History of Bangladesh.

History of Bangladesh. 

Why Study History and Cultural heritage of Bangladesh (Bangladesh Studies) ?

To develop  the identity as an individual or as  group of people, provides a sense of community.

Elevate the spirit our national identity and unity, solidarity and to make ourselves feel proud about it.

To create memories for the future generations.

To  take initiatives to preserve the objects of material culture (tangible and intangible) for the posterity and also to generate tourism.

Heritage tells us the stories about our roots, our  ancestors, our land,  our climate or landscape, religion, culture,  our spirit and emotion, social norms and rituals, etc.

Studying heritage in the long run gives a directionality of how are we going to lead our life in future.

Source of history and cultural heritage:  

In order to study the history and cultural heritage of people of present Bangladesh and Bengal (Ancient, Medieval and Colonial Periods) we need to rely on two types of sources:

1. Primary sources

2. Secondary sources

1. Primary sources:

•1.1: Archaeological sites:       

• Landscape                                                    

• Structure,                                                      

• Flora and faunal remains,                                   

• Soil type and content                                    

1.2. Artifacts                                            

1. coin
2. copper- plate inscriptions and stone tablets
3. stone and bronze sculpture 
4. Arts paintings 
5. Architectural remains 
6. Terracotta plaque
7. pottery 
8. tools- Stone, fossil wood and implements
9. seals and sealing 
                                                                        

                                                                      

Archaeologial Sites

Artifacts

  

Artifacts

Artifacts

Artifacts

Artifacts

2. Secondary source  

1.Chronicles of Chinese Travelers.
2. Texts of Tibetan Writer ( Lama Taranath ).
3.Literary sources ( Hindu, Jina and Buddhist text .)
4. Accounts of European travelers.
5. Accounts of Muslm historians.

# 1.2.1 Artifact coins

Other than used for an exchange purpose, coins contain many important information like name and title of the ruler,

Images of divinities, symbols( swastika, tree, tridents, chakra)  in case of Hindu and Buddhist rulers.

Kalima and Name of Caliph in Muslim coins.

 The material (gold, silver, copper)  of the coin of indicates the status of trade and commerce.

# Coins

The symbol of sovereignty

Very basic information such as the name of a king, place, date, religion, relationship with other      king/emperor;

Trade; basically economic history

# Punch marked coins

# Cast copper coins

# Imitation coins

1.2.2.Inscriptions and Tablets (Copper, Stone)

➧Inscriptions provide information of the ruler or sponsor his title, name of his       ancestors, description of their activities and glory.

➧Generally copper plates contain information about land donation, purchase and sell    of lands, name of the ruler, name of the officials of the ruler,

  Administrative units and management of administration and tools /order of different    administrative units.

➧Also one can know the geographical location proximity of a specific kingdom and its    neighboring regions.

Now we are discussing about the Archaeological source:

➧Inscriptions also provide information about the geographical nature of the               land (cultivable land, habitable land, forest, massy land, barren land, meadows). Also     type, measurement and valuation of land are also stated in the grant.

➧These inscriptions also bear evidence of establishment of different religious structures    (temple, monastery). These land grants also provide evidence of religions tolerance.         For example, Hindu ruler donating land for Buddhist Bihar or Stupa.

➧Similarly, on the other hand a Buddhist king donating land for temple or donating land      to Hindu Brahmins

.

➧Inscription have been given the first place in the list because they are on the whole the    most important and trust worthy source of our knowledge.” - Vincent Smith.

➧The copper plate inscriptions and Parasites (eulogies) composed by royal court poets,    archivists and genealogists are piece of historical writings.

➧A large number of inscriptions are found

➧Written in Sanskrit.

➧Divided in two broad categories: official and private.

➧The official records are mostly Prassastis of kings or land grants.

➧Deopara inscription of Vijaya Sena is such an example.

➧Deopara inscription was written by court poet Umapatidhara;

➧Land grants

➧Copper plate and in rare instances also found on stone pillars

➧What does it tell us?

➧The Khalimpur Copper Plate is another famous inscription that tells us about several         Pala Ruler such as:

A)Devapala
B)Rampala
C)Dharmapala
D)Mahipala

Now we discussing about the Ancient Bengal:

➧Maurya Period (3^rd Century BC)

➧Mahasthangarh, Bogra

➧Brahmi inscription suggests strong administration, relief system (distribution of             paddy and money)

➧First urban settlement

➧Arthasastra of Kautilya: fine cotton fabric

➧Thus famous muslin of Dhaka in 16^th and 17^th century

   is datables to Mauryan period. 

Some material reminds: 

➧It helps us to understand everyday life (mostly elite people???)

➧Economic and military strength of a kingdom

➧Religious belief

➧Material remains can be found in the shape of the ruins of ancient cities, terracotta

  plaques, sculptures and articles of everyday use.

Some archaeological sites in Bangladesh are:

➧Mahasthangarh

➧Paharpur

➧Mainamati

➧Somapura Vihara and the like