-i-Akbarihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ain-i-Akbarihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Bengal#cite_note-5http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Bengal#cite_note-5http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Bengal#cite_note-5http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=History_of_Bengal&action=edit&section=2http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=History_of_Bengal&action=edit&section=2http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=History_of_Bengal&action=edit&section=2http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gangaridaihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gangaridaihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gangaridaihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magadhahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magadhahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magadhahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pundra_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pundra_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pundra_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suhma_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suhma_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suhma_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anga_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anga_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anga_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanga_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanga_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanga_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanga_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harikelahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harikelahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harikelahttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=History_of_Bengal&action=edit&section=3http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=History_of_Bengal&action=edit&section=3http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=History_of_Bengal&action=edit&section=3http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Asian_Stone_Agehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Asian_Stone_Agehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Asian_Stone_Agehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Bengal#cite_note-6http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Bengal#cite_note-6http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Bengal#cite_note-6http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Bengal#cite_note-bharadwaj-7http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Bengal#cite_note-bharadwaj-7http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Bengal#cite_note-bharadwaj-7http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=History_of_Bengal&action=edit&section=4http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=History_of_Bengal&action=edit&section=4http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=History_of_Bengal&action=edit&section=4http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vedichttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vedichttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vedichttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dasyushttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dasyushttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dasyushttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhagavata_Puranahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhagavata_Puranahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhagavata_Puranahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhagavata_Puranahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baudhayanahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baudhayanahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baudhayanahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahabharatahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahabharatahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahabharatahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paundraka_Vasudevahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paundraka_Vasudevahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paundraka_Vasudevahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalidasahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalidasahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalidasahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vangahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vangahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vangahttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=History_of_Bengal&action=edit&section=5http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=History_of_Bengal&action=edit&section=5http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=History_of_Bengal&action=edit&section=5http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=History_of_Bengal&action=edit&section=5http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vangahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalidasahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paundraka_Vasudevahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahabharatahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baudhayanahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhagavata_Puranahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhagavata_Puranahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dasyushttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vedichttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=History_of_Bengal&action=edit&section=4http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Bengal#cite_note-bharadwaj-7http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Bengal#cite_note-6http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Asian_Stone_Agehttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=History_of_Bengal&action=edit&section=3http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harikelahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanga_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanga_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anga_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suhma_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pundra_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magadhahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gangaridaihttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=History_of_Bengal&action=edit&section=2http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Bengal#cite_note-5http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ain-i-Akbarihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abu%27l-Fazlhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ilyas_Shahhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dharmapala_of_Bengalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Govinda_IIIhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rashtrakutahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Bengal#cite_note-riaj-4http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noahhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanga_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harivamshahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puranashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahabharata


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Mahasthangarhis the oldest archaeological site inBangladesh.It dates back to 700 BCE and was the ancient capital of

thePundra Kingdom.

Hindu scriptures such as theMahabharatasuggest that ancient Bengal was divided among various tribes or

kingdoms, including theNishadasand kingdoms known as the Janapadas:Vanga(southern

Bengal),Pundra(northern Bengal), andSuhma(western Bengal) according to their respective totems. These

Hindu sources, written byIndo-Aryansin what is now Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, suggest that the peoples of

Bengal were not Indo-Aryans. However,Jainscriptures identify Vanga andAngain Bengal as Indo-Aryan.

While western Bengal, as part ofMagadha,became part of the Indo-Aryan civilisation by the 7th century BCE,

theNanda Dynastywas the first historical state to unify all of Bengal under Indo-Aryan rule.

Overseas Colonization[edit]

TheVanga Kingdomwas a powerful seafaring nation ofAncient India.They had overseas trade relations

withJava,SumatraandSiam(modern-dayThailand). According toMahavamsa,theVangaprinceVijaya

SimhaconqueredLanka(modern-daySri Lanka)in 544 BC and gave the name "Sinhala"to the

country.Bengali peoplemigrated to theMalay ArchipelagoandSiam(in modern Thailand), establishing their

own colonies there.[8]

Gangaridai Empire[edit]

