🌦️ 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]
Questions for Discussion
1. Is there a connection between the story of Behula and Chand Saodagar and the poem of Jibanananda Das?
Yes, the poem evokes Bengal’s cultural memory and mythic imagination, connecting the natural beauty of the land with the legendary past of Behula and Chand Saodagar.
2. Why does the poet use medieval Bengali legends in this poem?
The poet uses medieval Bengali legends to highlight Bengal’s rich cultural heritage, creating a sense of nostalgia and connecting the landscape with its myths and traditions.
3. What other Bengali myths or legends do you know about, and how are they represented in popular culture?
Other Bengali myths include the stories of Bonbibi, episodes from Mangal Kavya, and various tales of Manasa and Chand Sadagar. They appear in folk songs, Jatra performances, TV serials, films, comics, children’s literature, and festival rituals.
Comparison of the Poems – Questions and Answers
1. How well are the tonal and formal qualities of the original poem preserved in the English translation?
The English translation preserves much of the lyrical tone and imagery of the original, though some nuances, wordplay, and rhythm inherent to the Bangla language may be altered due to linguistic differences.
2. What, according to you, were some of the challenges that the translator might have faced while translating the poem into English?
Challenges likely included conveying cultural references, idiomatic expressions, and the natural rhythm of the Bangla verse, as well as translating mythological and local terms without losing their meaning or impact.
3. Why do you think that the translator has kept some Bengali terms unchanged in his translation?
Keeping some Bengali terms unchanged preserves cultural authenticity, emphasizes the uniqueness of Bengal’s landscape and traditions, and allows readers to experience the original cultural flavor.
4. How far do you agree with the comment on the translation: “The sights and sounds of Bengal’s landscape, its crowded botany and its constantly shifting lights and shadows find their way into Alam’s translation.” Why or why not?
I agree to a large extent. The translator successfully conveys the lushness and dynamic beauty of Bengal, including its flora, rivers, and atmospheric shifts, while maintaining the essence of the original poem, though some subtle emotional undertones may be difficult to fully capture in English.
“The sights and sounds of Bengal’s landscape, its crowded botany and its constantly shifting lights and shadows find their way into Alam’s translation.”
— Syed Manzoorul Islam, The Daily Star, December 5, 2019
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