A History of Bangladesh by Willem van Schendel

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About the Book

A History of Bangladesh is a comprehensive and highly readable account by Willem van Schendel, Professor of Modern Asian History, tracing the extraordinary journey of a country chiefly known abroad for images of poverty and natural disaster, revealing instead its vibrant, colourful past and rich cultural diversity. Bangladesh did not exist as an independent state until 1971, and van Schendel's history navigates the remarkable twists and turns, ecological, political, and cultural, that produced the modern nation.

The narrative begins with the geological history of the Bengal delta itself, examining how this distinctive environment has decisively shaped the society that grew upon it, before moving chronologically through more than two millennia of history: the era of colonial rule, the partition of Bengal, the formation of East Pakistan, the 1943 famine, the Bangladesh Liberation War, and the birth of Bangladesh as an independent state, through to major developments of recent decades. Structured across five parts and twenty-two chapters, the book combines political, social, economic, and cultural analysis into a genuinely interdisciplinary account, examining Bengal as a region shaped by what van Schendel describes as "multiple frontiers," geographic, linguistic, religious, and cultural, whose interactions over centuries produced the distinct national identity found in Bangladesh today. Readers, including many of Bangladeshi origin, have praised the book for presenting this complex, sometimes difficult history with balance and care, connecting ancient Bengal to the present day in a way that feels both scholarly and genuinely accessible, without unnecessarily wading into ideological or partisan framing.

Why Read A History of Bangladesh?

• A comprehensive, two-millennia overview: Traces Bangladesh's story from the ancient Bengal delta through to contemporary developments.
• Balanced, accessible scholarship: Praised by readers, including those of Bangladeshi origin, for presenting complex history with care rather than ideological framing.
• Interdisciplinary analysis: Combines political, ecological, social, and cultural history into a single, coherent narrative.
• Regularly updated by the author: The revised edition incorporates the latest academic research and covers developments through the 2010s.
• Ideal for a wide range of readers: Suitable for students, scholars, travelers, and expats seeking a genuine introduction to the country.

About the Author: Willem van Schendel

Willem van Schendel is a distinguished scholar specializing in Asian anthropology and history, having held professorships at Erasmus University Rotterdam and the University of Amsterdam, as well as affiliations with the International Institute of Social History. His research focuses on South and Southeast Asian studies, including borderlands, labor history, and indigeneity, with a particular emphasis on Bangladesh and the Eastern Himalayas reflected throughout his extensive body of published work.

Who Should Read This Book

• Students and scholars of South Asian history and politics
• Travelers and expats seeking a genuine understanding of Bangladesh's history and culture
• Readers of Bangladeshi heritage interested in a scholarly account of their national history
• Anyone interested in the history of the 1971 Liberation War and Bangladesh's path to independence
• General readers curious about the ecological, colonial, and cultural forces that shaped South Asia

Why Buy From Us?

• ✅ 100% original, high-quality print
• ✅ Fast delivery across Bangladesh
• ✅ Cash on delivery available
• ✅ Secure packaging, guaranteed quality
• ✅ Easy return and exchange policy

Order now and discover the comprehensive, balanced history behind the making of modern Bangladesh.