Main article:Gangaridai

Asia in 323 BC, theNanda EmpireandGangaridai Empirein relation toAlexander's Empire and neighbours.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahasthangarhhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahasthangarhhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangladeshhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangladeshhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangladeshhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pundra_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pundra_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pundra_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahabharatahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahabharatahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahabharatahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nishada_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nishada_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nishada_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanga_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanga_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanga_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pundra_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pundra_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pundra_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suhma_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suhma_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suhma_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indo-Aryan_peopleshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indo-Aryan_peopleshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indo-Aryan_peopleshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jainhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jainhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jainhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magadhahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magadhahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magadhahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanda_Dynastyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanda_Dynastyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanda_Dynastyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=History_of_Bengal&action=edit&section=6http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=History_of_Bengal&action=edit&section=6http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=History_of_Bengal&action=edit&section=6http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanga_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanga_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanga_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_India_(disambiguation)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_India_(disambiguation)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_India_(disambiguation)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Javahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Javahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Javahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sumatrahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sumatrahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sumatrahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siamhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siamhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siamhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thailandhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thailandhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thailandhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahavamsahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahavamsahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahavamsahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanga_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanga_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanga_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vijaya_of_Sri_Lankahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vijaya_of_Sri_Lankahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vijaya_of_Sri_Lankahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vijaya_of_Sri_Lankahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lankahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lankahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lankahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sri_Lankahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sri_Lankahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sri_Lankahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinhala_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinhala_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinhala_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bengali_peoplehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bengali_peoplehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bengali_peoplehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malay_Archipelagohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malay_Archipelagohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malay_Archipelagohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siamhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siamhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siamhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Bengal#cite_note-8http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Bengal#cite_note-8http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Bengal#cite_note-8http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=History_of_Bengal&action=edit&section=7http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=History_of_Bengal&action=edit&section=7http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=History_of_Bengal&action=edit&section=7http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gangaridaihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gangaridaihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gangaridaihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanda_Empirehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanda_Empirehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanda_Empirehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gangaridaihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gangaridaihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gangaridaihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_the_Greathttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_the_Greathttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_the_Greathttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Asia_323bc.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Asia_323bc.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:BD_Mahasthangarh1.JPGhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:BD_Mahasthangarh1.JPGhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Asia_323bc.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Asia_323bc.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:BD_Mahasthangarh1.JPGhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:BD_Mahasthangarh1.JPGhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Asia_323bc.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Asia_323bc.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:BD_Mahasthangarh1.JPGhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:BD_Mahasthangarh1.JPGhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Asia_323bc.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Asia_323bc.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:BD_Mahasthangarh1.JPGhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:BD_Mahasthangarh1.JPGhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_the_Greathttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gangaridaihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanda_Empirehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gangaridaihttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=History_of_Bengal&action=edit&section=7http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Bengal#cite_note-8http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siamhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malay_Archipelagohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bengali_peoplehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinhala_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sri_Lankahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lankahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vijaya_of_Sri_Lankahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vijaya_of_Sri_Lankahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanga_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahavamsahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thailandhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siamhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sumatrahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Javahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_India_(disambiguation)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanga_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=History_of_Bengal&action=edit&section=6http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanda_Dynastyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magadhahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jainhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indo-Aryan_peopleshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suhma_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pundra_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanga_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nishada_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahabharatahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pundra_Kingdomhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangladeshhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahasthangarh


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Though north and west Bengal were part of the Magadhan empire southern Bengal thrived and became

powerful with her overseas trades. In 326 BCE, with the invasion ofAlexander the Greatthe region again came

to prominence. The Greek and Latin historians suggested that Alexander the Great withdrew from India

anticipating the valiant counterattack of the mightyGangaridaiempire that was located in the Bengal region.

Alexander, after the meeting with his officer,Coenus,was convinced that it was better to return.Diodorus

Siculusmentions Gangaridai to be the most powerful empire in India whose king possessed an army of 20,000

horses, 200,000 infantry, 2,000 chariots and 4,000 elephants trained and equipped for war. The allied forces

ofGangaridai EmpireandNanda Empire(Prasii) were preparing a massive counterattack against the forces of

Alexander on the banks of Ganges. Gangaridai, according to the Greek accounts, kept on flourishing at least

up to the 1st century AD.

Early Middle Ages[edit]

The pre-Gupta period of Bengal is shrouded with obscurity. Before the conquest ofSamudraguptaBengal was

divided into two kingdoms: Pushkarana and Samatata. An inscription of Pushkaranadhipa(the ruler of

Pushkarana) Chandravarman has been found in a cave in the Shushunia hills.Chandragupta IIhad defeated a

confederacy of Vanga kings resulting in Bengal becoming part of theGupta Empire.

