West Bengal’s pride lies in its rich cultural legacy that testifies the state’s age-old history. The annals of history contain evidences that date as far back as the Vedic era. It is generally supposed that the post Vedic period comment from the time when the Aryans settled on Bengal’s terrains.
The chronicles of the Greek foreign travelers of 400 BC to 100 AD refer to an area known as Gangaridai, which has been supposed to be none other than the present Bengal. The etymological significance of Gangahrd is a Land with the Ganges in its heart. Thus according to mythology, Gangaridai is supposed to be the inception point of the world.
The post Vedic period gradually culminated in the glorious rule of the Pala and the Sena rulers under whose rule trade, commerce, religion and culture flourished in Bengal. Ancient Buddhist texts refer to the 16 Maha Janapadas that were the seat of Buddhist religion and culture. The Anguttara Nikaya, an ancient Buddhist text refers to the 16 provinces of
Of these Anga, Vanga and Magadha, both of which find mention in the Atharva Veda were sited in Bengal and symbolize the post Vedic era in Bengal.
The relics of South 24 Parganas have revealed from delightful archeological treasures like small stones of garnet, opal, quartz etc that are a hallmark of the ancient lifestyle. Shashanka has been attributed with the claim of Bengal’s first independent monarch.
