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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.