The Delta Frontiers: History and Dynamics

Abstract

This chapter examines human settlement of the Bengal delta in historical and contemporary contexts. A discussion is undertaken on the rise of agricultural “frontiers” and settlements in the delta on the ever-shifting chars within the context of agrarian/economic activities, migration, and demographic transition. Today, the alluvial chars in Bangladesh constitute sort of an “endless” agricultural frontier. The chapter briefly describes the socio-economic and political practices of settlement and access to the dynamic frontiers, and how people have traditionally made use of the newly accreted land. An attempt has been made to highlight the issues of management and administration of alluvial land through the colonial and post-colonial periods, which continue to influence the patterns of settlement, use, and access to alluvial land in contemporary Bangladesh.