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Topic 2 (a) Ancient Bengal [2006,2008,2009,2011,2012,2014]

2006

Question 2: Pre-Mughal Bengal

In ancient Bengal, there was no single state and the country was divided into small regions, too small to be
called kingdoms or states. Before the Aryans arrived in Bengal, the Mauryas had established their rule in the
area. First Chandra Gupta Maurya established Maurya rule in India and it came to north Bengal in the third
century B.C.

Little is known about the history of Bengal from the fall of the Mauryas in the second century B.C. until the rise
of the Guptas, except that the region continued to flourish economically. In the beginning of the sixth century
A.D. the vast Gupta Empire in India came to an end and Bengal broke up into a number of independent
kingdoms. During the eighth century A.D., the Pala Dynasty was very strong, and in the eleventh century the
Senas were very important. It was not until the beginning of the thirteenth century that the Turks conquered
Bengal and Muslim rule began.

Part (a)
(i) What name was given to the small regions of ancient Bengal ‘too small to be called kingdoms or states’
(lines 1–2)? [1]
(ii) Why did ‘the Aryans’ come to Bengal (line 2)? [1]
(iii) Which emperor established Maurya rule in ‘north Bengal in the third century B.C.’(line 4)? [1]
(iv) In which century did ‘the Guptas’ win control of Bengal (line 6)? [1]
(v) Which Turkish leader brought ‘Muslim rule’ to Bengal (line 10)? [1]
Part (b)
(i) Write what you know about the independent kingdoms of South-East Bengal from the middle of the eighth
century to the eleventh century. [5]
(ii) Why were the Muslims able to extend their rule into Bengal from the thirteenth century onwards? [5]
Part (c)
Which of the following do you think was the most important of the early kingdoms in Bengal? Explain your
answer by writing about all three choices provided.
• the Empire of Sasanka • the Pala dynasty • the Senas [10]
2008

Question 2: Pre–Mughal Bengal: Bengal to 1098 AD

The Gupta period is sometimes called the 'golden age' of India. However, towards the end of the 6th century
AD, Gupta rule in Bengal weakened and Shashanka, a minor military officer of the Guptas, became ruler.
Shashanka's rise marked a new era in the history of Bengal. He established his authority in north-west Bengal,
where he made his capital. Between 500 and 1100 AD, a number of independent kingdoms flourished in south-
east Bengal.
After Shashanka’s death, there was a period sometimes described as matsyanyaya. Then the Pala dynasty
established itself and ruled Bengal for nearly 400 years. Pala dominance ended with the death of Devapala and
the Pala empire shrank in the face of foreign attacks. In the 11 th century, however, territories lost in northern and
western Bengal were recaptured and Pala dynastic rule was restored to a firmer footing.
Part (a)
(i) What is the name of the north-west region of Bengal where Shashanka ‘made his capital’ (line 4)? [1]
(ii) ‘Between 500 and 1100 AD, a number of independent kingdoms flourished in south-east Bengal’ (lines 4-5).
Name one of the kingdoms. [1]
(iii) What religion did Shashanka follow? [1]
(iv) What does the term ‘matsyanyaya’ mean? (line 6) [1]
(v) Which Pala king recaptured lost territories and restored ‘Pala dynastic rule to a firmer footing’ (lines 9-10) in
the 11th century AD? [1]
Part (b)
(i) Write what you know about Bengal during the Maurya Empire. [5]
(ii) Why is the Gupta period sometimes called the ‘Golden Age’ of India? [5]
Part (c)
Which of the following was the greatest of the Pala kings? Explain your answer by writing about all
three choices provided. • Gopala • Dharamapala • Devapala [10]

