Textbook page 51, 52, 53 & 54 || Class eleven and twelve || Unit Three: Myths and Literature || Lesson 1: Myths of Bengal || English first paper || Bangla meaning, word meaning, Text questions answer & short questions with summary ||

Unit Three: Myths and Literature

Lesson 1: Myths of Bengal

B. 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 trying to write down answers in your notebook.

I Have Seen Bengal's Face¹

Because I have seen Bengal's face I will seek no more,

The world has not anything more beautiful to show me,

Waking up in darkness, gazing at the fig-tree, I behold

Dawn's swallows roosting under huge umbrella-like leaves.

I look around me and discover a leafy dome, Jaam, Kanthal, Bat, Hijol and Aswatha trees all in a hush,

Shadowing clumps of cactus and zedoary bushes. When long, long ago, Chand came in his honeycombed boat

To a blue Hijal, Bat Tamal shade near the Champa, he too sighted

Bengal's incomparable beauty. One day, alas, in the Ganguri,

On a raft, as the waning moon sank on the river's sandbanks,

Behula too saw countless aswaths bats besides golden ricefields

And heard the thrush's soft song. One day, arriving in Amara,

Where gods held court, when she danced like a desolate wagtail.

Bengal's rivers, fields, flowers, wailed like strings of bells on her feet

Here are some important word meanings from the passage with their Bangla translations, synonyms, and antonyms (where applicable):

Word	Bangla Translation	Synonym	Antonym
Seek	অনুসন্ধান করা	Search, Pursue	Avoid, Ignore
Beautiful	সুন্দর	Lovely, Attractive	Ugly, Unattractive
Darkness	অন্ধকার	Gloom, Obscurity	Light, Brightness
Gazing	তাকিয়ে দেখা	Staring, Watching	Ignoring, Glancing
Fig-tree	ডুমুর গাছ	-	-
Swallow	গাঙচিল (পাখি)	Bird	-
Umbrella-like	ছাতার মতো	Canopy-shaped	-
Dome	গম্বুজ	Arch, Cupola	Flat Surface
Hush	নিস্তব্ধতা	Silence, Stillness	Noise, Commotion
Cactus	ফণীমনসা	Succulent	-
Clump	ঝোপ	Cluster, Bush	Scatter, Separation
Boat	নৌকা	Ship, Vessel	-
Honeycombed	মৌচাকের মতো	Patterned, Textured	Smooth
Shade	ছায়া	Shadow, Shelter	Light, Exposure
Incomparable	অতুলনীয়	Matchless, Unique	Common, Ordinary
Alas	হায়	Sadly, Regretfully	Fortunately
Waning	ক্ষীণ হওয়া	Declining, Diminishing	Growing, Waxing
Sandbanks	বালুচর	Shore, Riverbank	Deep Water
Countless	অগণিত	Innumerable, Infinite	Few, Limited
Thrush	গানের পাখি	Songbird	-
Desolate	নির্জন	Lonely, Forsaken	Populated, Cheerful
Wagtail	খঞ্জন পাখি	Bird	-
Fields	ক্ষেত	Meadow, Pasture	City, Urban Area
Wailed	বিলাপ করা	Lamented, Cried	Rejoiced, Celebrated
Bells	ঘণ্টা	Chimes	Silence

Here’s a line-by-line Bangla meaning of the poem "I Have Seen Bengal's Face" by Jibanananda Das:

