🌦️ Unit 3: Myths and Literature, Lesson 1: Myths of Bengal
B. Read the poem
Now read the following poem by Jibanananda Das (1899–1954) in English translation and then answer the questions either by responding to your classroom teacher in English or by writing answers in your notebook.
I Have Seen Bengal’s Face
C. Vocabulary from context
Write down what you have guessed about the meaning of each word from the context in which it has been used. Then check a dictionary.
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 | Column 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| gazing
gazing (Verb)
IPA: /ˈɡeɪ.zɪŋ/ Bengali: তাকানো, বিস্মিত দৃষ্টিতে দেখা Meaning: Looking steadily and intently, especially in admiration or thought Synonyms: staring, observing, watching Example: She was gazing at the sunset in silence. |
roosting
roosting (Verb)
IPA: /ˈruː.stɪŋ/ Bengali: বাসা বাঁধা; ঘুমানোর জন্য বসা Meaning: Perching or settling down to rest or sleep, usually used for birds Synonyms: perching, settling Example: The birds were roosting quietly on the tree branches. |
dome
dome (Noun)
IPA: /doʊm/ Bengali: গম্বুজ Meaning: A rounded vault forming the roof of a building or structure Synonyms: vault, arch Example: The cathedral was topped with a magnificent dome. |
hush
hush (Noun/Verb)
IPA: /hʌʃ/ Bengali: নীরবতা, শান্ত করা Meaning: A silence or quiet; to make someone quiet Synonyms: silence, quiet, calm Example: A hush fell over the crowd as the speaker began. |
| honeycombed
honeycombed (Adjective)
IPA: /ˈhʌn.i.kəʊmd/ Bengali: মধুখাঁচের মতো গর্তযুক্ত Meaning: Full of holes or cavities; structured like a honeycomb Synonyms: perforated, porous Example: The old wall was honeycombed with cracks. |
waning
waning (Adjective/Verb)
IPA: /ˈweɪ.nɪŋ/ Bengali: হ্রাসপ্রাপ্ত, ক্ষয়মান Meaning: Decreasing in size, extent, or degree; often used for the moon Synonyms: diminishing, fading, shrinking Example: The moon was waning in the night sky. |
desolate
desolate (Adjective)
IPA: /ˈdes.ə.lət/ Bengali: শূন্য, নীরস, পরিত্যক্ত Meaning: Lonely, empty, or abandoned; bleak and depressing Synonyms: barren, deserted, forlorn Example: The village looked desolate after the storm. |
wagtail
wagtail (Noun)
IPA: /ˈwæɡ.teɪl/ Bengali: লেজ দোলানো পাখি Meaning: A small, slender bird with a long tail that constantly wags up and down Synonyms: n/a Example: A wagtail hopped along the riverbank, wagging its tail. |
| wailed
wailed (Verb)
IPA: /weɪld/ Bengali: দীর্ঘশ্বাস বা করুণ চিৎকার করা Meaning: Cried out loudly and mournfully, expressing grief, pain, or sadness Synonyms: cried, lamented, moaned Example: She wailed for hours after hearing the news. |
desolate
desolate (Adjective)
IPA: /ˈdes.ə.lət/ Bengali: শূন্য, নীরস, পরিত্যক্ত Meaning: Lonely, empty, or abandoned; bleak and depressing Synonyms: barren, deserted, forlorn Example: The village looked desolate after the storm. |
D. Group discussion
Discuss the following questions with members of your group and carry on the discussion in English as far as possible:
1. Have you heard about Chand Saudagar and Behula before? If so, in what context? Where is Ganguri and Amara?
Yes, these legendary characters are part of Bengali folklore. Ganguri and Amara are mythical places often mentioned in medieval epics like Manasamangal, representing regions where the stories unfold.
2. Discuss with your classmates the medieval epic Manasamangal. Do you know of any modern Bangla versions of this epic?
Manasamangal narrates the devotion of Chand Saudagar, the trials of Behula, and the worship of Manasa. Modern Bangla versions include adaptations in poetry, plays, and illustrated storybooks.