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2009

Question 2: Pre-Mughal Bengal: From Ancient Bengal to the arrival of Muhammad Bakhtiyar Khalji
After the fall of the Mauryas the Guptas rose to power in the Indian sub-continent. By the midfourth century AD
they had brought most of Bengal’s independent states under their control. Bengal prospered as part of Gupta
Empire. One visitor described a great Gupta trading emporium that was located on the banks of the Ganges in
West Bengal.
Around 600 AD Shashanka became ruler of Bengal. After his death Bengal came under attack from foreign
invaders until Gopala established the Pala dynasty in the middle of the eighth century. Four centuries later the
rule of the Palas ended when the Sena dynasty was established. Until the arrival of the Senas a number of
independent kingdoms existed in southeastern Bengal.
The political influence of Islam began to spread in Bengal with the arrival of Muhammad Bakhtiyar Khalji, who
attacked the Sena capital city in 1204 AD.
Part (a)
(i) Which Gupta leader ‘brought most of Bengal’s independent states’ under his control by the mid-fourth
century AD? (line 2) [1]
(ii) Where was the ‘great Gupta trading emporium that was located on the banks of the Ganges in West Bengal’? [1]
(iii) Which Sena ruler ended ‘the rule of the Palas’? (line 7) [1]
(iv) Name one of the independent kingdoms which existed in south-eastern Bengal under the Palas. (line 8) [1]
(v) Which ‘Sena capital’ did Muhammad Bakhtiyar attack in 1204 AD? (line 11) [1]
Part (b)
(i) Write what you know about the Sufis in pre-Mughal Bengal. [5]
(ii) Explain why Lakshmana Sena has been called a great leader. [5]
Part (c)
Which of the following do you think was the most important in the history of Pre-Mughal Bengal? Explain your
answer by writing about all three choices provided. [10]
• The empire of Shashanka • The rule of Dharmapala • The arrival of Muhammad Bakhtiyar Khalji
2011

Question 2: Pre-Mughal Bengal: The establishment and consolidation of Muslim Rule in Bengal 1204–1342
An important event in the political influence of Islam is 1204, when the important city of Nadia was taken by a
Muslim army. Towards the end of the twelfth century Muslim Turkish forces had made inroads into northern
India. Gauda was captured in 1205 but Muslim forces could not capture Tibet.
Islamic rule did not bring political stability to Bengal and there were internal conflicts as well as struggles with
the Sultan of Delhi. A strong ruler like Shamsuddin Firuz Shah could expand territory under Muslim control,
but not until 1338 did a strong new Sultan of Bengal emerge. One of the greatest elements in the development of
Muslim Bengal was the impact of the Sufis who had a major influence on religious life.
Part (a)
(i) Which leader captured Nadia in 1204? (line 1–2) [1]
(ii) Of which kingdom was Gauda the capital? (line 3) [1]
(iii) Which Sultan of Delhi invaded Bengal following Tughal’s declaration of independence?[1]
(iv) Who was the strong Sultan of Bengal? (line 7) [1]
(v) Name any area conquered by Shamsuddin Firuz Shah. (line 6) [1]
Part (b)
(i) Write what you know about the taking of Nadia in 1204. [5]
(ii) Explain why there was so much internal conflict in Bengal in this period. [5]
Part (c)
Which do you think were the most important in the development of Muslim rule in Bengal in this period?
Explain your answer by writing about all three choices. [10]
• The Sufis • The Iliyas Shahi Dynasty • The Hussain Shahi Dynasty

2012

Question 2: Pre-Mughal Bengal: Ancient Bengal

The evidence for the early history of Bengal is limited, but there were probably six territorial units. The first
well-established empire was that of the Mauryas. There is evidence of a capital city and of the influence of
Buddhism. Trade was of some importance and is referred to in Greek and Latin texts. Evidence of another
empire comes from the 4th century AD with the Guptas. Historians have to rely on non-written evidence to a

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large extent for knowledge of this period, but there are indications of a powerful trading state and economic
prosperity. Various religions were practised and the ‘Golden Age’ lasted until around 600 AD which saw the
beginning of the period of independent kingdoms in Bengal.
Part (a): This question tests your knowledge.
(i) What was the name given to the six territorial units of ancient Bengal? (lines 1–2) [1]
(ii) What was the name given to the capital of Bengal during the time of the Mauryas?(lines 2–3) [1]
(iii) What was the main trade in the Maurya period (line 3)? [1]
(iv) Which ruler established Gupta rule in the 4th century AD? (line 4) [1]
(v) Who became ruler of Bengal around 600 AD, ending the rule of the Guptas? (line 7) [1]
Part (b): This question tests your knowledge and understanding.
(i) What historical evidence exists about ancient Bengal? [5]
(ii) Explain the importance of the Mauryan period in the history of Bengal. [5]
Part (c): This question tests your understanding and judgement.
(i) Explain why each of the following was important in making the Gupta period a ‘Golden Age’.
• Trade and commerce • Religion • Political stability [8]
(ii) Explain which one of these was the most important, and why. [2][Total: 25]
2014

