A distinctive new book titled “Swargabhumi Bangla” (Bengal: The Paradise of the World civilisation) has been released, offering readers a fresh perspective on the history of Bengal and its significant contributions to world civilisation.
Written by journalist and researcher Mohammed Mahmuduzzaman, the book is the result of nearly two decades of research and investigation. It brings together rare historical accounts and interpretations to present a positive and often overlooked dimension of the region’s past.
According to the book, Bengal was among the world’s most prosperous and economically significant regions during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. As a Mughal province known as Subah Bangla, it became one of the empire’s most valuable and strategically important territories due to its fertile land, abundant agricultural production, thriving industries, and extensive trade networks.
The book highlights historical references where Bengal was described as “Jannatabad”—meaning “The Land of Paradise”—during the Mughal period. The author notes accounts attributing this title to Mughal Emperor Humayun, while other sources suggest that Emperor Aurangzeb (Alamgir) referred to Bengal as “The Paradise of Nations”.
Drawing on historical records and travel accounts, the author contends that for centuries, Bengal was a leading centre of agriculture, commerce, industry, education, and craftsmanship, standing alongside the great civilisations of the ancient world.
The book further argues that Bengal’s commercial networks influenced developments far beyond South Asia, with its wealth and exports playing an important role in Britain’s Industrial Revolution.
The publication also examines Bengal’s historical intellectual and commercial exchanges with China and discusses the global demand for Bengal’s textiles and products across Europe, the Arab world, Africa, and South-East Asia.
A central theme of “Swargabhumi Bangla” is that Bengal’s global influence was achieved through trade, innovation, education, creativity, and cultural exchange rather than military expansion or colonisation.
The author argues that these qualities established Bengal as a unique civilisation whose legacy deserves greater international recognition.
Published by “Roots” Publications, the book features cover artwork by the acclaimed artist Sabyasachi Hazra. It is available at leading bookshops across Bangladesh and can also be purchased online via Rokomari.com.