During Gupta rule, Bengal economy was part of a global trade network. The main social groups dominating in

the socio-economic life were the Nagarshreshthi (city representative of seth class, i.e. bankers), 'Sarthabaha'

(merchant class), and 'kulik' (artisan class).[9]

Gauda Kingdom[edit]

Main article:Shashanka

By the 6th century, the Gupta Empire, which ruled over the northern Indian subcontinent had largely broken

up.Eastern Bengalsplintered into the kingdoms ofVanga,SamatataandHarikelawhile theGaudakings rose

in the west with their capital at Karnasuvarna (near modernMurshidabad).Shashanka,a vassal of the last

Gupta Emperor proclaimed independence and unified the smaller principalities of Bengal (Gaur, Vanga,

Samatata).He vied for regional power withHarshavardhanain northern India after treacherously murdering

Harsha's elder brother Rajyavardhana. Harsha's continuous pressure led to the gradual weakening of the

Gauda kingdom founded by Shashanka and finally ended with his death. This burst of Bengali power ended

with the overthrow ofManava(his son), Bengal descended into a period marked by disunity and foreign

invasion once more.

Pala Empire[edit]

Main article:Pala Empire
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Pala EmpireunderDharmapala

Pala EmpireunderDevapala

Pala Empirewas the first independentBuddhistdynasty of Bengal. The name Pala(ModernBengali:pal)

meansprotectorand was used as an ending to the names of all Pala monarchs. The Palas were followers of

theMahayanaandTantricschools of Buddhism.Gopalawas the first ruler from the dynasty. He came to power

in 750 inGaurby a democratic election. This event is recognised as one of the first democratic elections in

South Asia since the time of theMah Janapadas.However, whether theelectoral collegewas universal or only

limited to socio-religious notables or nobles (as was the case ofPepin the Short,the contemporary Frankish

monarch in Europe as well as the Holy Roman Emperors) is subject to debate. Gopala reigned from 750770

and consolidated his position by extending his control over all ofBengal.TheBuddhistdynastylasted for four

centuries (7501120 AD) and ushered in a period of stability and prosperity inBengal.They created many

temples and works of art as well as supported the Universities ofNalandaandVikramashila.Somapura

Mahaviharabuilt byDharmapalais the greatestBuddhistViharain theIndian Subcontinent.
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Somapura Mahaviharais the greatestBuddhistViharain theIndian Subcontinentbuilt byDharmapala.

The empire reached its peak underDharmapalaandDevapala.Dharmapala extended the empire into the

northern parts of theIndian Subcontinent.This triggered once again the power struggle for the control of the

subcontinent.Devapala,successor of Dharmapala, expanded the empire to cover much of South Asia and

beyond. His empire stretched fromAssamandUtkalain the east,Kamboja(modern-dayAfghanistan)in the

north-west andDeccanin the south. According to Pala copperplate inscription Devapala exterminated the

Utkalas, conquered the Pragjyotisha (Assam), shattered the pride of theHuna,and humbled the lords

ofPratiharas,Gurjaraand theDravidas.

BuddhaandBodhisattvas,11th century,Pala Empire

The death of Devapala ended the period of ascendancy of the Pala Empire and several independent dynasties

and kingdoms emerged during this time. However,MahipalaI rejuvenated the reign of the Palas. He recovered

control over all of Bengal and expanded the empire. He survived the invasions ofRajendra Cholaand

theChalukyas.After Mahipala I the Pala dynasty again saw its decline untilRamapala,the last great ruler of the

dynasty, managed to retrieve the position of the dynasty to some extent. He crushed the Varendrarebellion

and tried to extend his empire farther toKamarupa,Odishaand northern India. In his endeavor to conquer the
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edia.org/wiki/Viharahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhisthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Somapura_Mahavihara


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land of Utkala and Koshala, parts ofOdishatoday, he had to contest with the mighty Ganga king Anangabhima

Chodaganga Deva. Eventually Anangabhimadeva defeated Ramapala and united the regions of Trikalinga

(Utkala, Koshala and Kalinga) into a major empire famous in history as the Eastern Ganga empire of Kalinga.

