An Austro-Asian race first inhabited the region of Bangladesh in an unknown pre-historic age. Then came the Dravidians, Aryans and Mongolians. Archaeological excavations show signs of powerful dynasties who ruled the land till the Muslims from Turkey, Persia and Afghanistan conquered it in the 11th century and established their rule. After their rule the British in the 18th century took over. In 1947 the British left and the country became the eastern province of Pakistan

In 1971 following a nine month National Liberation War waged against Pakistan the people's Republic of Bangladesh was born. The first President was Bangabandu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

BENGALIS IN THE UK

Bengalis in the UK settled in big cities with industrial employment. In London Bengali's settled in the East End. For centuries the East End has been the first port of call for many immigrant groups. The Mosque in Brick lane is the living witness to this tradition. The mosque has previously been a synagogue of the Jews and prior to that, it was a church of the French Huguenots.

The Bengali people are proud of their history and Bangladesh is home to much diversity and culture. The country has ruins dating back to ancient Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim dynasties.The ancestors of the people of Bangladesh came from many races: Austric, Dravidian, Mongolian, Aryan and so on.It is against this rich background that the cultural aspects of the Bengali people have been shaped reflecting a rich aesthetic past. There are little opportunities for young Bengali's to gain insight into their background. The Shadinata Trust aims to provide opportunities for all of this.