Materials of Ancient Period

Origin of the name Banga or Bangla

Introduction: There are many differences of opinion about the origin of the name Banga or
Bangla. According to some, the name Bengal and later Bangala originated from the name
Banga. Some believe that a group of people called Bong in the past lived in the region and
after them the region came to be known as Banga. Many people think that the submerged
damp region is called Banga or Bengal. The origin of the name Banga or Bangla is discussed
below:
1. Bengali in Travelers' Writings: Bengal was known as 'Bengal' during the British rule. In
the 16th and 17th centuries European writings mention the country called 'Bengal'. Marca
Polo is referring to the city of Bengal. Gastoldi in his map shows Bengal to be west of
Chattigram.
2. According to Ahmad Rafiq: Ahmad Rafiq said in the book 'Bengali's Independence War',
'......... However, the independent Bengali-land called Gangaashtra or Gangahridi is
recognized as the most ancient state.
3. According to Ajay Roy: Ajay Roy says in the article 'Bengali Janm', the first mention of
'Beng' people and townships can be seen in Aitareya Aranya.
4. According to Abul Fazl: The poet Abul Fazl in Ain-e-Akbari says about the origin of the
name 'Bangla' in Emperor Akbar's meeting: "The ancient name of this country was Banga. In
ancient times its kings used to build 'Al', a tower 10 yards high and 20 yards wide; Bengal and
the origin of the name Bangla." So Bengal+Al = Bengal > Bengal > Bangla.
5. According to Sukumar Sen: Sukumar Sen has expressed the view that those who live in
the watery country in the east are 'Banga' and their home-land is 'Banga-desh'.
6. According to Rameshchandra Majumdar: Rameshchandra Majumdar thinks that 'Beng'
and 'Bengal' were two separate countries from ancient times. From the name of the country
'Bengal' the whole country has been named 'Bangla' over time. The name 'Bengal' which is
called 'Bengal' by the present day people of Bangladesh, carries the memory of that ancient
'Bengal' country.
7. According to Niharranjan Roy: Niharranjan Roy, along with Abul Fazal, said that the
construction of small and large dams (al) to prevent floods and tidal currents in riverine
countries was inevitable for agriculture and habitats. And 'Banga' was joined with 'Al' and it
was named 'Bangala'
Different Doctrines:
Abul Fazal in his famous book 'Ain-i-Akbari' said about the origin of the name 'Bangala' ---
Bengal. The name Bangal or Bangala originated by adding 'Al' to this Bengal.
Many people have thought that 'Banga' is a Chinese and Tibetan word. They may think that
because the name of Bengal is similar to the name of rivers like Ganges, Huangho,
Yangsiqiang etc.
Ramesh Chandra Majumdar thinks that 'Bengal' is the name of the country.
During the reign of Ilyas Shah, his title was 'Shah-i-Bangala'. Also, in the 16th century, the
Portuguese referred to Bengal as 'Bangala'. Although historians differ about the origin of the
name Bengali, it is emphatically ancient.
Conclusion: Finally, it can be said that from the ancient township 'Bengal' to 'Bangalah' or
'Bangala' in the Middle Ages, 'Bengal' of the Portuguese during the British rule, 'Bengal' of
the English, 'East Bengal' during the Pakistan rule (1947-1955), East After gaining
independence from Pakistan (1955), and the Great War of Liberation, the name 'Bangladesh'
became well established. So, this is how Bengal > Bengal > Bangala > Suba-i-Bangala > East
Bengal > East Pakistan > Bengal originated.

Rivers impact on culture, social system and economy of Bangladesh.