Question 2: Pre-Mughal Bengal: The Early Kingdoms in Bengal: The Pala dynasty and the Senas
The Pala Empire under Devapala
Until the establishment of greater control by the first ruler of the Pala
dynasty in the eighth century AD, there had been considerable disorder.
The dynasty extended its territory under his son and his successor.
Religious policy was particularly successful and spiritual life was
encouraged. Foreign records are a good source about this period and reveal
many strengths of Pala rule. However, the death of the ruler Devapala
brought about a decline. Attempts by rulers from the late tenth century to
1124 did halt the decline, but the twelfth century saw the fall of the Palas
and the rise of the Sena dynasty.
Part (a): this question tests your knowledge.
(i) Who was the first ruler of the Pala dynasty? (line 1) [1]
(ii) What is the period of disorder known as in some sources? (line 2) [1]
(iii) Who was the first ruler’s son and successor? (lines 2–3) [1]
(iv) Which foreign people left most records about this period? (line 4) [1]
(v) Who was the first ruler of the Sena dynasty? (line 7) [1]
Part (b): this question tests your knowledge and understanding.
(i) Describe how Pala rule gave way to the rise of the Sena dynasty. [5]
(ii) Explain the strengths and weaknesses of the rule of Lakshana Sena. [5]
Part (c): this question tests your understanding and judgement.
(i) Explain the importance of the following rulers: • Dharmapala • Devapala. [8]
(ii) Which of these two rulers do you think was the greater? Explain why. [2][Total: 25]
2016
Question 2: Pre-Mughal Bengal
Sonargaon

The early kingdoms in Bengal

It was the Sena dynasty that had brought the whole of Bengal under one central rule. The defeat of Lakshmana
Sena in 1204 and the weakness of his two sons were both part of the story of the Turkish advance towards India.
The Sena capital and Gauda both fell to the Turkish invaders.

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The new rulers of Bengal became almost independent as the Delhi Sultanate itself saw internal conflict. Tughral
declared independence from Delhi towards the end of the 13th Century, but it was a short-lived status as the
Sultan of Delhi reasserted his authority by military force. Fakhruddin Mubarak Shah took control of Sonargaon
and proclaimed himself Sultan. He was strong enough to withstand the Sultan of Delhi’s opposition. There
followed almost 200 years of rule in Bengal independent of Delhi. It was during this period that Sufism became
important in Bengal and rulers extended their right to rule over the whole of Bengal. The arts also became
important at this time.
Part (a): This question tests your knowledge.
(i) At which battle was Lakshmana Sena defeated by Turkish forces? (lines 1–2) [1]
(ii) Who led the Turkish army against him? [1]
(iii) Which Sultan sent an army against Tughral? (lines 5–6) [1]
(iv) What was Fakhruddin Mubarak Shah’s title? (lines 6–7) [1]
(v) What title did Haji Ilyas claim? (lines 9–10) [1]
Part (b): This question tests your knowledge and understanding.
(i) How was Muslim rule established in Bengal in the 13th century? [5]
(ii) Explain how Sufis spread Islam in Bengal. [5]
Part (c): This question tests your understanding and judgement.
(i) Explain how each of the following contributed to art and culture in Bengal:
• the Ilyas Shahi dynasty
• the Hussain Shahi dynasty [8]
(ii) Which of these had greater importance for the people of Bengal? Explain your answer. [2] [Total: 25]
2017

Question 2 Pre-Mughal Bengal: Pataliputra

The remains of a once great city

The earliest phase of the history of Bengal is not well known. There is little written evidence left, meaning that
information has had to be gathered from a wide variety of documents and pieced together. Some structures are
known to have existed by the fourth century. Land was thought to have been divided into six main areas of
settlement. There were centres of trade and commerce. There were capital cities such as Pundranagara.

Links to the wider world are known to have been created in the Mauryan era. Buddhism arrived in Bengal and
was carried to Sri Lanka by Bengal’s leader. By the era of the Guptas, a powerful kingdom of Bengal, based on
a well-developed market town on the banks of the River Ganges, is known to have been able to trade with China
and even further afield.
(a) This question tests your knowledge.
(i) What were the areas of settlement known as? (line 5) [1]
(ii) Which area had important centres of trade and commerce? (line 5) [1]
(iii) Of which area was Pundranagara the capital city? (line 6) [1]
(iv) Which Bengal leader carried the message of Buddhism to Sri Lanka? (line 8) [1]
(v) Which market town was the capital of the kingdom of Bengal? (line 10) [1]
(b) This question tests your knowledge and understanding.
(i) Describe the Guptas’ attitude to religion. [5]
(ii) Explain how the Guptas developed an Empire. [5]
(c) This question tests your understanding and judgement.
(i) Explain the importance of the following aspects of Gupta rule: • strong central control • art and artworks [8]