While Anangabhimadeva defeated the Palas successively and counquered southern Bengal, he had to face

stiffer opposition in the south from the last great Chola, Kulottunga Chola. Since then the region of Bengal

starting from the river Hooghly became the northern boundary of the Odishan emperors right from the Imperial

Eastern Gangas to the mighty Gajapatis.[10]

The Pala Empire can be considered as the golden era of Bengal. Never had the Bengali people reached such

height of power and glory to that extent. Palas were responsible for the introduction ofMahayana Buddhismin

Tibet, Bhutan andMyanmar.It was during the Pala period Bengal became the main center of Buddhist as well

as secular learning. Universities likeNalanda,VikramshilaandPaharpurflourished and prospered under the

patronage of the Pala rulers. Dharmapal and Devapal were two great patrons of Buddhism, secular education

and culture The Palas had extensive trade as well as influence in south-east Asia. This can be seen in the

sculptures and architectural style of theSailendra Empire(present-dayMalaya,Java,Sumatra).However, the

economy of Bengal became more dependent on agriculture. Importance of merchant and financial classes

declined. While the monarchs were Buddhists, land grants to Brahmin agriculturalists was common.[9]

Sena Empire[edit]

Main article:Sena Empire

The Palas were followed by theSena dynastywho broughtBengalunder one ruler during the 12th

century.Vijay Senthe second ruler of this dynasty defeated the lastPala emperorMadanapalaand established

his reign.Ballal Senaintroducedcaste systemin Bengal and madeNabadwipthe capital. The fourth king of

this dynastyLakshman Senexpanded the empire beyond Bengal toBihar,Assam,Odishaand probably

toVaranasi.Lakshman was later defeated by the Muslims and fled to eastern Bengal where he ruled few more

years. The Sena dynasty brought a revival ofHinduismand cultivatedSanskrit literaturein India. It is proposed

by some Bengali authors thatJayadeva,the famous Sanskrit poet and author ofGita Govinda,was one of

the Pancharatnas(meaning 5 gems) in the court of Lakshman Sen.

Medieval Bengal[edit]

Medieval Bengal
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apura_Mahaviharahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vikramshilahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nalandahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myanmarhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahayana_Buddhismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Bengal#cite_note-10http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odisha


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Raja Ganeshais regarded as one of the most powerful rulers in Medieval Bengal.

TheMosque City of Bagerhathas more than 50 Islamic monuments. The site has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage

Sitein 1983, "as an outstanding example of an architectural ensemble which illustrates a significant stage in human history" ,[11]

of

which the Sixty Pillar Mosque, constructed with 60 pillars and 77 domes, is the most well known .[12][13]

Pari Bibi'smazarat theLalbagh Fort,the center ofMughalmilitary power inDhakaand an intrinsic part of thehistory of the city,

founded byMuhammad Azam Shahin 1678.

Kantaji Templeis a late medieval Hindu temple built by Maharaja Pran Nath .[14][15]

It boasts one of the greatest examples

onTerracottaarchitecture and once had nine spires, but all were destroyed in an earthquake that took place in 1897.[16]

Islam made its first appearance in Bengal during the 12th century whenSufimissionaries arrived. Later,

occasional Muslim conquerors reinforced the process of conversion by building mosques,madrassasand

SufiKhanqah.Beginning in 1202 a military commander from theDelhi Sultanate,Bakhtiar Khilji,

overranBiharand Bengal as far east asRangpur,Bograand theBrahmaputra River.Although he failed to
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ngMeggitt2009-12http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Bengal#cite_note-LeungMeggitt2009-12http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Bengal#cite_note-Unesco-11http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UNESCO_World_Heritage_Sitehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UNESCO_World_Heritage_Sitehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mosque_City_of_Bagerhathttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raja_Ganesha


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bring Bengal under his control, the expedition managed to defeatLakshman Senand his two sons moved to a

place then calledVikrampur(present-dayMunshiganj District), where their diminished dominion lasted until the

late 13th century.

During the 14th century, the former kingdom became known as theSultanate of Bengal,ruled intermittently

with theSultanate of Delhias well as powerfulHindu statesandland-lords-Baro-Bhuyans.

Deva Kingdom[edit]

TheDeva Kingdomwas aHindudynasty of medievalBengalthat ruled over eastern Bengal after the

collapseSena Empire.The capital of this dynasty wasBikrampurin present-dayMunshiganj

DistrictofBangladesh.The inscriptional evidences show that his kingdom was extended up to the present-

dayComilla-Noakhali-Chittagongregion. A later ruler of the dynastyAriraja-Danuja-MadhavaDasharatha-Deva

extended his kingdom to cover much ofEast Bengal.[17]The end of this dynasty is not yet known.