"Because I have seen Bengal's face I will seek no more,"
আমি বাংলার মুখ দেখেছি বলে আর কিছু দেখতে চাই না।
"The world has not anything more beautiful to show me,"
বিশ্বে আর কোনো কিছুই এত সুন্দর দেখানোর নেই।
"Waking up in darkness, gazing at the fig-tree, I behold"
অন্ধকারে জেগে উঠে অঞ্জির গাছের দিকে তাকিয়ে আমি দেখি।
"Dawn's swallows roosting under huge umbrella-like leaves."
প্রভাতের শালিক পাখি বিশাল ছাতার মতো পাতার নিচে বসে আছে।
"I look around me and discover a leafy dome, Jaam, Kanthal, Bat, Hijol and Aswatha trees all in a hush,"
আমার চারপাশে তাকিয়ে দেখি একটি পাতার ছাউনি, জাম, কাঁঠাল, বট, হিজল, আর অশ্বত্থ গাছের নীরব পরিবেশ।
"Shadowing clumps of cactus and zedoary bushes."
কাঁটাগাছ ও শথি গুল্মের ছায়া পড়েছে।
"When long, long ago, Chand came in his honeycombed boat"
অনেক দিন আগে, যখন চাঁদ তার মধুকোমল নৌকায় এসেছিল।
"To a blue Hijal, Bat Tamal shade near the Champa, he too sighted"
নীল হিজল, বট, তমালের ছায়ায় চাঁপা ফুলের কাছে সে-ও দেখেছিল।
"Bengal's incomparable beauty."
বাংলার অনন্য সৌন্দর্য।
"One day, alas, in the Ganguri,"
একদিন, হায়, গঙ্গুরীতে।
"On a raft, as the waning moon sank on the river's sandbanks,"
একটি ভেলায়, যখন ক্ষীণ হয়ে আসা চাঁদ নদীর বালুচরে ডুবে যাচ্ছিল।
"Behula too saw countless aswaths bats besides golden ricefields"
বেহুলাও দেখেছিল অসংখ্য অশ্বত্থ আর বটগাছ সোনালি ধানের মাঠের পাশে।
"And heard the thrush's soft song."
এবং শুনেছিল দোয়েলের মিষ্টি গান।
"One day, arriving in Amara,"
একদিন, যখন সে অমরাতে পৌঁছেছিল।
"Where gods held court, when she danced like a desolate wagtail."
যেখানে দেবতারা সভা করতেন, বেহুলা সেখানে একটি একাকী খঞ্জনা পাখির মতো নেচেছিল।
"Bengal's rivers, fields, flowers, wailed like strings of bells on her feet."
বাংলার নদী, মাঠ, ফুল কেঁদেছিল যেন তার পায়ের ঘুঙুরের সুরে।

Q. C. Write down what you have guessed about the meaning of each of the following words from the context in which they have been used:

gazing roosting dome hush honeycombed

waning desolate wagtail wailed desolate

Now, look up a dictionary or search Google for the words to see if you have guessed the meanings of the words correctly.

Answer Question No. C

C. Guessed meanings and dictionary meanings:

Gazing:
- Guessed meaning: Looking steadily at something.
- Dictionary meaning: Staring intently or steadily.
Roosting:
- Guessed meaning: Birds resting or settling down on a perch.
- Dictionary meaning: Settling down or resting, especially for birds.
Dome:
- Guessed meaning: A rounded or curved structure like a canopy.
- Dictionary meaning: A rounded or hemispherical structure or form.
Hush:
- Guessed meaning: Silence or stillness.
- Dictionary meaning: A quiet or calm state.
Honeycombed:
- Guessed meaning: Having a pattern resembling a honeycomb; full of holes or compartments.
- Dictionary meaning: Covered or filled with a structure resembling a honeycomb.
Waning:
- Guessed meaning: Gradually fading or diminishing.
- Dictionary meaning: Decreasing in size, intensity, or strength, especially of the moon.
Desolate:
- Guessed meaning: Lonely, empty, or barren.
- Dictionary meaning: Feeling or showing loneliness; a barren or empty state.
Wagtail:
- Guessed meaning: A small bird known for wagging its tail.
- Dictionary meaning: A type of small bird that constantly wags its tail up and down.
Wailed:

Guessed meaning: Crying or lamenting loudly.
Dictionary meaning: Giving a prolonged high-pitched cry of grief, pain, or sadness.

D. 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?

2. Discuss with your classmates the medieval epic Manasamangal. Do you know of any modern Bangla versions of this epic?

3. Look up the story of Behula and Chand Saudagar from Wikipedia or Banglapedia. Make a summary in about 200-250 words.

4. How and why does Jibanananda Das use this mythical story in his poem?

5. The poem has fourteen lines and is divided into two thematic sections. What are such poems called in English and in Bangla?