3. Look up the story of Behula and Chand Saudagar from Wikipedia or Banglapedia. Make a summary in about 200–250 words.
Behula, the daughter of Sayven, marries Lakhindar, the son of Chand Saudagar. Chand Saudagar, a devotee of Shiva, boasts he is stronger than Manasa, the snake goddess. He constructs an iron chamber for Lakhindar, thinking it will protect him. However, Manasa sends a snake that kills Lakhindar on their wedding night. Refusing to accept his death, Behula embarks on a perilous journey with his corpse to the gods’ abode. Her courage and devotion impress Manasa, who restores Lakhindar and his brothers. Behula returns home, and Chand Saudagar finally acknowledges Manasa’s power. The tale emphasizes loyalty, courage, and the triumph of devotion over arrogance.
4. How and why does Jibanananda Das use this mythical story in his poem?
Jibanananda Das uses the story to explore themes of love, devotion, and human resilience. The myth provides symbolic depth and cultural resonance, linking timeless emotions with Bengali heritage.
5. The poem has fourteen lines and is divided into two thematic sections. What are such poems called in English and in Bangla?
In English, a fourteen-line poem is called a sonnet. In Bangla, it is often referred to as a Choudhurbani or Choudhuri kobita, depending on the regional naming tradition.
E. Pair work
Discuss the following questions in pairs:
1. What imageries are used to describe the beauty of Bangladesh?
The poem uses natural imageries such as rivers, green fields, paddy, lotus flowers, and misty mornings to evoke the serene and vibrant beauty of Bangladesh.
2. The poem offers a vivid description of the plants and vegetation found in the nature of Bangladesh. Make a list of all the trees, plants and birds mentioned in the poem.
Some of the trees, plants, and birds mentioned include: mango trees, banana plants, lotus flowers, jute fields, jackfruit trees, palm trees, sparrows, kingfishers, and crows. (You can adjust the list based on the exact poem.)
3. What is the poet's attitude toward Bangladesh?
The poet shows deep admiration and love for Bangladesh, portraying it as a land of natural beauty, cultural richness, and enduring charm.
4. What is the central theme of the poem?
The central theme is the celebration of Bangladesh's natural beauty and cultural heritage, highlighting the poet’s emotional connection and patriotic sentiment.
5. The poem has fourteen lines and is divided into two thematic sections.
Such a poem is called a sonnet in English. In Bangla, it may be referred to as Choudhurbani or a fourteen-line thematic poem.
F. Read the text from Banglapedia
Read the text on the two legendary characters Behula and Chand Saodagar mentioned in the poem. Then discuss the questions that follow.
Behula is a legendary folk heroine and one of the main characters of Manasamangal, a medieval epic. She was the daughter of Sayven of Ujaninagar. Lakhindar was the youngest son of Chand Saodagar of Champaknagar. Behula grew up to be a beautiful and intelligent woman and was married to Lakhindar. Chand Saodagar, a devotee of Shiva, had boasted that he was cleverer and stronger than Manasa, the snake goddess. He built an iron chamber for Lakhindar, believing it to be impregnable. However, on the wedding night of Behula and Lakhindar, Manasa sent a snake to kill Lakhindar. The snake made itself as fine as a strand of hair and, entering the chamber through a minute hole, bit Lakhindar.
Behula refused to accept her husband’s death. She placed her husband’s corpse on a banana rafi and set out on a hazardous journey towards the abode of the gods. Despite all the dangers and temptations she encountered, Behula continued her journey and finally succeeded in reaching the abode of the gods. She pleaded for her husband’s life and promised Manasa that Chand Saodagar would worship her. Moved by Behula’s love for her husband, Manasa not only restored Lakhindar but also his brothers whom she had killed earlier.
Behula returned home with her husband and brothers-in-law, and Chand Saodagar finally bowed before the might of Manasa. Lakhindar and Behula then returned to their heavenly abode as Aniruddha and Usha.
Source: Banglapedia
Questions for discussion
1. Is there a connection between the story of Behula and Chand Saodagar and the poem of Jibanananda Das?
Yes, Jibanananda Das often incorporated medieval Bengali legends like that of Behula and Chand Saodagar to connect contemporary emotions with cultural heritage.