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(ii) Which of these aspects earned the Gupta period the title of ‘The Golden Age of India’? Explain your answer.
[2] [Total: 25]

2018

Question 2 Pre-Mughal Bengal An archaeological site in Paharpur, Bangladesh

Early Bengal Kingdoms

Bengal did not come Under one central rule easily. Powerful early kings, such as Shashanka, had
concentrated on northern and western Bengal and set their sight on expansion into northern India.
Until the Sena dynasty rose to power there were several independent kingdoms in south east
Bengal. By the eighth century an empire of considerable strength had formed in south east Bengal
with its capital at Devaparvata. The rulers formed the Deva dynasty. Little is known of the kingdom
of Harikela. The Chandras followed the Devas and are believed to have established a large empire in
southern and south east Bangladesh, extending far north. Srichandra was the greatest Chandra ruler
and he expanded his empire into Kamarupa. The early Sena rulers concentrated their efforts in the
north and north west of Bengal, but soon the wealth of southern areas attracted their attention.

(a) This question tests your knowledge.

(i) Name the other early king who consolidated his power in northern Bengal. (line 1) [1]
(ii) Name Shashanka’s empire. (line 2) [1]
(iii) Name the family of kings of the seventh century who ruled Samatata from their capital at
Karmanta-Vasaka. [1]
(iv) Name one of the Deva kings. (line 6) [1]
(v) Which ruler from the north challenged the authority of the Chandras? (line 7) [1]
(b) This question tests your knowledge and understanding.

(i) What is known from archaeology about life under the Devas? [5]
(ii) Explain how south east Bengal had become wealthy by the eleventh century. [5]
(c) This question tests your understanding and judgement.

(i) Explain the achievements of: • the Varman dynasty in south east Bengal • Hemanta Sena and
Vijaya Sena in north and north west Bengal. [8]
(ii) Which of these was more effective in extending the boundaries of Bengal? Explain your answer.
[2] [Total: 25]

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2019

2 Pre-Mughal Bengal The Varendra Research Museum

Learning from archaeology

Finding out about ancient history is a difficult task. The evidence that is available to give us clues is
rarely straightforward and frequently leads to historians interpreting findings differently. Historians
have maps showing where coastlines and rivers existed, and where hills and valleys were. They can
work out where settlements were likely to have developed and how people were likely to have
made a living. They can excavate these areas to see if historians’ guesses were correct.
Archaeological evidence can be dated, adding to historians’ knowledge. Historians have to use
evidence from other countries and from religious writings to increase their understanding. From
these they learn about janapadas, trade and conquests. People rarely left evidence thinking about
what future people might want to learn about them. Archaeologists and historians take on the task
of solving the puzzle.

(a) This question tests your knowledge.

(i) Name the port that served the settlement known as Harikela. [1]
(ii) Name the city identified as the earliest urban centre in Bangladesh. [1]
(iii) In which century did the Mauryan Empire end? [1]
(iv) What was the main item produced in Vanga and traded throughout India? [1]
(v) Which ruler brought most of the independent states of Bengal together in the fourth century AD?
[1]
(b) This question tests your knowledge and understanding.

(i) Describe life in Bengal during the Mauryan Empire. [5]

(ii) Explain how Bengal was ruled under the Guptas. [5]
(c) This question tests your understanding and judgement.

(i) Explain the importance of the following in providing information about early Bangladesh history: •
written evidence • evidence of trade. [8]

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(ii) Which of these has been more important in developing our understanding of the development of
Ancient Bengal? Explain your answer. [2] [Total: 25]

