Ancient Kingdoms/Dynasties of West Bengal | WBCS Preparation: All Subjects - WBCS (West Bengal) PDF Download

Distinguished ancient realms in West Bengal:

• Vanga Kingdom:
  Originating in Bengal, the Vanga Kingdom, surrounded by the Padma and Bhagirathi rivers to the West, North, and East, and the Bay of Bengal to the South, was an ancient state. It shared common ancestry with neighboring states such as Suhma, Anga, Pundravardhana, and Samatata. The founders of Angas, Vangas, Kalingas, Pundras, and Suhmas were all adopted sons of King Vali or Bali, born to the sage Gautama Dirghatamas.
• Anga Kingdom:
  An early kingdom encompassing parts of Bengal and modern central Bihar, Anga had its capital in Champa (formerly Malini). Descended from King Bali, Anga rulers played significant roles in epics like the Mahabharata, where Karna, a friend of Duryodhana, was the king of Anga.
• Pundra Kingdom:
  Located in West Bengal, Pundra, led by King Pundravardhana, extended from North Bengal to present-day Bangladesh. The Pundra dynasty, belonging to warrior Kshatriya tribes, did not adhere to Vedic culture. Paundraka Vasudeva, a legendary leader, united Pundra, Vanga, and Kirata, forming an alliance with Jarasandha of Magadha.
• Suhmas Kingdom:
  The Suhmas, mentioned in the 'Acharanga Sutra' of the Jainas, had a large territory covering modern districts of Burdwan, Hooghly, Midnapore, Nadia, parts of Murshidabad, and 24-Parganas. According to the Mahabharata, the Suhmas originated from Suhma, the son of Bali, and occupied land west of the Bhagirathi up to the sea.
• Harikela Kingdom:
  Encompassing much of Eastern Bengal, Harikela was recognized by Arab traders as the coastal regions of Bengal. In the 10th century CE, Harikela rulers were defeated by Chandra rulers.
• Samatata Kingdom:
  An ancient region in South-Eastern Bengal, Samatata's boundaries were defined by Tripura and Arakan mountains in the East and the Meghna river in the West. Ruled by Buddhist kings in the late 7th century, it was mentioned by Chinese travelers Xuan Zang and Yijing and Roman geographer Ptolemy.
• Gauda Kingdom:
  Originating in present-day Bengal, the Gauda kingdom, led by King Shashanka, saw a flourishing period in Bengal's history. After Shashanka's death, his son Manava ruled briefly. Shashanka is known for oppressing Buddhist communities and driving them out of Bengal.
• Nanda Dynasty:
  Originating from Magadha in the 4th century BCE, the Nanda dynasty ruled from Bengal in the East to the Punjab region in the West. Known for their wealth, the dynasty had nine kings, including Mahapadma Nanda and Dhana Nanda.
• Mauryan Dynasty:
  Established in 322 BCE, the Mauryan empire, ruled by Chandragupta and Bindusara, included the entire region of Bengal. After the Kalinga War, Ashoka brought peace to the empire.
• Gupta Dynasty (320 to 550 CE):
  Founded by Srigupta, the Gupta Dynasty covered much of the Indian sub-continent, including Bengal. Notable rulers like Ghatotkacha, Chandragupta I, Samudragupta, and Chandragupta II contributed to the dynasty's prosperity.
• Malla Dynasty (694 CE onwards):
  Originating in 694 CE, the Malla Dynasty ruled Western Bengal (Mallabhum), with Alalia kings like Adi Alalia, Jay Malla, Benu Malla, Kinu Malla, and Indra Malla. The last king, Kalipada Singha Thakur, ruled Mallabhum from 1930 to 1983.
  
  
• Pala Empire (750 CE - 1200 CE):
  Often referred to as the 'Golden Age' of Bengal, the Pala Empire, with Buddhist philosophy followers, elevated Bengal's culture, promoting literature, art, and language development. The period saw the formation of the Bengali language and the creation of epics like the 'Mangal Kavyas.' The Palas were also known for their war elephants and a formidable naval fleet.