2. Why does the poet use medieval Bengali legends in this poem?
The poet uses medieval legends to evoke timeless human emotions, showcase cultural identity, and draw parallels between myth and modern life.
3. What other Bengali myths/legends do you know about? Have you seen them represented in any form in popular culture?
Other legends include Gazi Pir, Behula-Lakhindar, and Ramayana tales. They appear in films, TV serials, books, and stage dramas.
Necessary Words and Phrases
| Word | Definition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| gazing (Verb) | IPA: /ˈɡeɪ.zɪŋ/ Bengali: তাকিয়ে থাকা; স্থির দৃষ্টিতে দেখা Synonyms: staring, looking intently, observing |
The poet stands gazing at the fig-tree in the early morning darkness. |
| fig-tree (Noun) | IPA: /ˈfɪɡ ˌtriː/ Bengali: ডুমুর গাছ Synonyms: fig plant, ficus tree |
A large fig-tree stood beside the riverbank. |
| Dawn’s swallows roosting (Phrase) | IPA: /dɔːn z ˈswɒl.oʊz ˈruːstɪŋ/ Bengali: ভোরের সময় শালিক/ঝুঁটি পাখিদের বাসায় বিশ্রাম নেওয়া Synonyms: birds settling, birds resting |
Dawn’s swallows roosting under the leaves create a peaceful morning scene. |
| leafy dome (Noun Phrase) | IPA: /ˈliː.fi doʊm/ Bengali: পাতার গম্বুজ; পত্রছায়া Synonyms: canopy, foliage cover |
The trees formed a leafy dome over the quiet forest path. |
| Shadowing clumps (Noun phrase) |
IPA: /ˈʃædəʊɪŋ klʌmps/ Bengali: ছায়া তৈরি করা গুচ্ছসমূহ Synonyms: dark clusters, shaded masses, shadowy groups |
Shadowing clumps of trees lined the riverbank, blocking the fading evening light. |
| hush (Noun) | IPA: /hʌʃ/ Bengali: নীরবতা; স্থবিরতা Synonyms: silence, quietness, stillness |
A sudden hush fell over the forest as dawn broke. |
| cactus (Noun) | IPA: /ˈkæk.təs/ Bengali: কাঁটাযুক্ত উদ্ভিদ; ক্যাকটাস Synonyms: succulent plant, desert plant |
A cactus grew unexpectedly among the lush vegetation. |
| zedoary bushes (Noun Phrase) | IPA: /ˈzɛd.oʊ.ər.i ˈbʊʃɪz/ Bengali: কচু-হলুদের ঝোপ; জেদোয়ারি গাছ Synonyms: turmeric-like shrubs, aromatic herbs |
Zedoary bushes grew thickly along the forest floor. |
| honeycombed boat (Noun Phrase) | IPA: /ˈhʌn.i.koʊmd boʊt/ Bengali: মধুচক্রের মতো গঠিত নৌকা Synonyms: patterned boat, carved boat |
The ancient tale describes Chand arriving in a honeycombed boat. |
| Ganguri (Proper Noun) | IPA: /ˈɡæŋ.ɡʊ.ri/ Bengali: গাঙ্গুরি নদী বা খাল Synonyms: small river, canal |
Behula’s raft drifted along the quiet waters of the Ganguri. |
| raft (Noun) | IPA: /ræft/ Bengali: ভেলা Synonyms: float, timber platform |
The fisherman crossed the river on a simple wooden raft. |
| waning moon (Noun Phrase) |
Contextual Meaning: the moon in its declining phase, symbolizing fading light and the quiet passage of time Poetic Significance: suggests sadness, loss, and the approaching end of a journey, reflecting Behula’s sorrowful voyage Bengali: ক্ষয়িষ্ণু চাঁদ / ক্ষীয়মান চাঁদ Symbolism: transience, melancholy, inevitability of fate |
In the poem, the waning moon sinking on the river’s sandbanks mirrors Behula’s grief and the fragile, fading hope of her tragic journey. |
| sandbanks (Noun) | IPA: /ˈsænd.bæŋks/ Bengali: বালুচর; নদীর বালুর চড় Synonyms: sandbars, shoals |
The waning moon cast shadows on the river’s sandbanks. |
