🌦️ Unit 3: Myths and Literature, Lesson 1: Myths of Bengal
F. Reading and Discussion
Read the text from Banglapedia on the two legendary characters Behula and Chand Sadagar 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 Sadagar of Champaknagar. Behula grew up to be a beautiful and intelligent woman and was married to Lakhindar.
Chand Sadagar, a devotee of Shiva, 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 raft 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 Sadagar 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 Sadagar finally bowed before the might of Manasa. Lakhindar and Behula then returned to their heavenly abode as Aniruddha and Usha.
[Source: Banglapedia — Behula]
Necessary Words and Phrases
| Word | Definition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
|
legendary (Adjective) |
IPA: /ˈledʒəndəri/ Bengali: কিংবদন্তিতুল্য Synonyms: mythical, famous, celebrated |
Behula is a legendary figure in Bengali folklore. |
|
folk heroine (Noun phrase) |
IPA: /fəʊk ˈherəʊɪn/ Bengali: লোককাহিনির নায়িকা Synonyms: folk character, traditional heroine |
Behula is regarded as a folk heroine for her courage and devotion. |
|
devotee (Noun) |
IPA: /ˌdevəˈtiː/ Bengali: ভক্ত Synonyms: worshipper, follower, believer |
Chand Sadagar was a devoted devotee of Lord Shiva. |
|
impregnable (Adjective) |
IPA: /ɪmˈpreɡnəbl/ Bengali: দুর্ভেদ্য; অপ্রবেশযোগ্য Synonyms: invincible, unassailable, secure |
Chand believed the iron chamber to be impregnable. |
|
strand of hair (Noun phrase) |
IPA: /strænd əv heə(r)/ Bengali: চুলের একগাছি Synonyms: filament, thread |
The snake became as thin as a strand of hair. |
|
raft (Noun) |
IPA: /rɑːft/ Bengali: ভেলা Synonyms: float, platform |
Behula placed her husband’s body on a banana raft. |
|
set out (Phrasal verb) |
IPA: /set aʊt/ Bengali: যাত্রা শুরু করা Synonyms: begin, depart, embark |
Behula set out on a difficult journey alone. |
|
hazardous (Adjective) |
IPA: /ˈhæzədəs/ Bengali: বিপজ্জনক Synonyms: dangerous, risky, perilous |
Her journey to the gods was extremely hazardous. |
|
abode (Noun) |
IPA: /əˈbəʊd/ Bengali: আবাস; বাসস্থান Synonyms: dwelling, residence, home |
Behula travelled to the abode of the gods. |
|
pleaded (Verb) |
IPA: /pliːdɪd/ Bengali: আকুল অনুরোধ করা Synonyms: begged, implored, appealed |
Behula pleaded with Manasa to restore her husband’s life. |
|
bowed (Verb) |
IPA: /baʊd/ Bengali: নতিস্বীকার করা; মাথা নত করা Synonyms: submitted, yielded, humbled |
Chand Sadagar finally bowed before Manasa’s power. |
1. Multiple Choice Questions
- Behula is best described in the text as a —
- historical queen
- divine goddess
- legendary folk heroine
- royal priestess
- Behula is one of the main characters of —
- Ramayana
- Mahabharata
- Chandimangal
- Manasamangal
- Lakhindar was the youngest son of —
- Sayven of Ujaninagar
- Chand Sadagar
- Shiva
- Aniruddha
- Why did Chand Sadagar build an iron chamber for Lakhindar?
- Because he believed it was impregnable
- To show his wealth
- To worship Shiva
- To impress Manasa
- How did the snake manage to enter the iron chamber?
- By breaking the wall
- Through an open door
- With the help of a guard
- By becoming as thin as a strand of hair
- What did Behula use to carry her husband’s body during her journey?
- A wooden boat
- A chariot
- A banana raft
- A divine cloud
- What was the final action of Chand Sadagar in the story?
- He challenged Manasa again
- He bowed before the might of Manasa
- He left his kingdom
- He punished the gods