History

Architecture of Bengal
Lecture: 02
 3 or 4 basic races of man
Caucasian races (Aryans, Hamites, Semites)
Mongolian races (northern Mongolian, Chinese
and Indo-Chinese, Japanese and Korean, Tibetan,
Malayan, Polynesian, Maori, Micronesian, Eskimo,
American Indian),
Negroid races (African, Hottentots,
Melanesians/Papua, “Negrito”, Australian Aborigine,
Dravidians, Sinhalese)
Australoid races (Ocenian)

Major races of Bangladesh:

1. Negrito
2. Proto ‐ Australoids or Austrics
3. Mongoloids
4. Mediterranean or Dravidian
5. Western Brachycephals
6. Nordic Aryans
Negrito Proto ‐ Australoids or Austrics
Skin color: Chocolate to jet black Skin colour: Black
Hair: Woolly or frizzy • Hair: Wavy hair
• long Headed
Nose: Fleshy, flat and wide
• Arms & legs: long and spindly Mediterranean or Dravidian:
Ears: Small They have been believed to come before the Aryans.
Lips: Bulbous brown bodies, long
Ex. civilization of the Indus valley.
Jaw : Heavy headed with low foreheads and prominent eye
skin ranges from brown to almost black. Eyes are dark brown or
ridges, noses with low and broad roots, thick jaws,
black. Dravidians generally possess a dolichocephalic head with a
large palates and
long, narrow face and well-developed forehead. Hair is black or
teeth and small chins
dark brown, straight or wavy, long. The nose is straight, long and
narrow.

Mongoloid Nordics or the Indo‐Aryans:

Skin colour: Brownish to yellow This group was the last one to immigrate to India. They came to
• Hair: Black and straight India somewhere between 2000 and 1500 B.C. They are now
• Nose: Flat mainly found in the northern and central part of India. a tall, fair-
yellow complexion, oblique eyes, high complexioned, long-headed race, with narrow, prominent noses,
cheekbones, sparse hair and broad shoulders, long arms, slim waists. Light eyes.
medium height.

•Aryan influence - the northwestern parts of India in the middle of

the second millennium BC & it took a long time to reach the eastern
limits of the subcontinent.
•From about 5th century BC it pushed into Bengal from the west and
it took about one thousand years to Aryanise the whole of Bengal.
•retained many elements in their life and culture which were non-
Aryan and pre-Aryan.
Bangali
Who were the original inhabitants of Bangladesh?
Proto‐Australoid or Veddid were the original inhabitants of Bangladesh.
Mixed with Aryans, Semitic, and little with Mongoloid

• Skin: Black
• Nose: Wide
• Size of the skull: Long and round
• Stature: Short and middle

According to Risley, the Bengali people have the following physical

characteristics
• Skull: round, long
• Nose: wide
• Stature: middle or short
Ancient period EARLY HISTORY, 1000 B.C.-A.D. 1202
Pre-historic
Nanda dynasty
Mauryan Empire (ca. 320-300 B.C.) •Before the Imperial Guptas, very scanty references in the Vedic,
Epic and Puranic literature
Gupta Empire (A.D. ca. 319- ca. 540) •From the Gupta period onwards we get written records in the form
[Shashanka 7th C.] of epigraphs and literature
Pala Dynasty (750-1150 AD)
The Senas (ca. 1097-1223 AD)

Turkish conquest in 1204

Medieval period ISLAMIZATION OF BENGAL, 1204-1757

Sultanate (1204-1620 AD)
Mughals (1612-1765 in Bengal)

Colonial period EUROPEAN COLONIZATION, 1757(65)-1857

British East India Company (1765-1857)
The British Raj (1857-1947)

Post colonial period

Pakistan (1947- 1971)
Bangladesh (1971- today)
 Ancient Janapadas
vanga, pundra, radha, samatata gauda harikela
inhabited by non-Aryan ethnic groups

• prehistoric artifacts in Bangladesh are the Lalmai hills near Comilla,

Chaklapunji Tea Garden of Chunarughat in the Habiganj district of
Sylhet, Sitakunda and Rangamati of the Chittagong region, and the
Wari-Bateshwar of Narshingdi district.

Pre-historic period
Prehistoric stone implements have been discovered in various parts of West Bengal in the districts of Midnapur,
Bankura, and Burdwan. But it is difficult to determine, even approximately, the time when people using them first Ancient period
settled in Bengal.
 Riverine fortress city & Settlement pattern ….

