Introduction
Teeming with a rich historical past, the State of West Bengal is an ideal destination for Artists, Archaeologists and history fanatics. Abound with majestic forts and magnificent temples; much of the nation owes its bounty to the State of Bengal. Ruled by the British for the larger part of its history, Bengal is filled with tales of romance, brutality, battles and bravery. Having its very own unique charm, Bengal is embraced by the mighty arms of the Himalayas in the North and caressed by the sea in the South. For travellers and tourists alike who crave to experience different languages, religions, customs and traditions, Bengal is bound to be an enthralling journey.
History of West Bengal
The region was a part of several ancient pan-Indian empires, including the Mauryans and Guptas. It was also a bastion of regional kingdoms. The citadel of Gauda served as capital of the Gauda Kingdom, the Buddhist Pala Empire (eighth to 11th century) and Sena Empire (11th–12th century). This era saw the development of Bengali language, script, literature, music, art and architecture. The Muslim conquest of the Indian subcontinent absorbed Bengal into the medieval Islamic and Persianate worlds. Between the 1204 and 1352, Bengal was a province of the Delhi Sultanate. This era saw the introduction of the taka as monetary currency, which has endured into the modern era. An independent Bengal Sultanate was formed in 1352 and ruled the region for two centuries, during which a distinct form of Islam based on Sufism and the Bengali language emerged and the region was known as a major trading nation in the world. The ruling elite also turned Bengal into the easternmost haven of Indo-Persian culture. The Sultans exerted influence in the Arakan region of Southeast Asia, where Buddhist kings copied the sultanate's governance, currency and fashion. A relationship with Ming China flourished under the sultanate. The Bengal Sultanate was notable for its Hindu aristocracy, including the rise of Raja Ganesha and his son Jalaluddin Muhammad Shah as usurpers. Hindus served in the royal administration as prime ministers and poets. Under the patronage of Sultans like Alauddin Hussain Shah, Bengali literature began replacing the strong influence of Sanskrit in the region. Hindu principalities included the Kingdom of Mallabhum, Kingdom of Bhurshut and Kingdom of Tripura; and the realm of powerful Hindu Rajas such as Pratapaditya, Kedar Ray and Raja Sitaram Ray. Following the decline of the sultanate, Bengal came under the suzerainty of the Mughal Empire, as its wealthiest province. The gradual decline of the Mughal Empire led to quasi-independent states under the Nawabs of Bengal, subsequent to the Maratha invasions of Bengal, and finally the conquest by the British East India Company.
Kolkata
Kolkata boasts of a rich historical legacy, having served as the hub of the 19th and early 20th-century Bengal Renaissance and the British capital of India. Some famous historical sites in Kolkata are Victora Memorial, Fort William, Belur Math, Shahid Minar & more.
Learn moreMurshidabad
The town of Murshidabad, serves as a place that manages to combine the beauty of the past with the beliefs of the present. Some famous historical sites here are Hazarduari Palace, Katara Mosque, Kathgola Palace, House of Jagat Seth, Nashipur Rajbari, etc.
Learn moreBankura
Famous mainly due to its temples, hills and historical significance, Bankura is also a treat for sports enthusiasts like trekkers and hikers. Distinguished for its terracotta temples which attract tourists from all over the world, Bankura is a commonly used getaway for people from Bengal.
Learn moreMalda
Adorned with monuments from the time of the pre-colonial Nawabs to the East India Company, Malda is a visual delight. Formerly known as the English Bazaar, this town has experienced the reign of three different dynasties and is hence rich in culture and heritage. Some famous places in here are Dakhil Darwaza, Gour, Chika Mosque, Firoz Minar, etc.
Learn moreHooghly
Initially the site of the first European settlers in Bengal, Hooghly was reached by the legendary Vasco Da Gama. European powers such as the Dutch, the Danish, and the French have also been here, making it an area colossal in heritage and culture by leaving their mark in the vast district. With the large town of Chandannagar as its epicentre.
Learn moreCooch Behar
Cooch Behar is a reminder of the glorious past of Eastern India. Located across the indo-Bangladesh border, Cooch Behar is adorned with palaces and temples inspired from religious and international architecture. The Cooch Behar Rajbari and the Madan Mohan Temple are monumental in size and scale and exude a unique grandeur.
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