CULTURE OF BANGLADESH

Introduction
We are living in the modern state of Bangladesh that is now developing fast. Can you
think of what the states of the undivided Bengal society? Would have been five hundred
years ago! It is for sure that the social and cultural situation of Bengal in the Mughal
period was somewhat different. Then British ruler came in Bengal. In British period
Bengal was not separated. In Mughal period Bengal was not an independent and
separate country too. Rather the region became a province under Delhi. In the Mughal
period direct communication with North India was established. Also relations grew with
middle and western Asia and outside India. As a result, the people of Bengal came into
direct contact with thoughts and ideas, and behaviors of people of different countries.
These had profound impact on different aspects in their lives, including their dressing
pattern and food habit, education, religion, art and architecture among others.

Culture in Mughal Bengal

Babur was the founder of the Mughal Empire in undivided Bengal. During his time
Bangla was not conquered. The Mughals always looked after the welfare of the subjects.
The provincial administrators also shared the similar attitude. That is why peace and
happiness prevailed at that time. This resulted in the Development in every field of
education, culture and economy. The influence of the Mughals could be observed in the
daily life of the people.
Dress
The dress and attire of the rich Hindus and the Zamindars began to change remarkably.
They began to like the Mughal dress. Ornamented and pearl-studded glittering, dress,
salwar and kamiz adorned the Hindus and the Muslims alike. In the Mughal Age, the
rich and middle class women wore attractive dresses. They used to go out sometimes in
Palaanquins. The condition of the villagers was not very good. They wore normal
dresses and wooden sandals.
Food
Taste in food items changed. Kabab Rezala, Korma and other Mughal foods took their
places beside the usual fish, rice and vegetables of the Bengalis.
Language
Although Persian was the dominant and official language of the empire, the language
of the elite later evolved into a form of Hindustani today known as Urdu. Highly
Personalized and also influenced by Arabic and Turkic, the language was written in a
type of Perso-Arabic script known as Nastaliq, and with literary conventions and
specialized vocabulary being retained from Persian, Arabic and Turkic; the new dialect
was eventually given its own name of Urdu. Compared with Hindi, the Urdu language
draws more vocabulary from Persian and Arabic (via Persian) and (to a much lesser
degree) from Turkic languages where Hindi draws vocabulary from Sanskrit more
heavily. Modern Hindi, which uses Sanskrit-based vocabulary along with Urdu loan words
from Persian and Arabic, is mutually intelligible with Urdu.

Education and Literature

In the Mughal Age too, like the Age of the Sultans, there was a remarkable Development
in education and literature. The employees recruited in the period were highly
educated. They had great passion for learning. People of different professions like poets,
teachers, doctors, etc. came with them. Consequently, their influence and endeavors
greatly helped the advancement of education in Bengal. The Revenue Minister Raja
Todarmal of Emperor Akbar introduced.
Persian language in government offices. Akbar helped a lot for the spread of education.
For this reason the language and literature developed considerably in Bengal during the
Mughal period.
Both the Hindus and Muslims learnt Persian to get government jobs. These Persian
knowing officials were called Munshis. The books of the famous Persian poet Sheikh
Saadi were very popular in this country at that time. The Nawabs and Subadars like
Kasim Khan, Shah Shuja, Mir Jumla, Shayesta Khan and Murshid Kuli Khan worked a lot
to develop the Persian language.
The influence of the Persian language on Bengali literature during the Mughal period
can very well be observed. Persian is an affluent language. When the influence of a rich
language falls on another language, the grandeur of the latter is enhanced. The same
happened in the case of the Bengali language too. The Bengali language began to
brighten in following the subject and style of the Persian language. Gradually the use of
Persian words in Bangla began to increase. The Bengali Muslims began to introduce
ideas and thoughts of Persian literature in their poems. Gazals and Sufi literature began
to be evolved bearing likeness to Persian literature. The Hindu poets were inspired by
the Sanskrit literature instead of Persian. Nevertheless, many of them could not avoid
the Persian influence. The Vaishmava Padabali was composed following the Persian
style. The influence of the Persian literature can be observed in the writing of the
authors
like Bharata Chandra Raigunakar, etc. The Baul songs developed in Bengal during the
Mughal rule. The poets at that time composed mourning songs of the Muharram also.
Religion
In the Mughal Age all people could follow their respective religions independently. The
concept of Islam in the worship of Allah, equality and brotherhood greatly influenced the
people of the country. There was a reaction among the Hindus for this. Some changes in
the Hindu society followed consequently. The influence of Vaishnava Movement of Sree
Chaitnya was reflected in the social and religious life of the Hindus from the Age of the
Sultans. This increased further in the Mughal Age. The common people began to accept
the cult of devotion and spirit of equality. The orthodox Brahmins were deeply hurt at
this.
The common Hindus opposed the religion of the orthodox Hindus and gave their
attention to the worship of Mansha, Chandi etc. A mixed variety of Sufism emerged out
of combination of the doctorine of Bhakti of Bengal with the Sufism of Persia during the
Mughal period. In the way, Faqiri, Darves.hi, Baul and other mystic doctorines
originated.

