Lecture 8-10

History of Bengal: Ancient

Period

Mohammad Faisal Akber

Assistant Professor
Department of Development Studies
Daffodil International University
 Objectives of this Class

❑ Understand the historical and political development of

Bengal.
❑ Realize the political dynamics of Bengal in accordance with
historical grounds.
❑ Know the ruling structure of Bengal as well as the people's
rebellion against the oppressor.
❑ Explore and examine the outcomes of dynastic rule.
 Pre Ancient History of Bengal
❑ Stone Age: The stone age is a broad prehistoric term that refers to
the periods of time preceding recorded history or the development
of writing systems. It also refers to the "inception of the universe,"
"the appearance of life on Earth," and "since the appearance of
human-like beings." This age lasted 3.4 million years and ended
between 4500 BC and 2000 BC with the advent of metalworking.
❑ Bronze Age: 3000-1300 BC
❑ Iron Age: 1200-26 BC

Magadha Empire: Western Bangladesh, as part of Magadha, became

part of the Indo-Aryan civilization by the 700 BC.
Pundranagar or Mahasthangarh: In 700 BC Urban civilization
emerged at Mahasthangarh, Now at Bogra district.
 Geographical Location
The Himalayas are in the north. The Bay of Bengal is in
the south. The Bhramaputra, the Kangsa, the Surma, and
the Sajjuk rivers are in the east. The Nagar, the Barakar,
and the lower part of Suvarnarekha are in the west.
 Ancient Janapadas or Localities
The historic term "Janapada" means human settlement. The
sources of ancient Bengal suggest that in the earliest period,
Bengal was divided among various tribes or kingdoms, which are
known as the Janapadas. The ancient Janapadas are as follows:
❑ Banga/Vanga: Dhaka, Kushtia, Jessore and Mymensingh 
❑ Chanradvipa: Barisal, Patuakhali, Bakerganj. Between the
river Baleshwar and the Meghna
❑ Pundra or Varandra: Rajshahi, Pabna, Bogra, Rongpur,
Dinajpur
❑ Gauda: Chapai Nawabganj, Naogaon and Natore 
❑ Harikela: Sylhet to Chittagong Hill Tracks
❑ Samatata: Cumilla, Noakhali, Tripura
❑ Radha: West Bengal
 Ancient Janapadas: Banga & Pundra

❑Banga/Vanga: The Banga is a prehistoric human

settlement in Eastern Bengal. However, its geographical
connotation changed throughout [Link] to Hindu
literature, the Banga is a seafaring nation with a realm that
extends all the way to the sea. Banga appears to be an area
of the southern and southeastern parts of present-day
Bangladesh.

❑Chandradwip/Bakla: Bakla Pargana, mentioned in "Ain-e-

Akbari," belongs to the present Barisal district. In the Middle
Ages, present day Barisal district was the mainland and
heart of Chandradwip. This ancient town was situated
between Baleshwar and Meghna.
 Ancient Janapadas: Banga & Pundra

❑Pundra or Varandra:
The Pundra is Bangladesh's oldest urban center, dating back to
the 4th century BC. The ruins of this have been identified at
Mahasthan in Bogra district. It remained the administrative
center of the Maurya, Gupta, and Pala dynasties. It was situated
on the western bank of the Karatoya. It was well connected
with other parts of Bengal through land and river routes. For
this reason, it was an important center of trade and commerce
throughout the ancient period. Pundra continued to be
important after the Hindu regime and in the early Muslim
period. The famous Muslim saint Shah Sultan Balkhi Mahisawar
established his Khankah here.
 Ancient Janapadas: Gauda & Radha

❑The Gauda: The famous and first independent ruler of

Gauda was Shashanka. He ruled Gauda in the 7th century AD,
and his capital was Karnasuborna, which is located in
present-day Murshidabad district. In the 13th century, under
the Sultans, "Gauda" denoted the entire area of the Muslim
sultanate. Its capital, also called Gaur or Lakhnaboti, is
located in the present-day Chapai Nawabgonj district.

