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Book Review

Evolution of Bangladesh: A Chronology

Reviewed by Md Mahbub Hassan.
*** BANGLADESHER SANDHANE (In Quest of Bangladesh) By Mobassher Ali, Cover design: Hashem Khan. Published by Muktadhara, Dhaka. 232 pages, Taka 50.00. ***
Bangladesh. the vane gated plainland tissued by rivers, has been sin ce the ancient age chara cteriaed by inexhaustible we alth and grandeur This region was not only fertile and resourceful, but also enriched with gold mines In literal sense Sonar Bangla (golden Bangla) is perhaps the expression of collective unconscious' memory of the nation that has been dormant for more than two thousand years. And our nation, presently regarded timid. will certainly feel glorl fled to remember that the great conqueror Alexander had to postpone his onward march and return back hearing about the military ar rangemenls of the Gongaridi or ancient Bangalls
Mobassher Ali, In his 'Bangladesher Sandhane has lucidly described the history of this country highlighting its vast resources, glorious achievements, delicate productions and contribution in art, culture and literature
Throughout the ages, this region has been a land of great attraction to the foreigners and this country had to borrow the fate of being repeat edly conquered by outsiders — the Aryans, the Turks, the Afghans, the Mughals and finally. distinctive (both in nature and effect) from the previous Intruders, by the British
Our culture and lifestyle was influenced and enriched as a result of contact and interaction with that of various foreign nations It is interesting enough to note that most of the foreign Intruders who set tied here, gradually unified themselves to the culture and lifestyle of this country Thus transitional development took place through the process of Interaction between the culture of the conquered and
In the beginning of the modern age. the coming of the
European traders Initiated a new era for this part of the sub continent. As a result of it. this country came In contact with a new and separate culture and civilisation. And In competition to be the lord of this country. Britain finally defeated her European rivals
Was the defeat at Plassey merely an accident taken place by betrayal of the Nawab s commanders? Or the overall situation at that time made It almost inevitable for this subcontinent including Bengal to be gradually conquered by the British (or other European powers) who were more developed In military techniques and weapons, political far
sightedness and diplomacy? Arguments, as the wntcr Indi calcs, go more In favour of the latter.
The British were the first rulers to consider this resourceful country only as the land to exploit and plunder. Their extensive economic exploitations led to the destruction of indigenous industry, immense loss in agriculture that resulted In repeated famines snatching away millions of lives and causing inde scribable sufferings of people.
However, wonderful transition towards better and upward lines Is done as a consequence of foreigners' Intrusion and subsequent Interactions that occur between the customs. tradition, language, culture and politics of the conquerors and the conquered As a result of British rule, the people of this country were Introduced to modern science and technology, rational out look and spirit of Integrated nationalism. It is mass awaken Ing out of political conscious ness Initiated by the British (though not willingly) that made this sub-continent free from British yoke.
Disparities during the semi colonial Pakistani rule, and hard realities, that led to the cessation of most peculiar state and birth of our dear motherland, as an Indepen
dent sovereign state, have been discussed in brief.
The writer gives a vivid depiction of traditional Industry (mainly handicrafts) of ancient Bangla. From time before the birth of Christ, textile industry developed here and the Muslin' of Bengal earned worldwide reputation for its fineness, delicacy and utility Muslin, maintaining Its glorl ous tradition for centuries, met first crushing blow from the British who planwiscly destroyed it just to serve their business aspiration Gradually, industrial revolution and widespread supply of cheap factory-produced cloth resulted In the final ruination of Muslin. And almost similar de veiopment took place In case of other enriched Industries including ship - building, Indigo, salt, sugar etc.
Travellers (Chinese. Muslim and European) accounts have been considered to be rich and authentic sources of the history of this country. Their Inclusion has added to the accountability of the book.
Short description of the main cities and regions of an dent Bengal and a few rare maps have also been Included tn the book.
Our glorious past and achievement of independence after strenuous struggle has filled the mind of the author with pride and he has expressed his utter optimism about our dignified portion In world community.
The book, though lacking penetration Into decisive socio-economic factors of his tory, Is a comprehensive ap p roach to understand the root and evolution of the people of this country Plain language and lucidity of narrative style has made It extremely reader friendly