West Bengal, a key Indian state in the east, holds rich historical roots dating back to the Mahabharata. Governed by diverse dynasties, it includes both West Bengal and East Bengal (now Bangladesh).
The state flaunts 162 Lower Palaeolithic sites, concentrated in the Radh plain. Sites like Egara Mail and Tarapheni reservoir bridge feature quartz and quartzite tools.
West Bengal reveals 41 Middle-Palaeolithic sites in Bankura, Midnapore, Birbhum, and Burdwan, plus ten Upper Palaeolithic sites with distinct tools.
Excavated sites in West Bengal—Birbhanpur, Paruldanga, and Chamargora—reveal Mesolithic artifacts like spears and scrapers made from quartz, quartzite, fossil wood, and more.
West Bengal unfolds 84 Neolithic sites with two distinct cultural foci—Himalayan foothills (e.g., Kalimpong) and plateau fringe area (e.g., Midnapore, Bankura).
BB Lal, Pandu Rajar Dhibi unearthed Bengal's 1st Chalcolithic site (1954-57) along Ajay river, East Bardhaman, dating to 1600 BC..
It reveals advanced town planning with stone roads and clay pathways, offering profound urban development insights
Anga, an ancient kingdom, governed parts of Bengal and central Bihar with Champa as its capital. Descendants of King Bali, it saw Karna as its king appointed by Duryodhana.
The Martial Kshatriya Pundra Dynasty, Including Paundraka Vasudeva, Allied With Magadha's Jarasandha, Uniting Pundra, Vanga, And Kirata Districts.
Suhmas, mentioned in 6th-century BCE Jaina Acharanga Sutra, had their kingdom span Burdwan to the sea, as per Mahabharata's account of Subma, Bali's son.
Harikela, an ancient Bengali monarchy, once governed the eastern Indian subcontinent. Documented in history and evidenced by silver coins, Arab traders saw Harikela as Bengal's coastal region. .
Mauryan Empire, founded 322 BCE, centered in Magadha, spanned the world's largest. Chandragupta, Bindusara ruled Bengal. Post-Kalinga War, Ashoka's reign brought nearly fifty years of peace.
Gupta Dynasty, led by Srigupta, ruled India, including Bengal. Yijing notes Gupta presence in Northern/Central Bengal. Founded by Maharaja Srigupta, according to Prabhavati Gupta's Poona inscription.