❑The Radha: Radha is the ancient human settlement of

Bengal. It is difficult to pinpoint its precise location. However,
historical sources indicate that Radha is the west-southwest
region of ancient Bengal. Howrah, Hughli, and Burdwan in
West Bengal are some areas of ancient Radha.
 Ancient Janapadas in Details

❑ Samatate: The Samatate is an ancient territorial unit in ancient

Bengal. The Chinese traveler Hiuen-Tsang visited Samatate in
the 7th century AD. As per his account, it was the southeastern
part of Bengal and a Buddhist cultural center. With the
archaeological discoveries in the Lalmai-Mainamati area, it can
now be stated with certainty that Samatata was formed at
Comilla-Noakhali and the adjacent parts of hilly Tripura.

❑ Harikel: Harikel is another geographical entity in ancient

Bengal. But it is so difficult to locate it. Most of the evidence
supports the idea that Harikel is similar to our present-day
Sylhet region. Another piece of archaeological evidence points
to its current location in the Chittagong district. Harikel was
located alongside Samatat.
 Empires in Ancient Bengal:
400 BC to 1204 AD
❑ Maurya Dynasty (324 BC–185 BC)
Foremost Rulers: Chandragupta Maurya, Ashoka Vardhana
❑ Gupta Empire (240 AD–550 AD )
Foremost Rulers: Sri-Gupta, Chandra Gupta-1, Samudra Gupta
❑ Gauda /Gaur Kingdom (590 AD–637 AD)
Foremost Ruler: Shashanka
❑ Pala Empire (756 AD-1161 AD)
Foremost Rulers: Gopala, Dharmapala, Devapala, Mahipala-1, Rampala
❑ Sena Dynasty: (1070 AD-1229 AD)
Foremost Ruler: Hemantasen, Vijayasen, Ballalsen, Lakshmansen
References: 1. Majumdar, R, C. (1943). History of Bengal. Dhaka.
2. Rahim et al. (2001). Bangladesher Itihash. Nawroze Kitabistan. Dhaka.
The Maurya Empire: Key Issues
 The Maurya Empire: Key Issues
• The Mauryan Empire unified most of the Indian subcontinent into one
state for the first time and was one of the largest empires in
subcontinental history. It ruled most of modern-day India, Pakistan,
and Bangladesh, and its most famous ruler was Asoka. Even though the
empire was well run and politically integrated, not much is known
about how it and eastern Bengal helped each other.

• During the time of the Mauryan Empire, Buddhism came to Bengal, and
it was from there that Asoka's son, Mahinda, carried the message of the
Enlightened One to Sri Lanka.

• The empire was established by Chandragupta Maurya. Under Mauryan

rule, the economic system benefited from the creation of a single
efficient system of finance, administration, and security. The reign of
Ashoka ushered in an era of social harmony, religious transformation,
and the expansion of the sciences and of knowledge.
 The Maurya Empire: Key Rulers
Chandragupta Maurya Ashoka the great
✔ First all Indian ruler. ✔ Son of Bindusara, the third
✔ Founder of Mauryan Dynasty. king of the Mauryan and the
✔ Kautilya or Chanakya was his Chief- Governor of Ujjian/Ujjain.
Minister.
✔ He defeated the Greeks, Alexader’s ✔ Ambitious and aggressive
army led by Seleucus. ruler.
✔ Megasthenes, the Greek
ambassador at his court. ✔ War of Kalinga then embrace
✔ Kutillya’s thought and Buddhism.
Chandragupta’s power made the
Maurya empire one of the largest ✔ Preach the message of
and powerful kingdom of that time. Buddhism.
 Maurya Empire: Key features
Chandragupta was the architect of the first Indian imperial power, the
Mauryan Empire, whose capital was Pataliputra, near modern-day Patna, in
Bihar, not so far from Bengal. The key features are:

❑ Central and provincial rules

❑ Pataliputra was the capital and center of this empire.
❑ political and economic stability.
❑ King/Emperor was at the top of administration and he was all in all.
❑ North Bengal was under their control.
❑ Mahastangar still bears their memory, as Pundranaga was their
provincial capital.
❑ The Arthashastra of Kautilya tells us that the tradition of weaving fine
cotton cloth in Bengal goes back as far as the Mauriya Period.
The Gupta Empire
 The Gupta Empire: Key issues
• Bengal came under Gupta rule in the 4th century AD. This period was
considered to be the "golden age" of Indian history. During this
period, India was controlled by a strong central government. It
brought peace, prosperity, and political stability.

