There have been many nations and individuals throughout history who arrived from outside and changed the course of the Indian subcontinent's history. In comparison to the regions, the Bengal Delta was relatively remote and inaccessible. Trade links with the outside world via maritime routes had existed since ancient times. However, very few people actually went deep into this watery land. This piece focuses on a few such individuals who, despite not being born in this delta, left a profound impact on its politics, society, and culture.
Ballal Sen, Karnataka, South India (1083–1179 CE)
Ballal Sen, the second ruler of the Sen dynasty, had a profound impact on the history, society, and culture of the Bengal Delta.
Originally from Karnataka in South India, the Sen Dynasty rose to power in Bengal following the decline of the Pala dynasty. With Ballal Sen's ascension, a significant shift occurred in the religion, social structure, and cultural orientation of this region.
While the Palas had been patrons of Buddhism, Ballal Sen worked to re-establish Brahmanism during his reign. He introduced a rigid system of social stratification, and the Kulin system. These reforms strengthened the social dominance of the upper castes, while simultaneously marginalizing the lower castes and Shudras in the social order.
Ballal Sen was himself a scholar and a literary figure. He actively promoted Brahmanism and cultural values through both religious and literary pursuits.
As a result of his influence, Bengal's society and culture gradually shifted away from the Buddhist diversity of the Pala period towards Brahmanism.
Due to the Sen dynasty's rule, Buddhist monasteries and the Buddhist community gradually weakened. By the time Muslim rulers arrived in Bengal in the 13th century, the region had already developed a caste-based social structure and a fragile Buddhist community. This socio-religious landscape made the spread of Islam easier.
Ballal Sen and the Sen dynasty established Brahmanism, rigid social hierarchy, and cultural dominance in Bengali society. This influence created the social and cultural context for the decline of Buddhism and the rise of Muslim rule in Bengal's socio-political landscape.
Bakhtiyar Khalji, Afghanistan (1150–1206 CE)
In the 13th century, the conflict between Hindus and Buddhists in this delta seemed never-ending. At this time, in 1204 CE, aiming to expand central authority, Bakhtiyar Khilji launched an attack on Bengal from Delhi and captured Gaur, the-then capital of Bengal. As a result, Islamic rule was politically established in the Bengal region.
He is generally blamed for the destruction of Buddhist monasteries. In the late 13th century and early 14th century, Khilji and his descendants became involved in the administration of Bengal. Although the economy remained based on trade and agriculture, administrative control increased. Islamic cultural influence expanded further, which later deeply affected the society and culture this region.
After the arrival of Bakhtiyar Khilji, the influence of Islam increased in the Bengal region. Mosques, dargahs, and Islamic educational institutions were established. The local people, long bound by caste and lineage, were attracted to the new social ideas. This brought about long-term changes in religion, politics, and culture. The gradual transformation of Eastern Bengal into a region predominantly influenced by Muslim culture began after Khilji's arrival.
Hazrat Shah Jalal, Yemen (1271–1341 CE)
Hazrat Shah Jalal, who is originally from Yemen, arrived in Sylhet in 1303 CE. He was accompanied by many companions who came from various regions.
Shah Jalal worked to spread Muslim thought and philosophy. He established madrasas where Islamic scriptures were taught. As a result of this education, a new generation of intellectuals and religious leaders emerged within the local Muslim community. They later played important roles in social and political leadership.
Despite the resistance of King Govinda of the then Gaur kingdom, Shah Jalal and his followers were able to enter Sylhet. Socially, his activities played a role in increasing compassion and unity between Muslims and non-Muslims. After his death, a mausoleum was built in Sylhet, which remains an important historical site in the region even today. His work has had a lasting impact on the society and local politics of the area. Dargah-centered social events, spiritual gatherings, and religious festivals foster unity and the spread of moral consciousness among the local people.
Siraj-ud-Daulah, Arab descent (1733–1757 CE)
In 1756, at the age of just 23, Siraj-ud-Daulah, the grandson of Alivardi Khan, became the Nawab of Bengal. His reign for a brief period of time, but marked the beginning of lasting political change. Internal conspiracies at the court—especially the betrayal by Mir Jafar, led to the defeat of the last independent Nawab in the Battle of Plassey (23 June 1757). As a result, the British East India Company took control of Bengal's governance and later established dominance over most of the Indian subcontinent.