Answer Question No. D

D. Discussion Questions

Have you heard about Chand Saudagar and Behula before?
- Yes, Chand Saudagar and Behula are prominent characters in the Manasamangal Kavya, a medieval Bengali epic. Chand Saudagar was a merchant who worshipped Shiva, while Behula, his daughter-in-law, is renowned for her devotion and sacrifice to save her husband, Lakhindar. Ganguri is a river, and Amara is the abode of gods in Bengali mythology.
Discuss the medieval epic Manasamangal.
- Manasamangal narrates the story of the goddess Manasa's efforts to establish her worship on earth, centering around Chand Saudagar's resistance to her worship. The epic highlights themes of devotion, resilience, and divine intervention. Modern Bengali adaptations often reimagine the narrative with contemporary relevance.
Summary of Behula and Chand Saudagar’s story:
Behula, the heroine of Manasamangal, is celebrated for her love and dedication. After her husband, Lakhindar, is bitten by a snake due to goddess Manasa's curse, Behula undertakes a perilous journey to heaven on a raft to plead for his life. Her devotion and unwavering faith compel the gods to restore her husband. Chand Saudagar, her father-in-law, resists Manasa's worship, leading to his family's suffering. The story symbolizes the triumph of devotion over adversity and is integral to Bengali culture.
Why does Jibanananda Das use this mythical story in his poem?
- Jibanananda Das integrates this story to highlight Bengal’s cultural and historical richness, intertwining natural beauty with mythology. The mythical references enhance the poem's nostalgic tone, celebrating Bengal's identity.
What are such poems called?

In English, a fourteen-line poem with two thematic sections is called a sonnet. In Bangla, it can be referred to as chaturdashpadi kobita (fourteen-line poetry).

E. Discuss the following questions in pairs

1) What imageries are used to describe the 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.

3) What is the poet's attitude toward Bangladesh?

4) What is the central theme of the poem?

5) The poem has fourteen lines and is divided into two thematic sections.

What are such poems called in English and in Bangla?

Answer Question No. E

E. Pair Discussion Questions

Imageries used to describe Bangladesh’s beauty:
- The poet uses imagery of rivers, trees, birds, and dawn to portray Bengal's natural splendor, such as "fig-tree," "huge umbrella-like leaves," "golden ricefields," and the "soft song of thrushes."
List of trees, plants, and birds:
- Trees: Fig, Jaam (blackberry), Kanthal (jackfruit), Bat (banyan), Hijol, Aswatha.
- Plants: Cactus, zedoary bushes.
- Birds: Swallows, thrush, wagtail.
Poet’s attitude toward Bangladesh:
- The poet expresses profound admiration and nostalgia, viewing Bengal as a paradise of natural and cultural beauty. He portrays it as a source of eternal inspiration and solace.
Central theme of the poem:
- The poem celebrates Bengal's natural beauty and cultural richness, emphasizing the poet’s emotional and spiritual connection to his homeland.
What are such poems called?
- In English, they are called sonnets. In Bangla, they are known as chaturdashpadi kobita.

F. Read the text from Banglapedia on the two legendary characters Behula and Chad 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 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 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 Usa.

Here’s a table with some important words from the text, along with their meanings in Bangla, synonyms, and antonyms:

Word	Meaning (Bangla)	Synonym	Antonym
Legendary	কিংবদন্তি	Mythical, Fabled	Ordinary, Common
Folk	লোকজ	Traditional, Cultural	Modern, Contemporary
Heroine	নায়িকা	Protagonist, Lead	Villain, Antagonist
Epic	মহাকাব্য	Saga, Chronicle	Short story
Devotee	ভক্ত	Follower, Adherent	Skeptic, Opponent
Boasted	গর্বিত	Bragged, Praised	Humble, Modest
Cleverer	বুদ্ধিমান	Smarter, Wiser	Foolish, Naive
Stronger	শক্তিশালী	More powerful, Sturdier	Weaker, Frail
Impregnable	অজেয়	Invulnerable, Secure	Vulnerable, Weak
Wedding	বিবাহ	Marriage, Nuptials	Divorce, Separation
Hazardous	বিপজ্জনক	Dangerous, Perilous	Safe, Secure
Journey	যাত্রা	Voyage, Expedition	Stationary, Stillness
Abode	আবাস	Residence, Dwelling	Wilderness, Void
Pleaded	অনুরোধ করেছিল	Begged, Appealed	Commanded, Ordered
Temptations	প্রলোভন	Allurements, Lures	Restraints, Aversion
Encountered	সম্মুখীন	Faced, Met	Avoided, Evaded
Dangerous	বিপজ্জনক	Risky, Treacherous	Safe, Secure
Love	ভালোবাসা	Affection, Devotion	Hate, Detachment
Restored	পুনরুদ্ধার	Recovered, Reinstated	Destroyed, Lost
Worship	উপাসনা	Adoration, Reverence	Disrespect, Dishonor
Mighty	পরাক্রমশালী	Powerful, Strong	Weak, Feeble
Finally	অবশেষে	Ultimately, Eventually	Initially, Firstly
Refused	প্রত্যাখ্যান	Denied, Declined	Accepted, Agreed
Returned	ফিরে এসেছিল	Came back, Resumed	Departed, Left
Abode	বসতি	Habitat, Shelter	Exile, Exposure