Ilyas Shahi dynasty[edit]

Main article:Ilyas Shahi dynasty

Shamsuddin Iliyas Shahfounded the dynasty. It lasted from 13421487. The dynasty successfully repulsed

attempts by Delhi to conquer them. They continued to reel in the territory of modern-day Bengal, reaching

toKhulnain the south andSylhetin the east. The sultans advanced civic institutions and became more

responsive and "native" in their outlook and cut loose from Delhi. Considerable architectural projects were

completed including the massiveAdina Mosqueand the Darasbari Mosque which still stands in Bangladesh.

The Sultans ofBengalwere patrons ofBengali literatureand began a process in which Bengali culture and

identity would flourish. The Ilyas Shahi Dynasty was interrupted by an uprising by the Hindus underRaja

Ganesha.However the Ilyas Shahi dynasty was restored byNasiruddin Mahmud Shah.

Ganesha dynasty[edit]

The Ganesha dynasty began withRaja Ganeshain 1414. After Raja Ganesha seized control over Bengal he

faced an imminent threat of invasion. Ganesha appealed to a powerful Muslim holy man namedQutb al Alam,

to stop the threat. The saint agreed on the condition that Raja Ganesha's son Jadu would convert to Islam and

rule in his place.Raja Ganeshaagreed and Jadu started rulingBengalasJalaluddin Muhammad Shahin 1415

AD. Qutb al Alam died in 1416 AD andRaja Ganeshawas emboldened to depose his son and accede to the

throne himself as Danujamarddana Deva. Jalaluddin was reconverted toHinduismby the Golden Cowritual.

After the death of his father he once again converted to Islam and started ruling his second

phase.[18]

Jalaluddin's son,Shamsuddin Ahmad Shahruled for only 3 years due to chaos and anarchy. The

dynasty is known for their liberal policy as well as justice and charity.

Hussain Shahi dynasty[edit]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lakshman_Senhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lakshman_Senhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lakshman_Senhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vikrampurhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vikrampurhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vikrampurhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Munshiganj_Districthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Munshiganj_Districthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Munshiganj_Districthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sultanate_of_Bengalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sultanate_of_Bengalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sultanate_of_Bengalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sultanate_of_Delhihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sultanate_of_Delhihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sultanate_of_Delhihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu_Rashtrahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu_Rashtrahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu_Rashtrahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landlordhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landlordhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baro-Bhuyan#Baro-Bhuyans_of_Bengalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baro-Bhuyan#Baro-Bhuyans_of_Bengalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baro-Bhuyan#Baro-Bhuyans_of_Bengalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=History_of_Bengal&action=edit&section=13http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=History_of_Bengal&action=edit&section=13http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=History_of_Bengal&action=edit&section=13http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deva_dynastyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deva_dynastyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deva_dynastyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bengalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bengalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bengalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sena_Empirehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sena_Empirehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sena_Empirehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bikrampurhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bikrampurhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bikrampurhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Munshiganj_Districthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Munshiganj_Districthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Munshiganj_Districthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Munshiganj_Districthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangladeshhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangladeshhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangladeshhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comilla_Districthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comilla_Districthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noakhali_districthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noakhali_districthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chittagong_Districthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chittagong_Districthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chittagong_Districthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Bengalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Bengalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Bengal#cite_note-17http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Bengal#cite_note-17http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Bengal#cite_note-17http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=History_of_Bengal&action=edit&section=14http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=History_of_Bengal&action=edit&section=14http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=History_of_Bengal&action=edit&section=14http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ilyas_Shahi_dynastyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ilyas_Shahi_dynastyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ilyas_Shahi_dynastyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shamsuddin_Iliyas_Shahhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shamsuddin_Iliyas_Shahhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khulnahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khulnahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khulnahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sylhethttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sylhethttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sylhethttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adina_Mosquehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adina_Mosquehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adina_Mosquehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bengalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bengalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bengalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bengali_literaturehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bengali_literaturehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bengali_literaturehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raja_Ganeshahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raja_Ganeshahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raja_Ganeshahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raja_Ganeshahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nasiruddin_Mahmud_Shahhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nasiruddin_Mahmud_Shahhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nasiruddin_Mahmud_Shahhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=History_of_Bengal&action=edit&section=15http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=History_of_Bengal&action=edit&section=15http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=History_of_Bengal&action=edit&section=15http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raja_Ganeshahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raja_Ganeshahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raja_Ganeshahttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Qutb_al_Alam&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Qutb_al_Alam&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Qutb_al_Alam&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raja_Ganeshahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raja_Ganeshahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raja_Ganeshahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raja_Ganeshahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raja_Ganeshahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raja_Ganeshahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bengalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bengalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalaluddin_Muhammad_Shahhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalaluddin_Muhammad_Shahhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalaluddin_Muhammad_Shahhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raja_Ganeshahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raja_Ganeshahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raja_Ganeshahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Bengal#cite_note-18http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Bengal#cite_note-18http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Bengal#cite_note-18http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shamsuddin_Ahmad_Shahhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shamsuddin_Ahmad_Shahhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shamsuddin_Ahmad_Shahhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=History_of_Bengal&action=edit&section=16http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=History_of_Bengal&action=edit&section=16http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=History_of_Bengal&action=edit&section=16http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=History_of_Bengal&action=edit&section=16http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shamsuddin_Ahmad_Shahhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Bengal#cite_note-18http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raja_Ganeshahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalaluddin_Muhammad_Shahhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bengalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raja_Ganeshahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raja_Ganeshahttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Qutb_al_Alam&action=edit&redlink=1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raja_Ganeshahttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=History_of_Bengal&action=edit&section=15http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nasiruddin_Mahmud_Shahhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raja_Ganeshahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raja_Ganeshahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bengali_literaturehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bengalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adina_Mosquehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sylhethttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khulnahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shamsuddin_Iliyas_Shahhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ilyas_Shahi_dynastyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=History_of_Bengal&action=edit&section=14http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Bengal#cite_note-17http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Bengalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chittagong_Districthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noakhali_districthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comilla_Districthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangladeshhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Munshiganj_Districthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Munshiganj_Districthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bikrampurhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sena_Empirehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bengalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deva_dynastyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=History_of_Bengal&action=edit&section=13http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baro-Bhuyan#Baro-Bhuyans_of_Bengalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landlordhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu_Rashtrahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sultanate_of_Delhihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sultanate_of_Bengalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Munshiganj_Districthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vikrampurhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lakshman_Sen