Siraj-ud-Daulah was not an efficient ruler. The British executed their plan for his downfall through secret agreements with local merchants and military officers.
The fall of the Nawab resulted in administrative control of Bengal passing into the hands of the British Company. Local zamindars and businessmen were compelled to protect the interests of the Company. The economy, tax system, and agricultural production, all were managed according to British commercial policies and interests. As a result, the rural population became indebted, and the balance of political and economic power in society was permanently altered.
The fall of Siraj-ud-Daulah was not merely the defeat of a Nawab. It fundamentally shattered the independent political structure of Bengal, and later the entire Indian subcontinent, paving the way for two centuries of colonial exploitation and profound social transformation.
Robert Clive, England (1725–1774 CE)
In the mid-18th century, Robert Clive played a crucial role as a representative of the British East India Company in Bengal. After the Battle of Plassey in 1757, he brought about a remarkable transformation in Bengal's political and economic structure. Through this battle, he effectively brought the power of the Mughals and Nawabs under the rule of the British East India Company.
Politically, Clive laid the foundation for British administration in the Indian subcontinent. The administrative and political framework that we see today in the region was introduced by Clive.
Under Clive's leadership, feudal India began to transition into a capitalist society. He reorganised the revenue system and enriched the royal treasury. Through control over indigo cultivation, reserve lands, tax collection, and trade, the Company's profits increased. As taxation and control over local farmers and traders intensified, patterns of agricultural production and commerce changed. Although Company profits grew, the pressure on the common people's livelihoods increased.
With the expansion of British rule, English education, law, administrative discipline, and Western ideas entered Bengal. Clive's administration left a permanent mark on education, language, and the administrative structure. The administration, tax policies, and commercial control model introduced by him continue to influence the governance of Bangladesh today.
William Carey, English (1761–1834 CE)
He was an English missionary, who came to Bengal in 1793. He left an important mark on modern missionary work, culture, education, and linguistics. His arrival marked the beginning of a new chapter in Bengal's religion, education, and culture.
Carey promoted English-style modern education. He expanded educational opportunities for the general public through the Serampore House School in Kolkata and later through public schools. Under Carey's initiative, the first modern printing press was established in Bengal. He took an active role especially in women's education and the education of marginalized communities.
Carey's activities in the delta had a profound cultural and linguistic impact as well. Carey composed Bengal's first dictionary and grammar. This work played an important role in the modernization of Bengal's language and literary practice. Carey promoted teachings of religious tolerance, morality, and social responsibility.
Richard William Timm, United States (1923–2020 CE)
He was a biologist, educator, freedom fighter, and human rights activist. Timm was one of the founders of Notre Dame College in Dhaka. After coming to Dhaka in 1952 as a member of the Holy Cross Congregation, he worked to improve the education system and expand science education in this region. He established the science department at Notre Dame College and founded three co-curricular clubs, which are considered among the oldest clubs in the country.
During the Liberation War of 1971, he played a role in providing relief to the distressed and in building international public opinion in favor of the liberation movement. After the war, he became involved with NGOs and social development activities in Bangladesh. He led the establishment and management of Caritas Bangladesh, ADAB, and several human rights organizations.
He made significant contributions to disaster management, social rehabilitation, labor rights, and the development of indigenous communities by establishing a unique model.
Peter Custers, Netherlands (1949–2015 CE)
During the Liberation War of 1971, he brought international attention to the atrocities committed by Pakistani soldiers. After independence, he came to Bangladesh and directly engaged with the educated progressive youth, students, and rural people.
He was a follower of Maulana Bhasani. Many believe that the main thesis of the scientific socialism proposed by the National Socialist Party originated from his ideas. He was the first and only foreigner sentenced to 14 years in prison in independent Bangladesh for the crime of sedition, although he never had to serve the sentence.
Peter believed that the foundation of social change lay with the poor and peasant population. He worked in villages alongside laborers and farmers to raise their political awareness. Following Paulo Freire's theory, he established curricula, schools, and learning centers for rural people.
In 2010, the Government of Bangladesh honored him as a 'Protector of Human Rights and Friend of the Nation.' To Peter, Bangladesh was a battleground for equality, justice, democracy, and the liberation struggle of the poor.
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