Military Institute of Science and

Technology
 
Naval Architecture and Marine
Engineering Department
 
Course Code: GEBS 101
Course Title: Bangladesh Studies
Lecture Topics
• Ancient Bengal
o Political history of Bengal in middle age
o Social, economic & cultural history of Bengal in middle age
• Bengal in Middle Age (1204 A.D. – 1757 A.D.)
o Political history of Bengal in middle age
o Social, economic & cultural history of Bengal in middle age
Etymology of Bangladesh
• Bangladesh is often written as two words, “Bangla” & “Desh”
• Exact etymology is unknown, hence several theories have been deduced by the
researchers
• One theory suggests that “Vanga”, an ancient kingdom of Ganges delta and “al”,
means boundary is the origin of the word “Bangla”

• Another theory points to a bronze age tribe, the Austric and the word Bangla has
come from "Bonga" (Sun god)
• Desh is derived from the Sanskrit word “deśha”, which means "land" or "country“
• Bangladesh means "Land of Bengal" or "Country of Bengal"
Janapad
• The existence of 16 Janapads of
ancient Bengal were obtained
from stone inscriptions and
literary works of the Gupta
period, Post Gupta period, Pala
period, Sena period etc.

• Some remarkable Janpads of

ancient Bengal were Gaur,
Banga, Pundra, Harikela,
Samatata, Barendra etc.

• There was no harmony among

these Janapads.
Janapad
Ancient Janapad Modern region
Pundra Bogura, Rajshahi, Rangpur & Dinajpur region
Vanga Dhaka, Mymensingh, Faridpur, Barishal, Kushtia
Barendra Western part of Bogura, North-western part of Rajshahi, Rangpur & Dinajpur region
Radha Southern part of West Bengal of India
Samatata Cumilla and Noakhali
Harikela Sylhet Division, Chittagong Division, Dhaka Division and Barisal Division in Bangladesh
Chandradeep Barishal, Bagerhat, Patuakhali, Khulna
Harikel Syllhet and Chattogram
Gaur Chapainawabganj and Maldaha, Murshidabad, Birbhum and Bardhaman of West Bengal
Political History of Ancient Bengal (326 B.C. – 1204 A.D.)

• A fair conception of geographical shape, demarcation, political

characteristics of the then Bengal can be achieved from the
Janapadas of ancient Bengal.

• There was no political unity in ancient Bengal. The powerful rulers

would gain ruling power of more than one Janapad through executing
their domination.

• Thus these Janapadas played roles as the first territorial unit or

administrative unit in ancient Bengal and later helped form political
unity.
Political History of Ancient Bengal (326 B.C. – 1204 A.D.)

• Important Dynasties of Ancient Bengal

• Mauria Dynasty
• Gupta Dynasty

Post Gupta Period

In the 5th and 6th century, attack by the mountainous tribe of Huns and
Joshovarman of Malaba, Gupta rule came to an end.
After the fall of great Gupta Empire, many small independent kingdoms emerged
and collapsed.
Then two strong and independent kingdoms: Banga (Southern region of South-east
Bengal and West Bengal) and Gaur (western and northern regions of Bengal) were
established.
Political History of Ancient Bengal (326 B.C. – 1204 A.D.)

Matsyanayam

• After the death of Sasanka, Bengal remained without any

competent ruler for a long time.

• Every landlord was locked in clash with one another in

imagination of becoming the king of Bengal.

• It lasted for one hundred years. This anarchy and disorder came
to an end with the rise of the Pala reign.
Political History of Ancient Bengal (326 B.C. – 1204 A.D.)

Kingdom of Pala (750 AD – 1161 AD)

• After Matsyanayam, the senior leaders of the country ELECTED a king
named Gopala as the King of Bengal. Lama Tarnath, a historian of Tibet
introduced a fairy-tale about Gopala's succession to throne.

• Gopala brought nearly the whole region of north and east Bengal under his
rule. He ruled the country from 756 A.D. till 781 A.D.

• After the death of Gopala, Dharmapala (781 A.D. -821 A.D.) ascended to
the throne of Bengal. Dharmapala built an enormous Vihara at Paharpur in
the district of Natore. It is known as 'Somapura Vihara' . This architectural
work has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Political History of Ancient Bengal (326 B.C. – 1204 A.D.)
Political History of Ancient Bengal (326 B.C. – 1204 A.D.)

Kingdom of Sena (1061 A.D. – 1204 A.D.)

• After the fall of the Pala dynasty Sena dynasty started their rule in Bengal. They
were’ intruders to our land. The founder of the Sena dynasty in Bengal was
Samantasena.

• Bijoy Sena (1098A.D.-1160A.D.) was the most notable ruler of Sena dynasty.

• Subsequently Ballal Sena and Lakhsmana Sena ascended to the throne as

inheritors.

• Bakhtiar Khalji attacked Nadia at the beginning of the thirteenth century.

Lakhsmana Sena could not withstand this attack and got defeated and fled.
Muslim Empire was established in Bengal centering round Lakhsanabati
(Gaur). Sena rule came to an end in Bengal with the defeat of Laksman Sena.
 Bengali Language
Austric was the original language of the
inhabitants of ancient Bengal. After the coming of
Aryans, the austric language was replaced by
Austrian language, Vedic. Later on the Austric
language was reformed and called Sangskrit.

