Location: The Bengali culture exists primarily in the present day country of Bangladesh, which is located in south central Asia, but can also be found in parts of India.
History: Bangladesh has only existed as an independent nation since 1971. It was governed for centuries by Afghan, Mogul, and Muslim rulers. It became part of British India in the late 18th century. In 1947, Bangladesh was still known as East Bengal. Then in 1955, when Pakistan achieved independence, it became an eastern province of Pakistan, known as East Pakistan. A movement for greater autonomy was started by Sheikh Mujibar Rahman, whose Awami League won a majority in the Federal Pakistan Assembly in 1970. The government postponed assembly sessions, and on March 26, 1971, the Awami League declared Bangladesh an independent province. Civil war broke out and an estimated one million Bengalis were killed before India intervened on Bangladesh's behalf. Pakistan was defeated in December of 1971.
Daily Life: The Bengali language, Islamic religion, and rural setting of Bangladesh all serve to tie together the country's culture. Variation's do occur among the ethnic, religious, and social minorities. Particularly in the villages, the typical household in Bangladesh includes several generations of extended family. Most previous marriages have been arranged but today a growing number of educated men and women are choosing their own mates. Divorce is allowed among Muslims. Hindu marriage is seen as sacramental but they are able to obtain a separation by application to a court of law. Muslim law also allows limited polygamy.
The main festivals in Bangladesh are religious. The two most important are 'Id-al-Fitr, which comes at the end of Ramadan, and 'Id-al-Adha, which is the festival of sacrifice that comes two and a half months after 'Id-al-Fitr. During both of the festivals, family and friends get together to celebrate.
Bangladesh is noted for a large variety of milk based sweets. Rice, pulses, fish, wheat, and wheat products make up the staple diet. Meat, mostly goat and beef, are eaten, especially in the towns. The most common form of dress among males in the countryside of Bangladesh and among poorer areas in urban settlements is the lungi ( a length of cloth wrapped around the lower half of the body) with a short vest. Men of the upper educated classes prefer a kind of collarless knee length shirt known as a panjabi and light cotton trousers known as pajamas. On more formal occasions, they dress in a modified version of the western suit. The traditional sherwani and churidar, a calf length tunic and close fitting trousers, are still seen at weddings where they are worn along with the turban. The sari is common among women. Girls and younger women, especially students, prefer the shalwar kamitz, which is a combination of a calf length shirt and baggy silk or cotton trousers gathered at the ankles.
Bibliography:
"Britannica.com." Encyclopedia Britannica.(1999-2000). http://www.britannica.com/bcom/eb/article/0/0,5716,117990+1+109737,00.html - March 7, 2001.
"Encyclopedia.com." The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition.(2000). http://www.encyclopedia.com/aritclesnew/01083.html - March 7, 2001.
Written by: Gabrielle Crowley