• Sri Gupta was the founder of the Gupta Empire. The Gupta ruler
Samudragupta absorbed Bengal, and kingdoms in Nepal and Assam
paid him tribute. He was also known as the Napoleon of India.

• The discovery of a large number of Gupta coins and ornaments

proved that there was economic prosperity under the Guptas. This
period was also remarkable for religious toleration and the
coexistence of religious beliefs.
 Gupta Empire: Key Contributions
✔ Mathematics: Developments of the Decimal System, Innovation of
"Zero," Development of "Trigonometry,"
✔ Astronomy: Aryabhatta discovered "diurnal and annual motions."
Brihastangia, a book on astronomy written by Brahimir
✔ Literature: Sanskrit and Hindu literature flourished. Kalidash was a
poet in the Gupta court.

✔ Medicine: During this time, the use of mercury and iron in medicine
began. An operations system was developed.
✔ Education: Nalanda and Takshila Universities became centers of
education, and they provide residential facilities.
✔ Art & Architecture: Architecture, Sculpture, and Painting developed.
Varanasi, Mathura, and Pataliputra were the centers of those activities.
✔ Politics and Administration: Political Stability
Independent kingdom Gauda: Key Issues
• The Gauda Kingdom was a classical kingdom on the Indian subcontinent
that originated in the Bengal region during the classical period.
• King Shashanka is often credited with creating the first separate political
entity in a unified Bengal, called Gauda. He ruled in the seventh century.
• His kingdom included North and West [Link] ruled over northern
[Link] was his capital.
• He extended his authority in Orissa and in Bihar.

• The most important contribution of Shashanka was that he defended the

independence of the Gaud empire against a powerful Indian adversary.
• Religious controversy: Shashanka was a follower of Hinduism. His main
political enemy, Harsavardana, was Buddhist. Some writers of that time
wrote that Harsavardana was born to punish Shashanka.
• Evidence suggested that Shashanka did not persecute Buddhists.
 Pala Empire: Key issues
• The Pala Empire was a Bengali empire and the last Buddhist imperial
power on the Indian subcontinent. This period saw the greatest
development of Buddhism and Buddhist culture throughout Asia, including
in Bengal. The Pala dynasty lasted for four centuries.

• Condition before Palas-disorder: After Shashanka’s death, there was no

strong ruler, and just a few kings could rule for more than a year. Foreign
invaders attacked Bengal. The state became lawless, and disorder came
from external and internal forces.

• Gopala, bringing an end to disorder: The period of disorder was finally

brought to an end by Gopala in 750 AD. Gopala established the Pala dynasty,
which ruled Bengal for the next 400 years. During his 25-year reign, he not
only brought order to the country but also extended his policies to his son,
Dharmapala.
 Pala Empire: Key issues
❑ Dharmapala, the greatest ruler: Dharmapala was the second ruler of the Pala
dynasty. He increased his power in Bengal and also extended his kingdom from
Bengal to Bihar and to the northern Indian region of Kanauj. He was a Buddhist
and founded Vikramshila University. He also followed a policy of religious
tolerance and mutual coexistence in different regions. The Somapura
Mahavihara, built by Emperor Dharmapala, is the greatest Buddhist monastery
in the Indian subcontinent.

❑ Devapala's Rule: The third ruler of the Pala dynasty and the son of
Dharmapala. He made attempts to increase the influence of Bengal and
conquered a large area of northern India, Orissa, and Kamarupa. He maintained
friendly relations with the rulers of Buddhist kingdoms in Southeast Asia.