'Prokrito' from Sanskrit and 'Apobhrongsho' from

'Prokrito' originated. Bengali language originated
from 'Apobhrongsho' in the eighth century.

The most ancient testimony of Bengali language

has been found in four ancient Buddhist 'puthis'
collected from Nepal by Haraprasad Shasri. They
are known as 'Charyapada'. Till now 50
Charypades have been found.
Social Life of Ancient Bengal
• The caste (4 Caste) system was a very essential part of Aryan society.

• Belief in rebirth, practice of yoga etc. were practiced in Hindu society. Later on giving the
guests to eat betel and nut, singing for the Shiva, using vermillion in the forehead of married
women etc. were introduced.

• Staple food of the Bengalees were rice, fish, meat, vegetables, milk, curd, ghee, kheer etc.

• Men and women in Bengal would put on 'dhuti' and sari respectively.

• Singing and dancing were common form of amusements. There were thirteen parbans
(programs) in twelve months. 'Vhatriditia', Nabanno, Rathjatra Astomisnan, Holi,
Jonmastomi, Dashhara', 'Akhyatritia', 'Gangansnan’ etc. were familiar programs.
Religious Life of Ancient Bengal
• From 4th century, 3 major religions were in ancient Bengal. They are: Vedic, Buddhist and Jain
religion. Vedic and Brahmmin religions spread very fast in Bengal, in course of time evolution was
noticed in them. The 'Purohitas'(priests) got all-out responsibility to conduct religious activities.

• During Pala dynasty, Buddhist religion spreaded in most of the areas of ancient Bengal. They built
many Buddhist Viharas. Of them Bikramshil Mahavira of Dharmapala, Sompur Vihara and
Udantapur Vihara are the most remarkable.

• During the Sena rule itself worshipping of Gods and Goddesses such as Bishnu, Shiva, Parbati
etc. started and many Hindu temples were built. As a result, the fall of Buddhism started in
Bengal.

• At the end of the 12th century as a result of Turkish attack, the Buddhist Viharas, temples and the
Buddhist association were driven away from this region and they went to Nepal and Tibet.
Economic Life of Ancient Bengal
• Bengal was always an agricultural country. Paddy was the main crop of Bengal.

• Ancient Bengal was very rich in cottage industry. Famous Muslin cloth would be
produced in Bengal from the very ancient time. Bengal would conduct business with
many countries of the world in the ancient time.

• Commercial exchanges were done through both road and water ways. Bengal would
conduct exchanges of goods with countries such as ceylon, Burma, Champa, Kamboj,
Javadwip, Malaya, Shyam, Sumatra, China etc. by sea.

• Barter system were practised during business. Before 4th centure, first coin was
introduced as currency. In Gupta oeriod, gold coins were used, Cowri was used as the
lease valued currency.
Cultural Life of Ancient Bengal
• There was enough arrangement of worshipping and amusements in ancient Bengal. During Durga Puja
there was a huge festival in Varendra. On the day of Bijoya Dashami, there was musical dance named
'Shaborothshoba’.

• In the month of Chaitra there was 'Holaka' or present 'Holi’ where men and women all participated
together.

• Many mundane programs such as Gorvadhan, Pungsaban, Simantonnoyon and Shoshyontihom would
be held for the welfare of the to be born baby.

• In those days Bengalee men had no fame; they were known as belligerent and arrogant. Bengalee
women had fame. They would also receive education. In the educated society honor of mother and wife
was placed high. In that age there was no system of veil.

• Widows were not allowed to use vermillion on their forehead and they had to give up cosmetics and
ornaments and protien. The system of co-death was also in vogue in that age.
Political history in the middle age
The time when the Muslim rule started in Bengal is called the beginning of the
Middle Age in Bengal. History requires certain epoch-making changes to pass from
one stage to another. The fact that the Muslims conquered Bengal not only brought
political changes, but also made revolutionary change in the life of the people of
this country in different fields including society, religion, language, literature and
art.
Political history in the middle age
Beginning of Muslim Rule in Bengal
• At the beginning of the thirteenth century (1204), the Turkish hero lkhtiyar Uddin
Muhammad Bakhtiyar Khalji drew a close to the Sena rule in north and North-
west part of Bengal and began the Muslim rule.
• Bakhtiyar Khalji became the head of an independent Kingdom after the conquest
of Nadia but he could not establish his dominion in whole Bengal.
• Lakhsman Sen was unaffected. After the death of Lakhsman Sen, his descendants
ruled East Bengal some time more.
Political history in the middle age
Hazrat Shahjalal
Hazrat Shahjalal (R) is a celebrated Sufi Muslim figure in Bengal. He came to Bengal
with his 360 disciples during the reign of Samsuddin Firoz of Turkish era.

