Bengal Renaissance in Shaping the Trajectory of People’s Sovereignty: A Reappraisal

Author(s): Samia Yesmin, Md. Abdus Samad

Publication Date: December 30, 2025

Abstract

The social reform movements in colonial Bengal, part of the Bengal Renaissance, were pivotal in shaping the trajectory of nationalism and people’s sovereignty by fostering a new sense of cultural identity, introducing modern and rational thought, and creating an educated public sphere that became the foundation for political awakening. The struggle for independence in Bangladesh, culminating in the 1971 war, is a profound testament to the assertion of people’s sovereignty in the Indian Subcontinent. The paper examines the growth of nationalist sentiments through the Renaissance in colonial Bengal. It centres on the social reformation movements and revolts that transpired during the early phases of colonization. While historical research has extensively covered the independence struggle and the Liberation War, a significant gap exists in understanding the concept of People’s Sovereignty within the broader historical discourse. The present work is part of a series of works up to the independence of Bangladesh.  It aims to address this gap by conducting a comprehensive investigation into the unique nature of People’s Sovereignty.