❑ Final Decline: Ramapala was the final strong Pala Emperor, and Madanpala was
the last Pala king. The last days of the Palas were characterized by internal
revolt and factionalism that weakened this vast kingdom. The Sena dynasty took
the place of the Pala dynasty.
 Pala Empire: Key Contributions
❑ The Pala Rulers were promoters of classical Indian philosophy, literature, painting,
and sculpture. They built grand temples and monasteries, including the Somapura
Mahavihara, and patronized the great universities of Nalanda and Vikramashila.
Under Pala rule, the proto-Bengali language evolved. The empire enjoyed relations
with the Srivijaya Empire, the Tibetan Empire, and the Arab Abbasid Caliphate.

❑ The Pala rulers were great supporters and admirers of Buddhism. They built
monasteries (viharas) and temples in eastern India to promote Buddhism.
Students and pilgrims throughout Southeast Asia came to these monasteries for
education and religious purposes and returned with specimens of Pala Buddhist
art. The last great phase of Buddhist art in India is attributed to the Pala period. 
❑ The Pala kings are also considered to have been shrewd diplomats, forging
relationships with different cultures to promote new trade routes. The empire enjoyed
good connections with Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Cultural ideas were also
transferred, and there's evidence of Islam appearing in Bengal during this time, while
the mathematical and astronomical achievements of the Indian civilization were
absorbed in places like Iraq.
 Sena Regime: Key Issues
❑ Samanta Sena was the founder of the Sena dynasty. Senas brought about a
revival of Hinduism and cultivated Sanskrit literature in eastern India.
They succeeded in bringing Bengal under one ruler during the 12th
century.
❑ Hemanta Sena and Vijay Sena: Hemanta Sena ruled as a feudal king
under the Pala Emperor. Vijay Sena also ruled as a feudal king under
Ramala. He also laid the foundation for the independent rule of the Senas.
He also established his own supremacy in north and north-western Bengal.
❑ Vallala Sena: He was a great scholar and author. He wrote the Danasagara
in 1168.
❑ Lakshmana Sena—disintegration of the dynasty: He came to power in
1178 AD after his father. He was well-known for his abilities as a warrior
and as a writer. In his time, there was disruption and disintegration in his
kingdom.
❑ Many independent chiefs seized power, shattering the unity. Bakhtiyar
Khalji defeated Sena at Naadia in 1204 AD, bringing an end to Sena's rule.
 Culture in ancient Bengal
Economic Activities
✔ Agriculture was the main occupation of the people in ancient Bengal
(paddy and sugarcane).
✔ On handlooms, village weavers created fabrics.
✔ Markets, bazaars, and business centers grew up by the side of the
rivers.
Dress and recreation
✔ Men dressed in Dhooti and Chadar, while women dressed in a sari
and an orna.
✔ It is fashionable for men to keep long hair and long nails colored to
attract women.
✔ Both men and women wore rings and studs in their ears, rings on
their fingers, necklaces, and hair ornaments.
✔ Chess and dice were the most common games in ancient society.
 Culture in ancient Bengal
Art and Architecture

✔ Buildings, temples, and other structures that were made in ancient

Bengal have almost never stayed the same.

✔ Large buildings and viharas found in Mahasthangarh, Paharpur, and

Maynamati show that Bengal has a lot of architectural history. 
 Professions in Ancient Bengal
❑ Agriculture: The history of agriculture records the domestication of plants
and animals and the development of techniques for raising them
productively. Wild grains were collected and eaten at an earlier time in the
ancient period. Later on, irrigation, crop rotation, and fertilizers were
introduced. People started producing foods like wheat, rice, and barley for
themselves.

❑ Trade and Commerce: Bengal enjoyed prosperity through trade and

commerce in the ancient period. The rivers afforded easy communication
for internal trade, and Bengal’s location on the Bay of Bengal offered her the
opportunity to participate in international trade. For example, Bengal used
to import spices and silk clothes to Greece and Rome.

❑ Small Industries: Small industries were also introduced in ancient Bengal.

The salt industry, the jute industry, and the shipping industry were proof of
the existence of small industries.
 THE END

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