–Md. Sadequzzaman

This study investigates the ethnoarchaeological dimensions of Bijoypur pottery, a traditional craft practiced in the Cumilla District of Bangladesh. By integrating ethnographic methods with archaeological analysis, the research aims to document and examine the techniques, styles, and cultural significance of Bijoypur pottery. The study traces the historical development of this craft, its socio-economic impact on local communities, and the transmission of traditional knowledge across generations. Through interviews with local artisans, participant observation, and comparative analysis of pottery artifacts, this research provides insights into the continuity and transformation within this artisanal tradition. The findings underscore the challenges faced by potters in an increasingly modernized society and emphasize the importance of preserving this cultural heritage. This paper contributes to a broader understanding of South Asian ceramic traditions and presents a case study on the interplay between material culture, tradition, and modernity.

-Md. Mozahedul Haque

Mahasthan, or Mahasthangarh, is one of the earliest urban sites in Bangladesh, situated on the western bank of the Karatoya River, approximately 12 km north of Bogura town. This site spans the Shibganj and Sadar Upazilas of the Bogura district and is located between latitudes 24˚50ʹN and 25˚0ʹN, and longitudes 89˚15ʹE and 89˚30ʹE. The site itself is a rectangular fortified mound, measuring 1524 x 1370 meters. While prehistoric remains have been discovered in several regions of Bangladesh, such as the Lalmai-Mainamati region in Cumilla (formerly Comilla), the Chaklapunji Tea Garden in Chunarughat, Habiganj district, Chhagalnaiya in the Feni district, and Wari-Bateshwar in the Narshingdi district, the inscription found at Mahasthangarh represents the earliest archaeological evidence of written history in Bangladesh. This inscription dates back to the reign of the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka (c. 268 – c. 232 BC). Furthermore, numerous archaeological findings have been uncovered through explorations and excavations conducted in and around Mahasthangarh. This research aims to provide a detailed overview of these discoveries.

–Muhammad Mizanur Rahman

The article deals mainly with the racial and linguistic identity of Bengal during the period from the eleventh century through thirteenth century A.D. Endeavour has been made to show first how the Bengal delta was populated from the ancient times and then how the language of its people evolved out of different phases of their existence in various territorial combinations under successive Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim rulers. The paper also focuses on how the origin of Bangla and its development has been analyzed by scholars.

–Sajid Bin DOZA

The tomb of Bibi Pari, located within the Lalbagh Fort in Dhaka, stands as a prime example of Mughal tomb architecture in Muslim Bengal. Constructed by Shaista Khan, the Mughal Subahdar of Bengal, in memory of his daughter Iran Dukht Rahmat Banu (Bibi Pari), the mausoleum reflects the fusion of Mughal grandeur with local architectural nuances. This paper examines the architectural and historical significance of the tomb, which adheres to the Mughal tradition of memorial structures while showcasing unique features of Bengal’s regional craftsmanship. The tomb’s central burial hall is meticulously planned, surrounded by eight ancillary chambers that reflect the Mughal attention to symmetry and spatial order. The interior boasts finely crafted marble inlays, grooved panel work, and intricate floral terrazzo tiles, characteristic of Mughal luxury. The polygonal corbelled ceilings and a copper dome at the apex, once gilded, further emphasize the tomb’s spiritual and artistic dimensions. The façade’s use of four-centred arches and recessed niches highlights the Shaista Khan period’s architectural evolution. The tomb’s stylistic resemblance to the famed Itmat Ud Doula mausoleum in Agra underscores its significance within the larger context of Mughal tomb architecture, though regional variations in materials and scale are evident. This research highlights how the tomb of Bibi Pari integrates the aesthetics of imperial Mughal architecture with local Bengal interpretations, embodying the evolution of mausoleum construction in Muslim Bengal during the Mughal era. Through an analysis of its design, this paper situates the tomb within the broader tradition of Mughal funerary architecture, underscoring its role as a spiritual and historical landmark in Bengal’s architectural heritage.