Architecture and Painting

Many beautiful buildings were built all over India during the Age of the Mughals. From
Delhi and Agra, almost everywhere, there are specimens of Mughal architecture. Not
only the Emperors but also the Mughal Subadars and high officers encouraged
architecture greatly. That is why architecture flourished profusely during the Mughal
period.
The Muslim architecture differed from the Hindu architecture. Generally speaking,
Muslim architecture implies mosques, Idgahs, forts, mausoleums, monumenst etc. The
design and beauty of the architecture of the Mughal Age differed from that of the other
ages. The Mughal rulers did not like the architecture of the Sultani period in Bengal. The
domes of the mosques of the Mughal period were matched. The surface of the domes
were decorated with mosaic. The sides of the arches were decorated with floral designs.
The pinnacles of the domes were long and pointed. The walls of the mosques were
ornamented with floral designs. The size and shape of the buildings in Mughal period
were big and massive. Some big darawjas (doors) were built in Bengal during the
Mughal Age. Also some buildings called katra were built in the Mughal Age. These were
guest houses. A katra, a tall minaret and a mosque were built in old Maldah during the
time of Emperor Akbar. Many important buildings in the Mughal age were built in Dhaka.
Subadar Islam Khan established the capital in Dhaka during the period of Emperor
Jahangir. Mughal architecture started to develop in Dhaka from that time.
Subadar Shahjada Azam built some buildings in Dhaka. He built a huge katra on the
bank of the river Buriganga. The Shahi Masjid in Lalbagh was built in his time. He
started constructing the
Lalbagh Fort. Subadar Shayesta Khan took steps to complete it. But he could not be
complete it. As a result, the construction of the Lalbagh Fort remained incomplete. This
fort is the greatest example of Mughal architecture in Bengal. The mausoleum of the
daughter of Shayesta Khan, Paribibi, is inside the fort. It is an attractive specimen of the
Mughal architecture. The grave lies in the centre of the mausoleum and was made of
marble stone. The floral designs are found on this grave. Apart from this, another
structure called Choto Katra was built in the time of Shayesta Khan. The name of
Shayesta Khan is associated with the mosque of Chowkbazaar, the mosque on the bank
of the River Buriganga and the Saat Gombuz Mosque.
Many buildings were also built during the period of the Nawabs in Bengal. The Zinjira
Palace is their achievement. During the time of Murshid Kuli Khan the capital was
transferred from Dhaka to Murshidabad. Many buildings were built there during that
time. Murshid Kuli Khan built a katra and a mosque. A Palace named Chehel Setun was
built during his period. It was a huge Darbar (assembly) building. Apart from these
establishments, many Eidgahs, Hammam Khana, Chillakhana and bridges were
made during the Mughal period.
Culture in British period
Impact of British rule in India had been widespread throughout the country and affected
the cultural, technological, religious, social, political and economic state of India. India
had tenaciously tolerated the British rule for 200 prolonged years, with their everlasting
impression been forever etched upon the succeeding Indian citizens. Impact of British
rule in India, in this context, is one that had perhaps emerged forth right from the 16th
century, when British missionaries had sailed to eastern soil to spread Christianity,
much before the East India Company. There always exists a bright side to every dark

silhouette; hence, impact of British rule upon India and Indians both constitutes superior
and appalling elements, still in use in present times.
Foods
The period of the British rule in India , they love Indian food also. This generally was
hardly a glorified period in Indian history, but the British loved the general elaborate
way of eating and adapted several of the food choices to their taste and developed the
curry as a simple spice to help them cook Indian spice. This period resulted in the
emergence of the Anglo-Indian cuisine and the emergence of certain Raj traditions like
that of high-tea an elaborate late afternoon meal served with tea.

