https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_West_Bengal
Ancient West Bengal, part of the historically rich Bengal region, dates back over 20,000 years, with significant urbanization appearing in the first millennium BCE. Key early entities included the Gangaridai and Vanga kingdoms, which maintained maritime trade links with the Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and Rome, particularly through the port of Tamralipta.
Key Aspects of Ancient Bengal History:
Early Settlements and Civilization: Archaeological findings show Neolithic and Copper Age settlements, with rice-cultivating communities thriving by the 2nd millennium BCE. Major urban centers included Wari-Bateshwar and Chandraketugarh.
The Gangaridai Kingdom: Mentioned by Greek historians (around 100 BCE) as a powerful kingdom with a vast elephant army, located along the Ganges delta, which famously deterred Alexander the Great.
Janapadas and Early Empires: Ancient Bengal was divided into regions like Vanga, Gauda, and Pundra. It was later absorbed into the Maurya and Gupta Empires.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanga_kingdom
Shashanka's Rule (6th-7th Century AD): Shashanka is considered the first major independent king of Bengal, establishing the kingdom of Gauda and expanding its influence into northern India.
The Pala Dynasty (8th-12th Century CE): A significant golden age marked by the rise of the Pala dynasty, which fostered Buddhism, art, and education, creating centers like Vikramashila and bolstering trade.
Trade and Culture: Known as a prosperous hub of maritime trade, ancient Bengal was a major exporter of muslin textiles, with strong links to Persia, Arabia, and the Mediterranean.
Key sites such as Tamralipta acted as the southern endpoint of the Uttarapatha (great northern trade route).