Introduction: Bangladesh has been blessed with the unique gifts of nature. The position of
this country is not exactly flat but has gradually moved higher than the sea level. Moreover, it
is the largest delta in the world. This country adjacent to the Bay of Bengal is unique in its
natural diversity. Sundarbans is the largest mangrove forest in the world. Just as the
geographical uniqueness has made the country known on the world map, it has also had a far-
reaching impact on the socio-economic, cultural, religious and political aspects of the people
of this country. As a result of the geographical position of Bangladesh, the water stream
originating from the Himalayas flows over the country according to its natural religion and
merges into the Bay of Bengal. Along the way, Bangla enriched this township with numerous
rivers; Bengal became riverine Bangladesh.
Influence of rivers on human civilization: Rivers have been inseparable from the way of
life of people since the dawn of civilization. The glorification of rivers has occupied an
important place in the writings of various scriptures and sages throughout the
ages. Considering the role of rivers in the development of civilization, former vice president
of the World Watch Institute, Sandra Pestal, said - it is impossible to discuss the history of
human civilization without the contribution of water (rivers and seas). In fact, it is the
contribution of rivers to human civilization. Most of the ancient civilizations of the world
such as Assyrian, Chaldean, Indus, Chinese, etc., and today's modern civilizations have
developed in the areas along the banks of different rivers. This fact is equally applicable to
our country.
Rivers of Bangladesh: It is said that Bangladesh is the country of thirteen hundred
rivers. Thousands of rivers are spread across the country. Padma, Meghna, Yamuna and
Brahmaputra are the main ones. Also there are numerous small and big rivers in this country
including Teesta, Surma, Kushiara, Buriganga, Shitalakshya, Madhumati, Kartoya,
Karnaphuli, Garais. Each river is unique. The towns of Bengal are surrounded by these rivers
in deep compassion.
Varieties of rivers in Bangladesh: Rivers cover a large part of Bangladesh's diverse
landscape. The rhythmic movement of the water on the river, the beauty of the sailing boat
attracts the attention of beauty-hungry people. In the autumn, white flowers can be seen on
the banks of the river. The banks of the river are full of different kinds of animals. During the
rainy season, the river overflows its banks and floods the surroundings. Such form of the river
is very beautiful. All in all, the nature of Bangladesh has become rich due to the contribution
of the river.
Positive impact of rivers on people's life in Bangladesh: Since time immemorial, the river
has a deep connection with the life of the people of Bengal. The Austrians were the first to
start farming in eastern and central India. Based on this, they united and started a civilized
life. They cultivated paddy, betel nut, banana and coconut which still occupy an important
place in the culture of Bengal. At the root of all this is the contribution of the river. Apart
from this, rice and fish from ancient times. The main reason for the main food of the people of
Bengal is the riverine nature of this country. Water is the main ingredient in rice
cultivation. And the river has met the main demand of water in this region for agriculture
since prehistoric times. On the other hand, our rivers provide an important part of the required
fish throughout the year. Hilsa of Padma-Meghna has a world-wide reputation. The fishing
community has survived for ages with the blessings of the river. Moreover, the river route is
also very popular for communication and transportation of goods.
Role of river in economic development of Bangladesh: The river has a great influence on
the economy of Bangladesh. River is one of the means of communication of the people of
Bengal. The cities are finding cheap labor as jobless people flock to the cities after losing
their homes due to river erosion and floods. Rivers are the biggest sources of drinking
water. The silt brought with the flood from the river has made the soil of this country
fertile. The economic structure of the city is not excluded from the effect of social change of
obtaining cheap labor. The presence of skilled workers in the productive sector of industrial
cities has played an important role in creating new social stratifications, distribution of
population and socio-economic environment. Thus the river continues to have a great
influence on the social and cultural life of Bengal.
Influence of Rivers on Bengali Culture: Bengal and Bengali culture have directly and
indirectly revolved around the river. If culture is a reflection of society, then almost
everything that exists in society is built around the river. The culture of this country which has
reached its present state through various ruins represents a mainly agricultural society
centered on the river. The influence of the river has emerged in the language of the people of
this region. Moreover, proverbs, everyday speech, The river is not excluded from the
organization of family-social and religious events. Even Bengali literature covers a large part
of different rivers of this country. Because of the river-centered life and culture, a huge
collection of Bhatiali and Sari songs has developed in this country. Apart from this, one of the
accessories of Bengali culture is largely influenced by the river. Lungis and towels have
gained exclusive popularity for their role as aids in the riverine agricultural system. The river
has been playing one of the important roles in the interrelationship and social construction of
the coastal civilization. There is little interdependence among livestock as agricultural use is
limited. On the other hand, in Bengal, the river-based agricultural system requires teamwork
for water irrigation. By this, people are encouraged in team spirit. from this side Looking at
our social bonds, teamwork, patriotism.
Adverse Effects: Due to the varied behavior of the river, there are many changes in the life of
the people. The fish available from the river is helping us to meet our non-food needs as well
as earn foreign exchange through export. Foraging culture also developed around rivers. The
people who are victims of river erosion have moved to the city and created slum problems,
increasing the social crisis. Due to the erosion of Padma and Yamuna, homeless people are
flocking to the cities. The ratio of urban population is changing. Another adverse effect of
rivers is flooding. Our country is hit by floods almost every year. As a result, there is a huge
loss of life and property.
Conclusion: It is as if the river of Bangladesh has kept this country alive just like the blood
flow of the body. Sujla-Sufla, crops have made this country green. Many rivers have lost their
youth due to environmental degradation. Many rivers are almost extinct today. But once upon
a time, townships were formed in this country as a riverside civilization. Even though the
rivers have lost their luster due to time, they continue to protect the balance of the nature and
environment of this country in various ways. And so there is no doubt that Bangladesh will
not survive unless the river survives. That is why everyone should try to protect the rivers for
the sake of Bengal's nature, economy and culture.

