Bengal's Muslin and Economic Glory

Bengal's legendary muslin fabric was so fine, Europeans called it "woven air."

Long before colonization, Bengal was an economic superpower. Its fertile river plains produced

massive surpluses of rice and cotton. In bustling cities like Dhaka and Murshidabad, skilled artisans

created world-famous textiles, saltpeter, and ships that were exported across

the globe. This region was a global trade hub, attracting merchants from Europe and

Asia who brought in silver to pay for the goods. But this incredible wealth also drew

intense competition. The growing influence of European companies, especially the British, ultimately led to

the end of this golden age after 1757.