| aswaths (Noun – plural) | IPA: /ˈæs.wʌθs/ Bengali: অশ্বত্থ গাছ (পিপুল) Synonyms: peepal trees, sacred fig trees |
Several ancient aswaths stood near the golden rice fields. |
| Amara (Proper Noun) | IPA: /ˈæm.ə.rə/ Bengali: অমরাবতী; দেবলোকের নগরী Synonyms: divine city, heavenly realm |
Behula is believed to have reached Amara, the city of the gods. |
| desolate wagtail (Noun Phrase) | IPA: /ˈdɛs.ə.lət ˈwæɡ.teɪl/ Bengali: নির্জন/দুঃখভারাক্রান্ত খঞ্জন পাখি Synonyms: lonely bird, sorrowful wagtail |
She danced like a desolate wagtail, filled with grief and determination. |
| wailed (Verb) | IPA: /weɪld/ Bengali: বিলাপ করেছিল; হাহাকার করেছিল Synonyms: cried, lamented, sobbed |
The wind wailed through the trees during the storm. |
| legendary (Adjective) | IPA: /ˈledʒ.ən.dri/ Bengali: কিংবদন্তি; কিংবৎ Synonyms: mythical, fabled, celebrated |
She is a legendary character in Bengali folk literature. |
| boasted (Verb – past tense of “boast”) | IPA: /ˈbəʊstɪd/ Bengali: বড়াই করেছিলেন; গর্ব করেছিলেন Synonyms: bragged, claimed proudly |
Chand Saodagar boasted that no goddess could defeat him. |
| impregnable (Adjective) | IPA: /ɪmˈpreɡ.nə.bəl/ Bengali: অভেদ্য; ভেদ করা অসম্ভব Synonyms: unbreakable, secure, invulnerable |
He believed the iron chamber to be completely impregnable. |
| strand of hair (Noun Phrase) | IPA: /strænd əv heə(r)/ Bengali: একটি চুলের গোছা; চুলের সরু রেখা Synonyms: thin thread of hair, fine hairline |
The snake made itself as fine as a strand of hair. |
| a minute hole (Noun Phrase) | IPA: /ə maɪˈnjuːt həʊl/ Bengali: অতি ক্ষুদ্র ছিদ্র Synonyms: tiny opening, microscopic hole |
The snake entered the chamber through a minute hole. |
| abode (Noun) | IPA: /əˈbəʊd/ Bengali: আবাস; বাসস্থান Synonyms: dwelling, residence, home |
Behula travelled to the abode of the gods to plead for her husband. |
| strings of bells (Noun Phrase) |
IPA: /strɪŋz əv bɛlz/ Bengali: ঘুঙুরের মালা; ঘন্টার ঝংকার Synonyms: anklet bells, tinkling bells, bell garlands |
The dancer’s feet moved softly, and the strings of bells echoed with every step. |
1. Multiple Choice Questions
- Who is the author of the poem "I Have Seen Bengal’s Face"?
- Rabindranath Tagore
- Kazi Nazrul Islam
- Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay
- Jibanananda Das
- What is the central theme of the poem?
- Love story of Chand Saudagar
- Mythology of Shiva and Manasa
- The beauty and nature of Bengal
- Urban life and development
- Which legendary character refuses to accept her husband’s death?
- Behula
- Manasa
- Chand Saodagar
- Lakhindar
- Which trees are mentioned in the poem as part of Bengal’s natural beauty?
- Mango, Neem, Banyan, Tamarind
- Oak, Pine, Maple, Cedar
- Rose, Lotus, Lily, Tulip
- Jaan, Kanthal, Bat, Hijol, Aswatha
- Why does the poet use the story of Behula and Chand Saodagar in the poem?
- To teach a historical lesson
- To connect Bengali mythology with the beauty of Bengal
- To criticize medieval epics
- To describe urban life
- How is Chand Saodagar described in Banglapedia?
- A weak devotee of Shiva
- A poet and philosopher
- Cleverer and stronger than Manasa
- A wandering merchant without power
- What does “waning” mean as used in the poem?
- Decreasing gradually
- Growing brighter
- Moving swiftly
- Remaining constant