- Particular in trading /specialized - Socio-cultural aspect of the locality

commerce exchange - Zoning of the urban core
- Potential of the area - Religious emblem
- Geographical situation - Arrangement of the locality
- Marine route and connection - River & sea image
- Inland port network - Order of the urban core
- Strong administrative follow-up - Inherent and unique fabric, material,
- Protection and good ruling course of action and
- Occupation - Art of the city (morphology)

The ‘Ganges valley civilization model’

all ancient settlement along with the river beds, Bengal land formation covered with sediment topography, which ended towards by the flow and fall in
to the Bay of Bengal.
Generated by Sajid Bin DOZA, with the association of Google earth image
The history of Bengal from the fall of the Mauryas (2nd century
BC) to the rise of the Guptas (4th century AD) is obscure.

Mauryan Period: 3rd C B.C. - 3rd C A.D.

The history of Bengal from the fall of the Mauryas (2nd century
BC) to the rise of the Guptas (4th century AD) is obscure.

Gupta Period: 300 A.D. – 7th C A.D.

Chandra Dynasty: Later 7th C A.D. – Early 8th C A.D.

Pala Period: 8th C A.D. – 10th C A.D.
 Pala Period: 8th C A.D. – 10th C A.D.

Dharmapala was a devout Buddhist and a great patron of Buddhism. He is credited with the foundation of
the vikramasila mahavihara, which was one of the most important seats of Buddhist learning in India
from the 9th to the 12th centuries AD. somapura mahavihara at Paharpur is another monumental
architectural work of Dharmapala.

Vikramasila Mahavihara Somapura Mahavihara

 Devs of Bengal
Dynasties of Southeastern Bengal Southeastern Bengal
the kingdom of Vanga the Khadga kings Chandra rulers

Deva dynasty Southeastern Bengal emerged as a kingdom of considerable size and strength under the deva
dynasty in the 8th century AD with their capital at devaparvata (a city in the Mainamati-Lalmai area,
the exact location of which is not yet settled). Four generations of rulers (Shantideva, Viradeva,
Anandadeva and Bhavadeva) ruled Samatata and they were contemporaries of the early Pala kings,
who held sway over northern and western Bengal and Bihar. The Devas were Buddhists and under
their patronage the mainamati area rose into prominence as an important Buddhist cultural centre.

9th century AD southeastern Bengal saw the emergence of the kingdom of Harikela, which may have
embraced the area from Chittagong to Comilla.
last quarter of the eleventh century AD the Varman Dynasty
 Sena Period: 10th C A.D. – 13th C A.D.

The Sena Dynasty Towards the end of the 12th century AD Vijayasena founded the Sena Empire. His forefathers
hailed from the Karnata country of the Deccan, but he emerged in the politics of Bengal as a feudatory ruler in
West Bengal during the rule of the Pala emperor Ramapala.

The Senas held sway over Bengal for more than a century (c1097-1223 AD) in which five generations of kings
(Vijayasena, Vallalasena, Laksmanasena, Vishvarupasena and Keshavasena) ruled. But it must be noted that the
invasion of Muhammad bakhtiyar khalji put an end to Sena rule in parts of western and northern Bengal (in
1204 AD) and Laksmanasena had to fall back on his possessions in southeastern Bengal
Delhi Sultanate: Mamluk→Khilji→Tughlaq→Sayyid→Lodi (1206-1526)

Sultanate of Bengal: 1352–1538,1554–1576

Mughal Empire: 1526-1857

Nawabs of Bengal:
Architecture of Ancient Period: Bengal WARI-BATESWAR
KOTALIPARA
Secular architecture
BHITORGARH
• Settlement & dwelling GAUR
• Fort & fortification
KHALIFATABAD

• Citadel & Palace

Secular architecture
Religious Architecture
• From the available information, albeit inadequate, it is now known that in neolithic-
• Stupa chalcolithic Bengal there were settled habitations with permanent structures at sites
• Monastery or Vihara like DIHAR (Bankura district). The structures were rudimentary wattle-and-daub
• Temple constructions with beaten earth flooring.

