ABSTRACT

A look at the Hindu and Buddhist background of Bangladesh is essential for an understanding of the country. This mixed religious heritage was derided by West Pakistanis, who saw themselves as "purer" Muslims, adding to the irritation of the East Pakistanis at being somehow considered second-class members of the Islamic homeland created by the partition of India in 1947. Vanga, also known in history as Samatata, was the deltaic region south of the present Padma comprising the southern portion of present Bangladesh. Varendra was roughly contiguous with the present Rajshahi division of Bangladesh and also included some of the northern areas of West Bengal. The Palas are best known for their promotion of Buddhism and their opposition to Brahmanism. They gave strong support to Buddhist universities in Nalanda and Vikramashila, both in Bihar. The Palas were also patrons of the arts and literature, much of which survives.