Editing Bangladesh (section)

=== Early History of Bangladesh ===
The region that is now '''Bangladesh''' has a long and layered history, shaped by a series of powerful kingdoms and empires. The earliest major political power to control this territory was the '''Maurya Empire''' (c. 320–185 BCE). Under the rule of '''Emperor Ashoka''', the Mauryas extended their influence into Bengal, integrating the region into one of the largest and most centralized empires of ancient India. This era saw the spread of administrative systems, trade networks, and early Buddhist teachings, laying the foundation for the region’s cultural and economic development. After the Maurya Empire declined, Bengal saw the rise of several smaller kingdoms, among which '''Samatata''' became particularly significant. Located in what is now southeastern Bangladesh, Samatata emerged as a '''tributary state''' of the '''Gupta Empire''' c. 319–540 CE. During the Gupta period, Bengal enjoyed relative stability and cultural growth. '''Harsha''' (r. 606–647 CE), a powerful ruler of northern India, later incorporated Samatata into his loosely governed realm. This era was marked by religious tolerance and the flourishing of Buddhism, Hinduism, and early forms of local culture.

One of the most influential periods in the early history of Bengal came with the rise of the '''Pala Empire''' in the mid-8th century. The Palas, who ruled from around '''750 to 1150 CE''', established a '''Buddhist dynasty''' that transformed the region into a major '''center of learning and culture'''. Their rule is often considered a '''golden age''' for Bengal. Great monastic universities like '''Somapura Mahavihara''' became renowned across Asia, attracting scholars from distant lands. The Pala rulers maintained extensive diplomatic and trade relations with regions such as Tibet, Southeast Asia, and even China. By the 12th century, however, Pala power declined, paving the way for the '''Sena dynasty''', a Hindu kingdom that ruled much of Bengal. The Senas introduced new administrative systems and promoted '''Hindu religious traditions''', especially Vaishnavism. Their capital was established in Nabadwip, and their rule represented the last major '''Hindu dynasty''' in Bengal before the arrival of Muslim conquerors. In '''1204 CE''', the Sena dynasty fell to the forces of '''Muhammad Bakhtiyar Khalji''', a general of the '''Ghurid dynasty''' from Central Asia. His swift conquest marked the beginning of '''Islamic rule''' in Bengal, ushering in a new era of political, cultural, and religious transformation that would shape the region for centuries to come.