Religious
Main religions were Hinduism, Islam, Christian. But impact of British rule in India already
had begun to do its work, with the very first Christian missionaries arriving to India, with
the intention to turn a majority of population into Christians. They tried to cast
Christianity in the light of a better religion and with economic inducements convinced
the poor Indians into Christianity. British established the Christian missionary School to
increase the Christianity in India.
The very foremost impact of British rule on India was the religious impact, as was
established by the missionaries and their establishment of churches in every possible
corner of the country. In this regard, the port cities like Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai
gained enough importance, due to their accessibility for navigational purposes.
Language
English was made the official language and several traditional Hindu customs were
outlawed. Due to a bloody Indian rebellion in 1857, political power was transferred from
the East India Company directly to the British Crown and the company dissolved. But
people of British Bengal talked in Bangla and other local languages.
Socio-Cultural
The socio-cultural impact of British rule upon India was also another intense impression
that had lasted throughout their rule, never for once losing their significant status. From
every field of living, be it in education, art, architecture, painting, literature, poetry,
drama, novels or even Indian religion and philosophy, the whole Indian set-up had
suffered a gradual change.
Arts
Sculpture during early British rule was perhaps the most telling and excellent work of art
that attracted numerous Indians and English alike. Church and finery works were
primarily looked after, including perfect carvings of funeral epitaphs. Just like in other
spheres, English sculptors also arrived in India in search of regal sponsorship and make
their talent known to people on the other side of the globe. Benevolent British officers
inaugurated a passionate theme of work, at times even dedicated to Indian men. War

was also a common theme, which made way for these sculptors to render masterpiece
work.
Natural history and art during British rule in India was momentous for its scholarly
attempts by Englishmen to educate Indians in science, plant and animal life. Art had
developed through such attempts, like painting by noted English people, resolved to
make an educative endeavour in
India. Dissertation papers had come up from British scholars, alongside naturalistic
paintings and further enhancement of flora and fauna.
Painting
Painting during early British rule in India was the result of an umpteen number of
Englishmen coming to India in search proper ground to paint, perfect Oriental
surroundings and royal sponsorship. These painters were to become famous during their
lifetime, with a wide Indian acceptance. Initial works were begun with engravings, later
to be substituted with oil paintings, especially portraits. Painters and their prized
collection of paintings during early British rule in India was something that Indians
during that time could feel proud of. The times were still untouched by the malicious
motives of the East India Company or even later strife issues. As such, Indians and
Englishmen mingled to give life to brilliant paintings, both indoors and outdoors, evident
from their delicate brush strokes.

Architecture
Architecture during early British rule in India comprised colossal stone and wood
structures, erected during the 17th century. In the emerging stages, British viceroygenerals like Robert Clive managed huge efforts to build such architectural wonders in
the essential port cities of India. Early British architectural design composed of charts
and outlined plans already erected successfully back in England. This period witnessed
the shipping of skilled British architects and young men, equipped with clever motives
to make Indian artistic design much like western modes. Indian educated class or the
comparatively poorer class did not possess the amount of talent that their English
masters were looking for. As such, architectures were planned by the already utilised
British structural wonders.
Main festivals
Certain festivals in India are celebrated by multiple religions. Notable examples include
Diwali, which is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains, and Buddh Purnima, celebrated
by Buddhists and Hindus. Islamic festivals, such Eid ul-Fitr, Eid al-Adha and Ramadhan,
are celebrated by Muslims across India.
Theatre
Theater in India under British rule gained a global contour. It is during this time theater
in India came into a direct contact with the western theater. It is during this 200 years of
British rule Indian drama became lot more contemporary and naturalistic. Gone are the
days of eposes, epics and Loknatya theater in India under British rule for the very
first time geared up fully towards a systematic and natural presentation. India, as a
colony of the European empire used theater to illustrate the likings, dislikings of the
British raj. The stylistic approach of theater in India under British rule changed quite