• The early historic period witnessed the sprouting of a number of urban centres at sites
like MAHASTHAN (Bogra district) in Bangladesh and in West Bengal at Bangarh (Dinajpur
district), CHANDRAKETUGARH(24 Parganas district), MANGALKOT (Burdwan district),
Pokharna and Dihar.

• Traces of mud ramparts, noticed at several of these sites, may suggest that an early Bengal
city often contained an acropolis. The very limited nature of evidence is a major
impediment for understanding civil construction. Apparently, mud, bamboo and
timber, and, occasionally, burnt bricks, were used for building houses.
Terracotta drainpipes and ring wells were also found.

• During the succeeding periods, represented by sites like Bangarh and Mahasthan, the
houses became more and more complex, with a simultaneous increase in the use of burnt
bricks.
Fort & fortification
Pandu Rajar Dhibi
A. Pandu Rajar Dhibi situated at Panduk
(Burdwan District) on the bank of Ajay River,
first chalcolithic (denote "stone" or Copper
Age) site
B. The mound (200m X 170m)
C. The settlement is comprised of
organized urban development of-

• agriculturists
• modest circular to square huts with
mud-plastered walls. There were hearths
and garbage-places in the huts
• ordinary mud-floor
• painted motif

Chandraketugarh remains
 Pundranagar or Mahasthangarh
A Truly Planned Magnificent City
Mahasthan Brahmi Inscription

Pundranagara the earliest urban centre in Bangladesh, (4th century BC.)

Administrative religious and cultural headquarters of the territorial division
PUNDRAVARDHANA from the Maurya period to the end of the rule of the Palas,
Even in Senas timeline profoundly.

It continued its importance even in the early Muslim period

City Walls (Rampart), Gates, Palaces, common dwelling, assembly halls, temples, Viharas,
Shops, Ponds and even suburban temples and viharas are also found here.

• Bairagir Bhita, Khodar Pathar Bhita, Mankalir Kunda Mound, Parasuram’s Palace
Mound and Jiat Kunda are some sites inside the city

• Govinda Bhita, LAKSINDARER MEDH, Bhasu Vihar, Vihar Dhap, Mangalkot and Godaibadi
Dhap are excavated sites located outside the city
 300 BC. Mahasthangarh (Bengali: মহাস্থানগড় Môhasthangôṛ) is one of the earliest urban archaeological sites so far discovered
MAHASTHAN in Bangladesh. The village Mahasthan in Shibganj thana of Bogra District contains the remains of an ancient city which was
called Pundranagara or Paundravardhanapura in the territory of Pundravardhana.

A limestone slab bearing six lines in Prakrit in Brahmi

script, discovered in 1931, dates Mahasthangarh to at least
the 3rd century BC
MAHASTHAN

-Comprehensive urban core planning

on the Pleistocene physiographic unit in
Bangladesh, situated on the north Bengal
as well as in the Bengal basin landform

-Several dynasties ruled over the hinterland

-The urban core became the most important

trading hub in the south eastern pediment of
Himalayas. And the settlement maintained the
connection with the Indus civilization

-Most ancient civilization in Bangladesh dated

back 3rd Century BC.

- Fortified riverine settlement besides once

most affluent mighty river KARATOYA
MAHASTHAN

the urban core of MAHASTHAN had a vast area of settlement. With the political overviews the
pattern vicinity used to orient in different tracks. Perhaps the most settled and glorious
pattern of neighborhood used to establish during the PALA dynasty. The image is analyzed
with those facts and figures. Based on the interim report of the French-Bangladesh excavation
team
 Strategic planning organization
MAHASTHAN This Cartographic illustration and information states the conjectural
restoration of the ancient riverine fortress city of Pundranagar, capital of
Ancient PUNDRABARDHANA BHUKTI (regional capital). This particular
cartographic illustration and information elaborates the settlement
pattern of the ancient city during 8th till 11th Century AD. Indeed; focus on
the ``Buddhist period city planning and settlement pattern´´ of Northern
part of ancient Bengal.

