West Bengal

Early Kingdoms and Medieval Foundations

The historical roots of West Bengal lie in the western half of the larger Bengal region, an area shaped by early kingdoms, fertile river systems, and regional political power. In the early medieval period, Bengal witnessed the rise of major imperial formations, most notably the Pala dynasty (8th–12th centuries). The Palas established strong administrative systems and made Bengal a leading centre of Buddhist learning, with connections extending across eastern India and into Southeast Asia.

Following the Palas, the Sena dynasty (11th–12th centuries) gained control over much of Bengal. The Senas strengthened Hindu court culture, Sanskrit scholarship, and temple-based traditions, particularly in western and central Bengal. These early dynasties laid the political and cultural foundations that shaped Bengal’s regional identity before the arrival of Islamic rule.

Sultanate Rule and Medieval Urban Growth

From the 13th century onward, Bengal entered a prolonged phase of Sultanate-era politics. Independent and semi-independent sultans ruled the region, overseeing significant urban expansion and architectural development. Capitals such as Pandua and Gaur (Gauda) emerged as major centres of power, trade, and craftsmanship.

Gaur, in particular, became one of the most important medieval cities in eastern India, known for its mosques, palaces, river-linked commerce, and dense population. During this period, Bengal developed a distinctive political culture shaped by riverine trade networks, agrarian wealth, and urban administration.

Mughal Integration and Early Modern Bengal

By the 16th century, Bengal was incorporated into the Mughal Empire as the Bengal Subah. Under Mughal rule, Bengal became one of the empire’s richest provinces, known for rice cultivation, textile production, and river-based trade.

The wealth of Bengal—generated through agriculture, muslin weaving, and inland commerce—made it central to Mughal imperial finances. Urban centres expanded, and the region’s economy became closely linked to global trade networks, particularly through European merchant activity along the coast and river ports.

British Expansion and Colonial Rule

The decisive shift toward colonial dominance occurred in the 18th century. After the British East India Company’s victory at the Battle of Plassey in 1757, Company influence expanded rapidly. In 1765, the Mughal emperor Shah Alam II granted the Company the diwani—revenue collection rights—of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.

This marked the beginning of Company rule and transformed Bengal into the administrative and economic core of British power in India. Kolkata (then Calcutta) emerged as the centre of British administration and commerce, serving as the capital of British India from 1772 until 1911. Colonial rule reshaped Bengal’s economy, land systems, education, and political life, while also generating social reform movements and early nationalist activity.

Partition and the Creation of West Bengal

Modern West Bengal emerged from the Partition of India in 1947, when the Bengal Province was divided along the Radcliffe Line. Hindu-majority West Bengal became part of India, while Muslim-majority East Bengal joined Pakistan (later Bangladesh).

Partition triggered large-scale migration, violence, and refugee settlement, especially in and around Kolkata and southern districts. These demographic shifts deeply affected urban growth, labour markets, housing, and political mobilisation in the new state.

Post-Independence Reorganisation and Political Change

After independence, West Bengal’s administrative boundaries were adjusted during nationwide reforms, most notably under the States Reorganisation Act. Additional territorial adjustments between Bihar and West Bengal were formalised through the Bihar and West Bengal (Transfer of Territories) Act, 1956.

West Bengal’s post-independence political history became nationally influential. The Naxalbari uprising in 1967 sparked the wider Naxalite movement across India. In 1977, the Left Front came to power and governed the state until 2011, representing one of the longest-running elected communist governments in the world.

Land-related protests in the 2000s, particularly in Nandigram, marked a turning point in state politics and contributed to the end of Left Front rule.

West Bengal in the Modern Era

In the modern era, West Bengal’s identity continues to be shaped by river-based settlement patterns, Kolkata’s role as an intellectual and cultural centre, the long-term effects of Partition, and a deeply rooted tradition of political mobilisation. These historical layers—early kingdoms, medieval capitals, colonial administration, and post-independence transformation—remain central to understanding the state’s political culture and social landscape today.