West Bengal rock music

Bengali band music is a form of modern music performed in the Bengali language that incorporates elements of Western rock, pop, jazz, and folk music. The genre emerged during the 1960s in Bangladesh (then-East Pakistan) and 1970s in West Bengal, and later developed into a significant component of Bengali popular music. In Dhaka, the band Iolites, formed around St. Gregory's High School and College in 1963, is widely regarded as the first band in the history of Bengali band music. However, Uccharon, Spondan, and Souls (formed under the name Shurela) were established in Bangladesh in 1972 and were among the first bands to be formed exclusively around Bengali-language songs. In 1975, India's first Bengali band, Moheener Ghoraguli, was formed under the leadership of Gautam Chattopadhyay. Over time, the genre gradually gained popularity among the youth of both Bengals and began reflecting various social, cultural, and political realities. In the 21st century, its reach expanded further through digital platforms and online media.