The Spread of Civilization in Eastern India: A Historical Overview
Early Signs of Civilization in Eastern India
Civilization markers include the art of writing, tax systems, and social hierarchies with specialized roles for priests and administrators.
A thriving civilization supports both producers (artisans, peasants) and consumers (non-producers like administrators).
These features developed late in eastern India, reflecting a delay in civilizational advancement compared to other regions.
No significant written records in areas like West Bengal, Assam, and Orissa until the fourth century A.D.
Rural Economy and State Formation in the 4th to 7th Century
Regions like eastern Bengal, Orissa, and Madhya Pradesh saw significant agricultural and social growth.
Inscriptions from the Gupta period indicate land grants to religious institutions.
These grants strengthened Buddhist and Brahmanical influence and helped spread advanced culture.
Such grants were often made by local feudatories to both Brahmanas and Buddhist monasteries.
Analysis of this process shows region-wise development of state systems and class distinctions.
State Formation in Orissa and Madhya Pradesh
Kalinga (Orissa) was known for trade with the Roman Empire and local state formations under rulers like Kharavela.
Trade in pearls, ivory, and muslin flourished by the second century A.D., with significant commercial activity in Sisupalgarh.
By the fourth century, Samudragupta's conquests included key regions in Orissa.
Powerful states like the Matharas and Vasisthas dominated Orissa, promoting Brahmanical settlements and transforming forested regions into agrarian hubs.
These states played a pivotal role in spreading Sanskrit culture and supporting agricultural expansion through land grants.
Bengal's Economic Growth and Cultural Impact
Bengal was a key region for producing paddy, silk, and muslin in early history.
Prominent port towns like Tamralipti facilitated trade across regions, making Bengal an important cultural hub.
By the sixth century, local governance in Bengal saw officials administering law and order, with notable land grants to Brahmanas.
These developments spurred the spread of Brahmanical culture into eastern Bengal (Samatata).
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