HISTORY Remnants of civilization in Bangladesh date back at least four thousand
years. The kingdom of Gangaridai was formed in the 7th century BC in the south part
of Bangladesh at the mouth of the Ganges River which is the deltaic land of Bangladesh.
The kingdom later became a great empire in South Asia. The medieval European geographers
located a paradise at the mouth of the Ganges as Bangladesh was the wealthiest part
of the subcontinent up until the 16th century. European traders arrived in the country
late in the 15th century.
It is assumed that the Austro-Asiatic race first inhabited this region in prehistoric
age. Afterwards came the Dravidians, Aryans and Mongoloids. Archeological excavations
show signs of powerful dynasties that ruled the land. A succession of monarchies
ruled over the country till 1757, when the British conquest took place. In 1947
the British left the Indian Subcontinent and Bangladesh became the eastern wing
of Pakistan. In 1971 through a nine-month long armed struggle Bangladesh emerged
as an independent state.
CULTURE Reflecting the long history of the region, Bangladesh has a culture
that encompasses elements both old and new. The music and dance in Bangladesh can
be divided into three distinct categories - classical, folk & modern. The musical
tradition of Bangladesh is lyrics-based with minimal instrumental accompaniment.
Folk music, nurtured through the ages by village poets, rich in devotional mysticism
and love lore, are known in different names in different regions of the country.
The most popular forms are Bhatiali, Baul, Marfati, Murshidi and Bhawaiya. Bangladeshi
dance forms draw from folk traditions, especially those of the tribal groups, as
well as the broader Indian classical dance tradition. Modern dance and music is
loved by all, especially by the young people. There are a good number of music bands
that perform regular shows in big cities. Among the tribal dances particularly popular
are Monipuri, Jhoom, Bamboo and Santal dances.
The Bangla (Bengali) language boasts a rich literary heritage. The earliest literary
text in Bengali is the 8th century Charyapada. Bengali literature reached its full
expression in the nineteenth century. Bangladesh also has a long tradition in folk
literature.
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