Editing Bangladesh (section)

=== Medieval Period of Bengal ===
The '''medieval era''' of Bengal began with its incorporation into the '''Delhi Sultanate''' in '''1206 CE''', marking the start of Islamic political rule in the region. Over time, Bengal developed a distinct identity within the Sultanate’s expanding territory. In '''1341''', '''Fakhruddin Mubarak Shah''' declared the '''independence of Bengal''', founding the '''Bengal Sultanate''', which soon became a major power in eastern India. The sultanate experienced '''rapid territorial expansion''', strengthening its political and economic base. Its '''strategic location''', fertile land, and thriving trade turned Bengal into a hub of '''commercial activity''', attracting merchants from '''China''', the '''Middle East''', and '''Europe'''. Foreign travelers often described it as '''one of the richest regions in the world''' to trade with. Bengal exported fine textiles, including its world-famous muslin, along with silk, spices, and other goods.

In '''1576''', the '''Mughal Empire''' conquered Bengal, transforming it into the '''Bengal Subah''', one of the empire’s most prosperous provinces. By the '''18th century''', it was recognized as the '''wealthiest region''' in the Mughal realm and was famously called the '''“Paradise of Countries”''' and the '''“breadbasket of India.”''' The area’s agricultural productivity, skilled artisanship, and vibrant trade contributed to a high standard of living for its population. With the '''decline of Mughal authority''' in the early 1700s, Bengal evolved into a '''semi-independent state''' under the '''Nawabs of Bengal''', beginning with '''Murshid Quli Khan''', the first Nawab. This period was marked by political autonomy, continued economic prosperity, and active international trade. However, internal power struggles and growing European colonial interests set the stage for the '''British East India Company’s''' later dominance.