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Bangladesh has been in the news of late. Sheikh Hasina was forced to resign from the post of Prime Minister and flee the country after massive protests erupted against her government. The mobs are believed to have been protesting about a quota system that reserved more than half of all government jobs for certain groups. This came at a time when a large section of Bangladesh’s youth are unemployed and there has been unrest among people.
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As the Bangladesh army took charge the ex PM made a pit stop in India before she is believed to proceed to the United Kingdom. The Indian government has issued a "high alert" along its border with Bangladesh. While India has had a friendly relationship with Bangladesh through Hasina’s regime, the situation is tense at the moment.
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India and Bangladesh have seen turmoil at close quarters. East Bengal, now known as Bangladesh, was formed following a series of historical events that shaped the region's identity. Initially part of British India, Bengal was partitioned in 1947, dividing it into West Bengal, which became part of India, and East Bengal, which joined Pakistan as East Pakistan.
Over time, tensions grew between East and West Pakistan due to political, economic, and cultural disparities. This culminated in the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, leading to the independence of East Bengal and the forming of the sovereign nation of Bangladesh.
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The Culture And The Cuisine
In Bengal, Ghotis and Bangals are terms used to describe two distinct communities within the Bengali population. Ghotis are Bengalis whose families originate from West Bengal, while Bangals are those whose families come from East Bengal (now Bangladesh). These terms highlight cultural and linguistic differences between the two groups.
The cuisines of Bangladesh and West Bengal, share a common heritage but have evolved differently due to various socio-political, historical, geographical, and cultural factors. While both regions cherish their love for fish, rice, and sweets, the nuances in their culinary practices reflect the diversity within Bengali cuisine.
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The flavours of the cuisine from East Bengal are bold and robust while West Bengal sees a more balanced use of spices. The food in West Bengal is on the sweeter side while dishes on the Eastern side are spicier.
There is also a strong Mughal influence in the food of East Bengal. Ingredients such as cashew paste are found in many dishes, which makes the gravy thicker and richer. Eid celebrations feature special dishes like biryani and kebabs. Another difference is in the way kheer or payesh, a loved dish among both communities, is cooked across the border. In West Bengal the dish is made with milk and sugar and the Bangladeshi version uses coconut milk and vermicelli.
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Similarities And Differences
Bengal is known for its fertile lands and abundant waterways, has traditionally relied on rice and fish as dietary staples. These elements form the backbone of both cuisines. Spices play a pivotal role in both cuisines. Commonly used spices include mustard seeds, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chilli. The use of mustard oil for cooking is another shared trait, providing a distinctive flavour that defines Bengali dishes.
The art of tempering (known as “phoron”) is widely practised in both cuisines, where spices are fried in hot oil to release their flavours. Slow cooking techniques, such as simmering and braising, are also common.
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There are several dishes that are popular in both East and West Bengal, though they have regional variations. These include:
Maacher Jhol (fish curry) a staple dish made with freshwater fish and a blend of spices, Dal a simple dish made from lentils, often tempered with spices and served with rice and Pitha a traditional sweet or savoury crepe made with rice flour, commonly prepared during festivals and special occasions.
The geographical and climatic differences between East and West Bengal have significantly influenced their respective cuisines. East Bengal has an abundance of freshwater fish and fertile soil for rice cultivation. Hilsa from Bangladesh is revered across both sides of the border and amongst the Bengali community settled all over the world . In contrast, West Bengal, with its varied topography, has a slightly cooler climate and access to both freshwater and marine fish.