drastically and the presentation started focusing mainly on the day to day life and
common people.
Culture in Present Bangladesh
Music, dance, drama and film
The music and dance styles of Bangladesh may be divided into three categories,
classical, folk and modern. The classical style has been influenced by other prevalent
classical forms of music and dances of the Indian subcontinent, and accordingly show
some influences dance forms like Bharata Natyam and Kuchipudi. The folk and tribal
music and dance forms of Bangladesh are of indigenous origin and rooted to the soil of
Bangladesh. Several dancing styles in vogue in the north-eastern part of the Indian
subcontinent, like Monipuri and Santal dances, are also practiced in Bangladesh, but
Bangladesh has developed its own distinct dancing styles. Bangladesh has a rich
tradition of folk songs, with lyrics rooted into vibrant tradition and spirituality, mysticism
and devotion. Such folk songs also revolve round several other themes, including love
themes. Most prevalent of folk songs and music traditions include Bhatiali, Baul, Marfati,
Murshidi and Bhawaiya. Lyricists like Lalon Shah, Hason Raja, Kangal Harinath, Romesh
Shill, Abbas Uddin and many unknown anonymous lyrists have enriched the tradition of
folk songs of Bangladesh. In relatively modern context, Rabindra Sangeet and Nazrul
geeti form precious cultural heritage of Bangladesh. In recent time, western influences
have given rise to several quality rock bands, particularly in urban centers like Dhaka.
Several musical instruments, some of them of indigenous origin, are used in
Bangladesh, and major musical instruments used are bamboo flute (banshi), drums
(dhol), a single stringed instrument named ektara, a four stringed instrument called
dotara, a pair of metal bawls used for rhythm effect called mandira. Currently, several
musical instruments of western origin like guitar, drums, and saxophone are also used,
sometimes alongside the traditional instruments.

Languages
Although there are 38 different languages of Bangladesh, Bengali is by far the most
widely spoken language in the country an estimated 98% of the population can speak
it, and it enjoys the status of official language and the lingua franca of the nation. Arabic
text is widely used in education. English is also widely used, especially in urban areas.
Festivals and celebrations
Festivals and celebrations are integral part of the culture of Bangladesh. Prominent and
widely celebrated festivals are Pohela Baishakh, Independence day, National Mourning
Day, Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Azha, Muharram, Durga puja, and Language Movement Day.

Weddings
A traditional wedding is arranged by Ghotoks (matchmakers), who are typically friends
or relatives of the couple. The matchmakers facilitate the introduction, and also help
agree the amount of any settlement. Bengali weddings are traditionally in five parts:

first it is the bride and grooms Mehendi Shondha,the brides Gaye Holud, the grooms
Gaye Holud, the Beeya and the Bou Bhaat. These often take place on separate days.
The first event in a wedding is an informal one: the groom presents the bride with a ring
marking the engagement which is gaining popularity. For the mehendi shondha the
brides side apply henna to each other as well as the bride For the brides Gaye Holud,
the grooms family except the groom himself go in procession to the brides
home.Brides friends and family apply turmeric paste to her body as a part of Gaye Hoof
bride, and they are traditionally all in matching clothes, mostly orange in colour. The
bride is seated on a dais, and the henna is used to decorate the brides hands and feet
with elaborate abstract designs. The sweets are then fed to the bride by all involved,
piece by piece. The actual wedding ceremony Biye follows the Gaye Holud
ceremonies. The wedding ceremony is arranged by the brides family. On the day, the
younger members of the brides family barricade the entrance to the venue, and
demand a sort of admission charge from the groom in return for allowing him to enter.
The bride and groom are seated separately, and a Kazi (authorized person by the govt.
to perform the wedding), accompanied by the parents and a Wakil (witness) from each
side formally asks the bride for her consent to the union, and then the groom for his.
The brides side of the family tries to play some kind of practical joke on the groom such
as stealing the grooms shoe. The reception, also known as Bou-Bhaat (reception), is a
party given by the grooms family in return for the wedding party. It is typically a much
more relaxed affair, with only the second-best wedding outfit being worn.
Games and Sports
Football, cricket and kabaddi. Kabaddi is the national sport of Bangladesh. Cricket is a
game which has a massive and passionate following in Bangladesh. Bangladesh has
joined the elite group of countries eligible to play Test cricket since 2000. The
Bangladesh national cricket team goes by the nickname of the Tigersafter the Royal
Bengal Tiger. The people of Bangladesh enjoy watching live sports. Whenever there is a
cricket or football match between popular local teams or international teams in any
local stadium significant number of spectators gather to watch the match live. The
people also celebrate major victories of the national team with a great enthusiasm for
the live game. Victory processions are the most common element in such celebrations.
A former prime minister even made an appearance after an international one day
cricket match in which Bangladesh beat Australia, she came to congratulate the victory.
Also in late 2006/early 2007, football legend Zinedine Zidane paid a visit to local teams
and various events thanks to the invite of Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Muhammad
Yunus.
Religion in Bangladesh
Bangladesh is ethnically homogeneous, with Bengalis comprising 98% of the population.
The majority of Bangladeshis (about 90%) are Muslims, and a small number of Hindus,
Christians and Buddhists are also in the country. But due to immense cultural diversity,
multiple dialects, hybridization of social traits and norms as well as cultural upbringing,
Bangladeshis cannot be stereotyped very easily, except for the only fact that they are
very resilient in nature. People of different religions perform their religious rituals with
festivity in Bangladesh. The Government has declared National Holidays on all
important religious festivals of the four major religions. Durga Puja, Christmas and
Buddha Purnima are celebrated with enthusiasm in Bangladesh. All of these form an
integral part of the cultural heritage of Bangladesh. See also *Islam in Bangladesh
*Hinduism in Bangladesh *Christianity in Bangladesh *Buddhism in Bangladesh

Food
Panta Ilish a traditional platter of Panta bhat with fried Hilsa slice, supplemented with
dried fish (Shutki), pickles (Achar), dal, green chillies and onion is a popular serving for
the Pohela Boishakh festival.

Bangladesh is famous for its distinctive culinary tradition, and delicious food, snacks
and savories. Boiled rice constitutes the staple food, and is served with a variety of
vegetables, fried as well as curries, thick lentil soups, and fish and meat preparations of
mutton and chicken, and more rarely pork and beef by certain groups. Sweetmeats of
Bangladesh are mostly milk based, and consist of several delights including Roshgulla,
Sandesh, Rasamalai, Gulap Jamun, Kalo Jamun, Chom Chom. Several other sweet
preparations are also available. Bengali cuisine is rich and varied with the use of many
specialized spices and flavours. Fish is the dominant source of protein, cultivated in
ponds and fished with nets in the fresh-water rivers of the Ganges delta. More than forty
types of mostly freshwater fish are common, including carp varieties like rui (rohu),
katla, magur (catfish), chingi (prawn or shrimp), as well as shuki (dried sea fish). Salt
water fish (not sea fish though) Ilish (hilsa ilisha) is very popular among Bengalis, can be
called an icon of Bengali cuisine.
Dress
Nation dresses of Bangladesh are for men Panjabi and Pajamas and women for sharee.
Bangladeshi people have unique dress preferences. Bangladeshi men wear Kurta on
religious and cultural occasions, lungi as casual wear and shirt-pant on formal
occasions. Salwar Kameez and Sharee are the main dresses of Bangladeshi women.
Weaving the fabric for these dresses is a traditional art in Bangladesh.
Conclusion
In conclusion we can say that there many changes occur in different part of culture in
Bengal from Mughal Bengal to todays culture in Bangladesh. Like official language was
Urdu in Mughal period, in British period it was English, now official language is Bangla.
Besides foods items was different in three periods such as in Mughal foods were Kabab
Rezala, Korma and other Mughal foods took their places beside the usual fish, rice
and vegetables of the Bengalis, The period of the British rule in India and the love affair
of the English with Indian food and today rice, fish, meat, vegetable, and other delicious
foods like fast food, cakes etc. In addition, dresses were different in three periods like in
Mughal period people wore wooden sandals but it does not put on it. Moreover, we
notice the differentiation in different parts of culture like games and sports, Music,
dance, drama and film , Festivals and celebrations, marriage ceremony, Architecture etc
in Bengal from Mughal periods to present culture.