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The region has its beginning in the Vedic times and was known as Vanga. The Aryans settled here after the Vedic period and many principalities and kingdoms were formed. The dynasties of Palas, the Pundras, Guptas, Mauryas and the Sens ruled over the region before the Mughals took control. The strategic location led to trade with the South East Asian countries especially Cambodia, Thailand and Myanmar. Muslim influence was responsible for a rich culture and art. The ease of access brought the Portuguese, Dutch and French influence to its art and culture. The British successfully brought the modern education to Bengal and to this date, Calcutta has been considered the land of intelligentsia. No wonder that most of the Nobel Prizes for India have come from this State; Tagore, Bhabha, Mother Teresa and Amritya Sen.
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