Khan Jahan Ali

Khan Jahan Ali, also known as Ulugh Khan and Khan-i-Azam, was a
Muslim Sufi Saint and local ruler in Bagerhat. The official title Khan-i-Azam signifies
that he was an officer of the Bengal Sultan Nasiruddin Mahmud Shah. He built the
great ’Shat Gambuj Mashjid’.
UNESCO declared this mosque as a world heritage site.
Political history in the middle age
Explorer in Bengal
Ibn Batuta
Ibn Batuta was a muslim explorer. He came to india during the reign of Mohammad
Bin Tughlok and came to Bengal during the reign of Fakhruddin Mubarak Shah. He
was the first foreign tourist to use the word ‘Bangala’.
Ma Huan
Ma Huan was a Chinese Tourist and explorer. He came to Bengal in 1406, during the
reign of Ghiyasuddin Azam Shah.
Social, economic & cultural history of middle age
Social and Cultural Life
• From the eleventh century Sufi saints started to come to Bengal to preach Islam.
• In the Middle Age, social customs and practices were introduced centering round
these two religions.
• Any person could hold a dignified position of the state by means of competence
and talent
• Two particular classes are noticeable in the Muslim society of Bengal. One was
Muslims who had come from other places and the other was converted Muslims.
There was no clash or conflict between the two classes despite the differences of
heritage and customs.
Social, economic & cultural history of middle age
• Custom of caste prevalent in the Hindu society during this age, Brahmin,
'Kayostho', 'Baishyo' and 'Sudra’.
• There was no social communication among these four castes. The caste system
was strictly followed then.
• The custom of dowry and child marriage was also in vogue in this age.
• There was 'Kaulinyo' system in the Hindu society. As a result, various bad
manners like polygamy were intruded to the society.
Social, economic & cultural history of middle age
Economic Condition, Trade and Commerce
• The land of riverine Bengal
• The main source of economic prosperity of Bengal was agriculture.
• The prosperity in Bangladesh in textile industry was especially remarkable. Dhaka
was the main center for industry of world famous cloth called Muslin.
• We can know about different small industries of the Middle Age.
Social, economic & cultural history of middle age
Economic Condition, Trade and Commerce
• Most part of trade and commerce was export. A very small amount of goods
would be imported.
• Famous traveler of the 14th century wrote that goods were cheaply available
only in Bengal across the whole world.
• The local traders and dealers did not have any control over trade and commerce.
The Arabian and Persian merchants controlled trade and commerce of this
country. Only they had monopoly control over trade by river.
Social, economic & cultural history of middle age
Architecture and the art of Painting
The Muslim rulers built many palaces, mosques, graveyards, 'dargahs' in different
places of Bengal in different times in order to establish the glory of Islam and make
their conquests and regimes memorable. The Muslim rulers considered building of
mosques as very virtuous job.

Building Location Builder Time when it was built Remarks

Eklakhi Mosque Pandua Jalaluddin 1418 - 1423
Bara Sona Mosque Gaur Alauddin Nusrat Shah finished its biggest mosque of
(Baroduari Mosque) Hossain Shah construction in 1527 Gaur
Choto Sona Mosque Gaur Wali Mohammad

Shat Gombuj Mosque Bagerhat Khan Jahan Ali During reign of Sultan Total domes:
Nasiruddin Ilias 77 + 4 = 81
60 Pillers
Social, economic & cultural history of middle age
Building Location Builder Time when it was built Remarks
Kadam Rasul Gaur Nusrat Shah 1531 A.D.
Baba Adamer Rampala in Jalaluddin Fateh 1483 A.D.
Mosque Dhaka district Shah

Bara Katra Dhaka Shah Suja Mughal Period

Hajigonj Fort Narayanganj Mir Jumla 1660-1663
(Khijirpur Fort)
Shahi mosque of Dhaka Subedar Shahsuja
Lalbag Azam
Choto Katra Dhaka Saesta Khan 1663
Lalbag Kella Dhaka Saesta Khan It’s construction finished
started it’s in 1690 during Ibrahim
construction Khan
Hosseni building Dhaka Saesta Khan 1676
Social, economic & cultural history of middle age
Language, Literature and Education
• The contribution of Sultan and Mughal regime to the development and
promotion of Bengali literature and language is remarkable.
• During the Sultan period Hindu poets also made great contribution to
literature. In this case, inspiration and patronage of Muslim rulers inspired the
Hindus.
• In Giasuddin Azam Shah’s regime first Bengali Muslim poet Shah Mohammad
Sagir wrote his famous poem 'Eusuf-Julekha’, translation of a Persian poem.
• Many Muslim poets being inspired by the idealism of Islam wrote poems
about invasion and conquest.
• Poet Faizullah wrote the first book 'Ragmala’ (a collection of ragas) on music
in Bengali literature.
• Chand Gazi was the creator of the first collection of small verses (Padaboli) of
Bengali literature.
Social, economic & cultural history of middle age
Language, Literature and Education
• Among the Hindu writers and poets of this age Rup Goswami, Sonaton Goswami,
Maladhar Basu, Bijoy Gupta, Biprodas and Joshoraj were remarkable.
• Sreemodgbhagbat' and Purana
• Mahabharata
• Chaitanyo-Bhagbat on Sreechaitanyo deb.