2. Pre-Mughal
Summary Questions
2006
1. What name was given to the small regions of ancient Bengal ‘too small to be called kingdoms or
states’ ?
2. Why did ‘the Aryans’ come to Bengal ?
3. Which emperor established Maurya rule in ‘north Bengal in the third century B.C.’?
4. In which century did ‘the Guptas’ win control of Bengal ?
5. Which Turkish leader brought ‘Muslim rule’ to Bengal ?
2008
6. What is the name of the north-west region of Bengal where Shashanka ‘made his capital’ ?
7. ‘Between 500 and 1100 AD, a number of independent kingdoms flourished in south-east Bengal’ .
Name one of the kingdoms.
8. What religion did Shashanka follow?
9. What does the term ‘matsyanyaya’ mean?
10. Which Pala king recaptured lost territories and restored ‘Pala dynastic rule to a firmer footing’ (lines
9-10) in the 11th century AD?
2009
11. Which Gupta leader ‘brought most of Bengal’s independent states’ under his control by the mid-
fourth century AD?
12. Where was the ‘great Gupta trading emporium that was located on the banks of the Ganges in West Bengal’?
13. Which Sena ruler ended ‘the rule of the Palas’?
14. Name one of the independent kingdoms which existed in south-eastern Bengal under the Palas.
15. Which ‘Sena capital’ did Muhammad Bakhtiyar attack in 1204 AD?
2011
16. Which leader captured Nadia in 1204?
17. Of which kingdom was Gauda the capital?
18. Which Sultan of Delhi invaded Bengal following Tughal’s declaration of independence?
19. Who was the strong Sultan of Bengal?
20. Name any area conquered by Shamsuddin Firuz Shah.
2012
21. What was the name given to the six territorial units of ancient Bengal?
22. What was the name given to the capital of Bengal during the time of the Mauryas?
23. What was the main trade in the Maurya period?
24. Which ruler established Gupta rule in the 4th century AD?
25. Who became ruler of Bengal around 600 AD, ending the rule of the Guptas?
2014
26. Who was the first ruler of the Pala dynasty?
27. What is the period of disorder known as in some sources?
28. Who was the first ruler’s son and successor?
29. Which foreign people left most records about this period?
30. Who was the first ruler of the Sena dynasty?
2016
31. At which battle was Lakshmana Sena defeated by Turkish forces?
32. Who led the Turkish army against him?
33. Which Sultan sent an army against Tughral?

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34. What was Fakhruddin Mubarak Shah’s title

35. What title did Haji Ilyas claim?
2017
36. What were the areas of settlement known as?
37. Which area had important centres of trade and commerce?
38. Of which area was Pundranagara the capital city?
39. Which Bengal leader carried the message of Buddhism to Sri Lanka?
40. Which market town was the capital of the kingdom of Bengal?
2018
41. Name the other early king who consolidated his power in northern Bengal.
42. Name Shashanka’s empire.
43. Name the family of kings of the seventh century who ruled Samatata from their capital at
Karmanta-Vasaka.
44. Name one of the Deva kings.
45. Which ruler from the north challenged the authority of the Chandras?
2019
46. Name the port that served the settlement known as Harikela.
47, Name the city identified as the earliest urban centre in Bangladesh.
48. In which century did the Mauryan Empire end?
49. ) What was the main item produced in Vanga and traded throughout India?
50) Which ruler brought most of the independent states of Bengal together in the fourth
century AD?

Answers

1) Janapadas
2) New lands or trade
3) Asoka
4) fourth century AD
5) Bakhtiar Khalji
6) One of Gauda, Kornosubora, Murshidabad
7) One of Vanga, Khadga, Deva, Harikela, Chandras, Varman
8) Hindusim.
9) Lawlessness/ anarchy/ literally
10) ‘the law of the fish’ Mahipala
11) Samudragupta.
12) Tamralipti.
13) Vallala (Sena).
14) One of: Vanga, Khadga, Deva, Harikela. Chandras, Varman, Nadia.
15) Nadia
16) Muhammad Bakhtiyar Khaji
17) Sena or Shashanka’s kingdom
18) Balban
19) Fakhruddin Mubarak Shah
20) Any one of Satgaon (Hughli) Sonargaon, Mymensingh, Sylhet
21) Janapadas
22) Mahasthangarh of Bogra or Pundranagara/ Pundrunagara Weaving or fine
23) cotton or fine muslin cloth
24) Samudragupta
25) Shashanka
26) Gopala
27) matsyanyayam
28) Dharmapala
29) Arabs

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30) Hemanta Sena

31) Nadia
32) Khalji
33. Balban
34. Armour or shield bearer/Silhadar
35. King of Bengal, Shahi of Bengal
36. Janapada
37. Rodha
38. Pundra
39. Mahinda
40. Gange
41.Dharmapala
42. Gauda
43. Khadga
44. Shantideva, Viradeva, Anandadeva or Bhavadeva.
45. Vijaya Sena
46. Chittagong
47. Pundranagara
48. Second BC
49. Cotton
50. Samundragupta