–Hosne Ara Parveen

Based on various contemporary and later historical sources, it is evident that the zamindars of the Bhati region of East Bengal, who fiercely resisted the Mughals under the leadership of Isa Khan and his son Musa Khan to protect their respective zamindaris, are historically known as Barbhuiyan. Among these Barbhuiyas were Chand Roy and Kedar Roy, the zamindars of Vikrampur, with Sripur as their capital. Historians disagree on the exact location of the Bhushana Fort and its relationship to the zamindari of Chand Roy and Kedar Roy. According to Abul Fazl’s Akbarnama, the Mughal army led by Himmat Singh conquered Bhushana Fort, which included the zamindaris of Chand Roy and Kedar Roy. However, Abdul Karim asserts that Bhushana pertained to the zamindari of Mukund Roy. Additionally, most modern historians, including Abdul Karim, believe Chand Roy and Kedar Roy were brothers, while some historians argue that Chand Roy was the father and Kedar Roy his son. Abul Fazl’s contemporary account in Akbarnama indicates that Chand Roy was the son and Kedar Roy the father. Based on contemporary information, Bhushana Fort was located in Faridpur. The region of Faridpur once belonged to Mukunda Roy’s Bhushana kingdom but was later incorporated into the zamindari of Chand Roy and Kedar Roy, in 1595 AD. Bhushana Fort was captured by the Mughals. Despite differing historical opinions regarding the relationship between Chand Roy and Kedar Roy, it can be concluded that they were father and son, with Chand Roy being the father and Kedar Roy his son.

–Lubna Chowdhury

In the historical context of the world, the emergence of urban civilizations has often been closely tied to the presence of rivers, and Dhaka is no exception. The city of Dhaka has historically been linked to major rivers such as the Buriganga, Turag, Balunodi, and the Tongi canal, with the Shitalakhya River located nearby. This geographical setting naturally facilitated the expansion of trade and the dynamic movement of people via waterways. The presence of these rivers created a favorable environment for the development of Dhaka. Moreover, the proximity of Dhaka to Sonargaon, which was the administrative capital during the Sultanate period and the rule of the Baro-Bhuiyans, further propelled Dhaka towards urbanization. Remarkably, Dhaka is perhaps the only city in the world to have been designated as a capital city four times throughout its history. Despite facing challenges such as changes in religious and political landscapes, these events introduced new religions and cultures that enriched the city’s mainstream culture.

–Md. Samaun Hasan

In the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have become pivotal in computer vision, particularly for preserving architectural heritage. This study harnesses CNNs to develop a monument identification system, exploring its origins and outcomes. Iconic landmarks such as the Lahore Museum (British Period), Kantaji Temple (Mughal Period), and Choto Sona Mosque (Sultanate Period) in the Indian subcontinent showcase architectural splendor and a rich historical legacy. Employing deep learning, the research uses computational techniques to accurately determine the construction eras of heritage buildings, focusing on the British, Mughal, and Sultanate periods. The study proposes a computational approach to assist archaeologists in identifying the construction periods of ancient structures, such as the Kismat Maria Mosque. The proposed mechanism has achieved a maximum accuracy of 96.20% during testing. To enhance the accuracy of era recognition, advanced feature detection algorithms are employed to identify key architectural features, with a proprietary Deep Neural Network (DNN) seamlessly integrated into the CNNs.

–Mahbubul Hasan

In the historical context of the world, the emergence of urban civilizations has often been closely tied to the presence of rivers, and Dhaka is no exception. The city of Dhaka has historically been linked to major rivers such as the Buriganga, Turag, Balunodi, and the Tongi canal, with the Shitalakhya River located nearby. This geographical setting naturally facilitated the expansion of trade and the dynamic movement of people via waterways. The presence of these rivers created a favorable environment for the development of Dhaka. Moreover, the proximity of Dhaka to Sonargaon, which was the administrative capital during the Sultanate period and the rule of the Baro-Bhuiyans, further propelled Dhaka towards urbanization. Remarkably, Dhaka is perhaps the only city in the world to have been designated as a capital city four times throughout its history. Despite facing challenges such as changes in religious and political landscapes, these events introduced new religions and cultures that enriched the city’s mainstream culture.

–Ahsan Habib

The Satgachiya Jami Masjid, located in the Barbazar region of Sultanate-era Bengal, served not only as a place of worship but also as a center for governance, administration, and education, similar to other Jami Masjids from the Abbasid to Mughal periods. The mosque features a rectangular platform, likely used for teaching, reflecting the tradition of education within mosques dating back to early Islam. Built in the early 15th century, the mosque predates the renowned Six Domed Mosque of Khan Jahan and exemplifies the multi-domed architectural style common in Bengal during this era. However, its construction quality was inferior, raising concerns about its long-term preservation. Despite this, the mosque remains a key historical and architectural monument of the Sultanate period in Bangladesh.