Zone A: this zone particularly occupied by the riverine

activities and watery cultural practice,
Zone B: mostly occupied with the riverine navigation and
trading purpose.
Zone C: basically this zone perhaps, used to be associated
with mix used opportunities. The temple, stupas,
monasteries, bazaar and few residential area
Zone D: religious establishment including the monasteries
were occupied here and residential areas
Zone E: majority were purposed with the dwellings and
inhabitants.
Zone F: foremost often; might be settled with dense
population with small dwelling or housing.

the conjectural mapping of the riverine fortress

city of MAHASTHAN, All these mapping and
information has been contributed here are form
the scientific examination of excavation and the
ancient geographical information.
Generated by Sajid Bin DOZA
 Strategic planning organization
MAHASTHAN This Cartographic illustration and information states the conjectural
restoration of the ancient riverine fortress city of Pundranagar, capital of
Ancient PUNDRABARDHANA BHUKTI (regional capital). This particular
cartographic illustration and information elaborates the settlement
pattern of the ancient city during 8th till 11th Century AD. Indeed; focus on
the ``Buddhist period city planning and settlement pattern´´ of Northern
part of ancient Bengal.

Zone A: this zone particularly occupied by the riverine

activities and watery cultural practice,
Zone B: mostly occupied with the riverine navigation and
trading purpose.
Zone C: basically this zone perhaps, used to be associated
with mix used opportunities. The temple, stupas,
monasteries, bazaar and few residential area
Zone D: religious establishment including the monasteries
were occupied here and residential areas
Zone E: majority were purposed with the dwellings and
inhabitants.
Zone F: foremost often; might be settled with dense
population with small dwelling or housing.

the conjectural mapping of the riverine fortress

city of MAHASTHAN, All these mapping and
information has been contributed here are form
the scientific examination of excavation and the
ancient geographical information.
Generated by Sajid Bin DOZA
MAHASTHAN

• The rampart of the city, built with burnt bricks,

belongs to six periods.
• gateways of the city, a considerable portion of the
northern and eastern rampart, and a temple complex
near the mazar area.
• gateway complexes are provided with guardrooms in
the inner side, and bastions projecting outside the
rampart walls.
• terracotta plaques, toys, balls, ornamental bricks, and
earthenwares.
The site, partly hidden under thick Excavated mounds: Major unexcavated mounds:
jungle, was discovered in 1879 by Sir Gobhindo Bhita, Shiladebir Ghat. Jogir Dhap.
Khulnar Dhap, Chunoru Dighi Dhap.
Alexander Cunningham. Podmobhatir Dhap.
Mangalkot,. Kaibilki Dhap. Kanai Dhap.
Godaibari Dhap,. Juraintala. Dulu Mojhir Bhita.
The rampart-wall, more than 1,5 km Totaram Panditer Dhap,. Poroshuramer Shobhabati. Podda Debhir Bhita.
long the North-South axis and 1,3 Noropotir Dhap (Vashu Bihara), Balai Dhap. Rastala Dhap.
km on the West-East axis ; it raises Gokul Medh Prochir Dhibi. Shoshitola Dhap.
up to 15 m in places, and several (Lokhindorer Bashor Ghor),. Kanchir Hari Dhibi. Dhonbandhor Dhap.
well-built gates can be seen along its Shkonder Dhap,. Lohonar Dhap. Chader Dhap.
Khujar Dhap. Shindinath Dhap.
course. Doshatina Dhap. Shalibahon Rajar Kacharibari Dhipi.
Dhoniker Dhap. Kacher Angina.
Mondirir Dorgah. Mongolnather Dhap.
Bishmordana Dhibi. ChhoutoTengra/ Babur Dhap/ Kethar Dhap.
Malinar Dhap. Boro Tengra/ Shonyashir Dhap
Malpukuria Dhap
 -Climate –
- Monsoon Rain - Humidity - Saline Factor –
-Primary and major construction materials –
Terracotta bricks –wood- bamboo – mud – lime – past of lime
 Riverine fortress city & Settlement pattern ….
- Particular in trading /specialized
- Socio-cultural aspect of the locality
commerce exchange (Economic condition)
- Zoning of the urban core
- Potential of the area (Context)
- Religious emblem
- Geographical situation
- Arrangement of the locality
- Marine route and connection
- River & sea image
(Connectivity)
- Order of the urban core
- Inland port network
- Inherent and unique fabric, material,
- Strong administrative follow-up
course of action and
- Protection and good ruling
- Art of the city (morphology)
- Occupation

The ‘Ganges valley civilization model’

all ancient settlement along with the river beds, Bengal land formation covered with sediment topography, which ended towards by the
flow and fall in to the Bay of Bengal.
Thank You