Milestones of Bengal
c. 4th Century BCE
Greek and Latin writers refer to the powerful kingdom of Gangaridai in the Ganges delta.
c. 8th - 12th Century CE
A golden age for Bengal, marked by achievements in art, architecture, and the flourishing of Buddhism.
13th - 16th Century CE
An era of independent Islamic rule, fostering a unique Bengali-Muslim culture and architectural style.
16th - 18th Century CE
Bengal becomes the wealthiest province of the Mughal Empire, a major hub for trade in textiles and shipbuilding.
1757 - 1947
Following the Battle of Plassey, British rule begins. Calcutta becomes the capital of British India and a center of the Bengal Renaissance.
1947
With the end of British rule, Bengal is partitioned into West Bengal (India) and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).
The Bengal Renaissance
A period of profound social, cultural, and intellectual awakening in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
A Confluence of Minds
The Bengal Renaissance was a transformative movement that challenged orthodox traditions and embraced modern thought. Led by luminaries like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, and Rabindranath Tagore, it ushered in reforms in education, literature, art, and society, leaving an indelible mark on the identity of modern India.