[🇧🇩] Rich Bengal----Can it be revived?

[Saif]

Date of Event: Jul 21, 2025

Source : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wsx38nQm4dY

Bengal used to be the richest region of the world in the past. It had the most modern and largest textile industry in the whole world. Bengal used to have 23% of world's GDP. Today, Bangladesh is strategically important to the USA, China and India. But it has lost its rich economy due to exploitation by the British East India Company for almost 200 years. My question is, can the rich Bengal of the past be revived?

 

[Saif]

In the past, East Bengal (present-day Bangladesh) was renowned for its wealth and prosperity, particularly during the Mughal era and the Bengal Sultanate. It was a major center of trade and industry, with a thriving textile industry and shipbuilding. Historical accounts and Mughal emperors themselves described Bengal as a "Paradise of India".

Here's a more detailed look:

• Mughal Era:
  Bengal became a highly valued province within the Mughal Empire, known for its fertile land, abundant water resources, and flourishing cotton textile industry. It was considered one of the richest regions in India, attracting European traders like the English East India Company.
  
  
• Bengal Sultanate:
  The Bengal Sultanate, which preceded Mughal rule, was also described as a prosperous kingdom by contemporary visitors. The region was a major hub for trade, producing and exporting a variety of goods. Contemporary European and Chinese visitors described Bengal as a prosperous kingdom and the "richest country to trade with".
  
  
• Textile Industry:
  Bengal's textile industry was particularly prominent, with the region being a major producer of fine cotton cloth and other textiles.
  
  
• Economic Powerhouse:
  During the 18th century, Bengal's economy, particularly under the Mughals, was larger than that of any European empire.
  
  
• Architectural Legacy:
  The Bengal Sultanate also left behind a significant architectural legacy, with examples of brick architecture and mosques.

 

[Saif]

In the past, Bengal, particularly the area encompassing present-day Bangladesh, was renowned for its thriving textile industry, especially its production and export of fine cotton muslins. This industry, flourishing for centuries, faced a decline during the British colonial period, marked by the East India Company's policies and the rise of industrialization in England.

Here's a more detailed look:
Flourishing Industry:

• Ancient Reputation:
  Bengal's textiles, particularly muslins, were sought after as early as the first century AD by the Romans.
  
  
• Global Demand:
  Foreign travelers from China, Portugal, Arabia, and Persia praised the delicacy and beauty of Bengal's fabrics.
  
  
• Diverse Products:
  Bengal produced a wide variety of textiles, including cotton, silk, and mixed-thread fabrics, with muslins being particularly famous for their fineness and transparency.
  
  
• Major Export Center:
  Bengal was a leading exporter of textiles, with Dhaka muslins reaching as far as Turkey and Persia during the Ottoman Empire.
  
  
• European Trade:
  European traders, including the Portuguese, Dutch, and English, participated in the textile trade, initially engaging in inter-Asia trade before focusing on importing textiles to Europe.
  
  
• Dhaka's Dominance:
  Dhaka emerged as the center of the global muslin trade during the 17th and 18th centuries.
  
  
• Proto-Industrialization:
  Bengal's textile industry before British colonization is considered a period of proto-industrialization, with a strong craft-based economy producing goods for external markets.
  

Decline:

• British Conquest:
  The British East India Company's conquest of Bengal in 1757 marked a turning point for the textile industry.
  
  
• Suppression of Weavers:
  The Company's servants subjected weavers to oppression, leading to a decline in production and quality.
  
  
• Unfavorable Policies:
  The colonial government's tariff policies in both England and India negatively impacted the industry.
  
  
• Industrial Revolution's Impact:
  The industrial revolution in England led to the mass production of textiles at lower costs, making it difficult for Bengal's handloom industry to compete.
  
  
• Loss of Markets:
  Bengal's traditional markets were disrupted, and the Company's monopoly over trade squeezed out other traders.
  
  
• Decline in Production:
  The once-thriving industry experienced a significant decline, with many weavers losing their livelihoods.
  

Legacy:

• Historical Significance:
  Despite its decline, Bengal's textile industry holds a significant place in history, showcasing the region's craftsmanship and contribution to global trade.
• Renewed Interest:
  In recent times, there has been a growing interest in the history of Bengal textiles and the traditional handloom techniques.