Township of ancient Bengal

Gauro: Though Gauro name is quite familiar but there are much controversy about which
area was the actual Gauro and how they named it. The first mention of Gauro was found in
panini’s book mentioning the industries and agricultural products of this town. In the 7 th
century, Karnasuvarna of Murshidabad district was the capital of Shashanka, the king of
Gauro. Gauro was most famous under Pala dynasty. In modern times Maldaha, Murshidabad,
Birbhum and some parts of Burdwan are considered to be the borders of Gaur.
Pundra: Among ancient Janapads Pundra is very important. It has been said that a tribe
named “Pundra” build up this Janpads. This nation is mentioned in Vedic literature and
Mahabharata. The name of the capital of Pundra was Pundranagar. Later that its name
changed to Mohasthangar. Possibly at the time of Mourja king Ashok (273 AD.-232 AD.) this
ancient Pundra lost its independence. With the growth of prosperity it turns into
Pundrabardhan at 5Th-6Th century AD. Experts claims that Mohasthangar (7 miles from
Bogra) is the ruins of ancient Pundrabardhan. From the historical prospect Pundra was the
most enriched Janapad.
Banga (Bangla): Bangla is a very old janapad. In very ancient book it has been said that
Banga was the neighbor of Magadh and Kalink. The description of this janapad also find in
King Chandra Gupta, Bikramaditta and others inscription and the books of Kalidas. At the
south-east side of the present Bangladesh a Janapad named Banga had built up. From
different sings and other things it seems that the place between Ganga and Vhagirathi was
called Banga. At the time of Pala and Sen Dynasty the area of Banga had been reduced. At the
end of the Pala dynasty the Banga divided into north Banga and south Banga. After that at the
time of Keshob Sen and Biswa Sen Banga was divided into two parts- “Bikrampur” and
“Nabbo”. Ancient Bengal was a strong kingdom, Greater Dhaka, Mymensingh, Comilla,
Barisal, Pabna, Faridpur, Nayakhali, Bakerganj and Patuakhali's lower wetlands and the
western highlands of Kushtia, Nadia, Shantipur and the adjoining areas of Bikrampur in
Dhaka.
Harikel: Seventh-century writers describe a town called Harikela. It is Singh, a Chinese
traveler, said Harikela was the last frontier in eastern India. Harikela stretches from Sylhet to
Chittagong, a parallel region of the Tripura range.
Somototh: According to the Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang, Samatata was a new kingdom in
the southeastern part of Bengal. Some experts believe that Somotata was the ancient name of
Comilla. The present Comilla and Nayakhali areas, including the Meghna are included in the
Samatat. 12 mile west from Comilla, Bara Kamta was the capital of Samatata. One of the
ancient monuments found in Comilla Mainamati is 'Shalban Bihar'.
Barendra: Barenda or Barenda land was a part of North Bengal. Barendra was the most
popular area of Pundrabardhan. After that this area introduced as Barendra. This famous
janapad was situated in between Ganga and Korotoya river. Bogura, Dinajpur and a large area
of Rajshahi and Pabna belonged to Barendra.

Matsyanyayam
Matsyanyayam the condition of Bengal in the century following the death of Shashanka and
before the rise of the Pal dynasty (750-850 AD) has been described as Matsyanyayam. The
Sanskrit term Matsyanyayam, used in ancient texts, bears special significance. The Kautilya
Arthaxastra defines the term as follows: When the law of punishment is kept in absence, it
gives rise to such disorder as is implied in the proverb of fishes, i.e., the larger fish swallows a
smaller one, for in the absence of a magistrate, the strong will swallow the weak.
Matsyanayam refers to a condition of anarchy and disorder like when the big fishes catch and
swallow the small fishes in a pond. The powerful kings of Bengal took complete control over
small regions in such a way. This period of anarchy lasted for one hundred years. In the
middle of the eight century this anarchy and disorder came to an end with the rise of the Pala
reign.
Tibetan historian LAMA mentioned that all of Bengal was pervaded by an unprecedented
anarchy in the century before the rise of the Pala dynasty. Government was fragmented, with
no king having real control over GAURA, VANGA and SAMATATA. Brahmanas,
merchants and townsmen all were kings in their own homes. The sufferings and strife of the
common people were intolerable.
From the above it appears clear that in the century following the reign of Shashanka Bengal
saw very little of stable government. The country was torn into many small kingdoms and
warfare among them caused the instability. In the absence of a strong force capable and
internecine of enforcing law and order, a situation prevailed that has been termed as
Matsyanyayam. Physical strength was the only strength. In order to put an end to this state of
affair, Gopal emerged as the king of Bengal and founded the rule of the Pala Dynasty.