Bangladesh National Culture and Heritage: An Introductory Reader

Bangladesh: National Culture and Heritage offers readers a comprehensive illustration of its history,society and culture. It deals with major aspects of the life and traditions of Bangladesh,highlighting the social,political,economic and cultural trends and changes across different periods. The term “Bangladesh” here includes the inheritance of undivided Bengal,along with ancient Vanga and other neighbouring entities. Its recorded history begins in the fourth century BCE,but the land and its inhabitants are much older. Bengal has seen waves of settlers assimilate into local population throughout the ages. As 17th century French traveller Bernier said,“Bengal has hundred gates open for entrance,but not one for departure. The chapters cover the ancient,medieval and modern periods. Recent archeological discoveries are incorporated and the development in modern education,science and technology are also reviewed. The economic development,trade,agriculture,faith,arts,architecture,painting,sculpture,language,literature,music and folklore are also elaborately covered. Scholars who are the pre-eminent experts in each area have authored the essays published in this volume with the latest photographs and plates. This volume is used in some universities as a compulsory general reader of past and present situation of Bangladesh and historical Bengal and the people who have inhabited this area. It is written in plain language so that a young reader may discover the diversity in Bangladesh and its heritage. For the curious reader,it is an outline and introduction by experts with the opportunity to delve deeper directly with scholars still alive. This second edition is thoroughly revised and updated with new articles to accommodate contemporary discoveries and thinking. Contents 1. Land and People Physical and Anthropological Geography Ethnic Diversity in Bangladesh Archaeological Sites and Monuments in Bangladesh Recent Archaeological Discovery: Wari-Bateshwar 2. Ancient Bangladesh Political History Society and Culturl 3. Muslim Conquest of Bengal Sultanate: Society and Culture The Mughal Rule: Politics,Society and Culture Islamization of Bengal 4. Bengal Under Colonial Rule Politics and Society Religious and Social Reform Movement Evolution of Political Ideas and Movements 5. Bengali Nationalism and the Emergence of Bangladesh 6. Economic and Social Development in Bangladesh Agriculture: Historical Perspectives Industrialization of Bangladesh in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries Changing Class and Social Structure in Bangladesh since 1793 7. Education in Bangladesh: An Overview 8. Science and Technology in Bangladesh 9. The Major Religions of Bangladesh 10. Arts and Architecture in Bangladesh Bengal Architecture through the Ages Painting and Sculpture in Bangladesh 11. Bengali Language and Literature 12. Bengali Music 13. Folkloric Bangladesh