13/21

TheHussain Shahi dynastyruled in the period 14941538.Alauddin Hussain Shah,considered as the greatest

of all the sultans of Bengal for bringing cultural renaissance during his reign. He extended the sultanate all the

way to the port ofChittagong,which witnessed the arrival of the first Portuguese merchants.Nasiruddin Nasrat

Shahgave refuge to the Afghan lords during the invasion ofBaburthough he remained neutral. However Nusrat

Shah made a treaty with Babur and saved Bengal from a Mughal invasion. The last Sultan of the dynasty, who

continued to rule fromGaur,had to contend with rising Afghan activity on his northwestern border. Eventually,

the Afghans broke through and sacked the capital in 1538 where they remained for several decades until the

arrival of the Mughals.

Mughal Period[edit]

In 1534, the PashtunSher Shah Suri,or Farid Khana man of incredible military and political skill

succeeded in defeating the superior forces of theMughalsunderHumayunat Chausa (1539)

andKannauj(1540). Sher Shah fought back and captured bothDelhiandAgraand established a kingdom

stretching far intoPunjab.Sher Shah's administrative skill showed in his public works, including theGrand

Trunk RoadconnectingSonargaonin Bengal withPeshawarin theHindu Kush.Sher Shah's rule ended with

his death in 1545, although even in those five years his reign would have a powerful influence on Indian

society, politics, and economics. Shah Suri's successors lacked his administrative skill, and quarrelled over the

domains of his empire.Humayun,who then ruled a rump Mughal state, saw an opportunity and in 1554

seizedLahoreand Delhi.

Map of Bengal under theMughal Empireof India in 1700 AD.

Humayun died in January 1556. Around same time,Hemu,also calledHem Chandra Vikramaditya,the then

Hindu Prime Minister-cum-Chief of Army, of theSur dynastywon Bengal in the 'battle at Chapperghatta', killing

Muhammad Shah the then ruler of Bengal. This was Hemu's 20th continuous win in North India. Knowing of

Humanyun's death, Hemu found a God given opportunity to win Delhi for himself and rushed toDelhito

winAgraand later on Delhi, defeated Akbar's forces at both the places, and established 'Hindu Raj' in North

India on 6 Oct 1556, after 300 years of Muslim rule, leaving Bengal to his Governor Shahbaz Khan.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hussain_Shahi_dynastyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hussain_Shahi_dynastyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hussain_Shahi_dynastyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alauddin_Hussain_Shahhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alauddin_Hussain_Shahhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alauddin_Hussain_Shahhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chittagonghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chittagonghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chittagonghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nasiruddin_Nasrat_Shahhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nasirud

Documents

History of Bengal