West Bengal Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
Indian state
About West Bengal
The term "West Bengal" (পশ্চিমবঙ্গPOHSH-chihm-bawng-goh) originated during the partition of India in 1947, as the name of the Indian state carved out of the western parts of the formerBengalprovince. The remaining eastern parts of Bengal joined with Pakistan from 1947 till 1971, when it becameBangladesh. However, the exact origin of the word "Bengal" is uncertain (seeBengal#Name). The history of West Bengal dates back to 20,000 years. The region that is now West Bengal was part of a number of empires and kingdoms during the past two thousand years, including the Vanga Kingdom, the kingdom ofMagadha. However, the first independent king of Bengal was Shashanka of the 6th century, with his capital at Karnasuvarna (near present-dayBaharampur). After Shashanka, Bengal was ruled by Pala and Sena
West Bengal Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 14 sections including: