ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

History of Bengal

Okay kiddo, let me tell you a story about the history of Bengal!

The land of Bengal is located in eastern India and Bangladesh. A very long time ago, around 4,000 years ago, people began to settle in the area. They farmed the land and built small villages. These early settlers were followed by many other groups over the years, including the Mauryans, the Guptas, and the Mughals.

One of the most famous rulers of Bengal was a man named Ashoka, who was a Buddhist king. He lived about 2,300 years ago and he helped to spread Buddhism throughout India. He was also known for his policies of tolerance, which allowed people of different religions to live together peacefully.

Another important ruler of Bengal was the Muslim general Bakhtiar Khilji, who came to Bengal from Afghanistan in the 12th century. He conquered many parts of Bengal and introduced Islam to the area. After his death, many other Muslim leaders came to Bengal and ruled over the people.

In the 18th century, the British began to take control of Bengal. They first established a trading post in the city of Calcutta, and then gradually expanded their power over the entire region. The British ruled over Bengal for more than 200 years, until India gained independence in 1947.

After independence, the region of Bengal was divided into two parts: East Bengal, which became part of Pakistan, and West Bengal, which remained part of India. In 1971, East Bengal became the independent country of Bangladesh.

Today, Bengal is home to more than 250 million people, and it is a region rich in culture, music, and art. The people of Bengal have a proud history and a deep connection to their land, and they continue to thrive and grow in the modern world.
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