–Nakhlu Zatul Akmam

This article aims to explore the narratives published in the Saptahik Sawgat (a weekly magazine) to illuminate the financial and trading system of British Bengal. It covers the socio-economic scenarios of British Bengal during the first half of 20^th century and development process of the societies. The ingredients of Bengal finance and trade like; agricultural harvesting, industrial productions, export and imports, internal trade, annual budget, communication system, market price, advertisement, various professional groups related to finance and trade, social changes happening through the financial development etc. reflected in the various series of the Saptahik Sawgat was investigate from the viewpoint of history. This paper paid a comprehensive attention to the social development process through financial and trading system, portrayal in the Saptahik Sawgat and its influences to the society of British Bengal.

–Md. Rezwanul Hoque

The architecture of the Khanjahan period in Bagerhat, dating back to the Sultanate Bengal era, reflects a unique blend of aesthetics and subject variety, with terracotta and stone carvings as key decorative elements. This research explores the artistic excellence of these mosques, constructed without formal education, highlighting their religious influences and historical significance. Founded by Ulugh Khan-i-Jahan in the 15th century, Bagerhat’s architectural heritage earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 1985. Despite previous studies, this research delves deeper into the aesthetic diversity and structural nuances that define Khanjahan architecture in Bagerhat.

–Saima Rahman

The history of the saree in Bengal is intertwined with the evolution of its weaving industry, dating back to ancient times. As a symbol of Bengal’s cultural heritage, the saree has evolved from simple cotton fabrics to complex, intricately woven garments crafted from a variety of materials like silk, cotton, and wild fibers. Bengali weavers are celebrated for their mastery of weaving techniques, often using threads and dyes to express their creativity. Despite challenges like the introduction of machine-powered looms, the traditional handloom saree endures as a unique representation of Bengal’s artistic and cultural essence, captivating people worldwide with its beauty, craftsmanship, and rich history.

–Sajeda Yusuf

The artistic representation of animals has a long-standing tradition in human history, with evidence stretching from prehistoric frescoes to modern architecture. This paper explores the incorporation of animal motifs in architectural decorations, tracing their historical roots and cultural significance. Examples from ancient India, such as the caves of Ajanta, Mavalipuram, and Amaravati, display elephant portraits, while similar motifs can be found in various buildings in Bangladesh, especially in temples and zamindar estates, where both artistic and religious sentiments intertwined.A focal point of this study is the architectural legacy of the Zamindars of Muktagacha, a region in present-day Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Renowned for their wealth and cultural sophistication, the zamindars adorned their monuments with intricate motifs of animals and nature, reflecting both imperial grandeur and religious symbolism. This paper delves into the historical development of Muktagacha under the leadership of the Acharya family, tracing the transformation of the region from a forested land into a hub of architectural and cultural significance. The origins and rise of the Muktagacha zamindari, alongside the use of animal decorations in their monuments, reveal the complex interplay between power, art, and religious expression in the architectural heritage of the region. Through examining these decorative practices, the study highlights how artistic expression transcends time, blending symbolism, religious sentiment, and cultural heritage in architectural forms across different eras.

–Fatema Hereen

The political and social landscape of Barisal during the late British colonial period underwent significant transformations, marked by the decline of the zamindari system and the rise of the peasant class, particularly under the leadership of Sher-e-Bangla A. K. Fazlul Haque. The growing influence of the Muslim peasantry led to increased communal tensions, as Hindu zamindars and upper-caste Hindus, fearing the loss of their socio-political power, advocated for the inclusion of Barisal in a proposed Hindu Rashtra. However, this demand was met with resistance not only from the Muslim majority but also from lower-caste Hindus, who felt a closer socio-economic alignment with Muslims. Despite these efforts, the Radcliffe Line, which delineated the partition of Bengal in 1947, did not accommodate these demands, leading to the incorporation of Barisal into East Pakistan. The resulting communal conflict, driven by class consciousness and the disintegration of Hindu-Muslim unity, led to the migration of the Hindu elite to West Bengal. This migration marked the end of their influence in Barisal, signaling a shift from a collective independence movement to a fractured society divided along religious and class lines.