Here’s a line-by-line Bangla translation of the passage:

Behula is a legendary folk heroine and one of the main characters of Manasamangal, a medieval epic.
বেহুলা একজন প্রখ্যাত লোককাহিনীর নায়িকা এবং মধ্যযুগীয় মহাকাব্য মনসামঙ্গলের প্রধান চরিত্রগুলোর একটি।

She was the daughter of Sayven of Ujaninagar.
তিনি ছিলেন উজানিনগরের সায়বনের কন্যা।

Lakhindar was the youngest son of Chand Saodagar of Champaknagar.
লখিন্দর ছিলেন চম্পকনগরের চাঁদ সওদাগরের কনিষ্ঠ পুত্র।

Behula grew up to be a beautiful and intelligent woman and was married to Lakhindar.
বেহুলা বড় হয়ে এক সুন্দরী এবং বুদ্ধিমতী নারী হয়ে ওঠেন এবং লখিন্দরের সাথে বিবাহিত হন।

Chand Saodagar, a devotee of Shiva, had boasted that he was cleverer and stronger than Manasa, the snake goddess.
শিবভক্ত চাঁদ সওদাগর দাবি করেছিলেন যে তিনি সাপের দেবী মনসার চেয়ে বেশি বুদ্ধিমান এবং শক্তিশালী।

He built an iron chamber for Lakhindar, believing it to be impregnable.
তিনি লখিন্দরের জন্য একটি লোহার কক্ষ তৈরি করেছিলেন, যা তার বিশ্বাস অনুযায়ী অপ্রবেশযোগ্য ছিল।

However on the wedding night of Behula and Lakhindar, Manasa sent a snake to kill Lakhindar.
কিন্তু বেহুলা এবং লখিন্দরের বিবাহের রাতে, মনসা একটি সাপ পাঠান লখিন্দরকে হত্যা করতে।

The snake made itself as fine as a strand of hair and, entering the chamber through a minute hole, bit Lakhindar.
সাপটি নিজেকে চুলের মতো সূক্ষ্ম করে নেয় এবং একটি ক্ষুদ্র ছিদ্র দিয়ে কক্ষে প্রবেশ করে লখিন্দরকে কামড় দেয়।

Behula refused to accept her husband's death.
বেহুলা তার স্বামীর মৃত্যু মেনে নিতে অস্বীকার করেন।

She placed her husband's corpse on a banana raft and set out on a hazardous journey towards the abode of the gods.
তিনি তার স্বামীর মৃতদেহ একটি কলার ভেলার উপর রাখেন এবং দেবতাদের আবাসস্থলের উদ্দেশ্যে বিপজ্জনক যাত্রা শুরু করেন।

Despite all the dangers and temptations she encountered, Behula continued her journey and finally succeeded in reaching the abode of the gods.
সব বিপদ এবং প্রলোভন সত্ত্বেও বেহুলা তার যাত্রা চালিয়ে যান এবং অবশেষে দেবতাদের আবাসস্থলে পৌঁছাতে সক্ষম হন।

She pleaded for her husband's life and promised Manasa that Chand Saodagar would worship her.
তিনি তার স্বামীর জীবন ভিক্ষা করেন এবং মনসাকে প্রতিশ্রুতি দেন যে চাঁদ সওদাগর তাকে পূজা করবেন।

Moved by Behula's love for her husband, Manasa not only restored Lakhindar but also his brothers whom she had killed earlier.
বেহুলার স্বামীর প্রতি ভালবাসায় মুগ্ধ হয়ে, মনসা শুধু লখিন্দরকেই নয়, তার আগেই নিহত অন্য ভাইদেরও পুনরুদ্ধার করেন।

Behula returned home with her husband and brothers-in-law, and Chand Saodagar finally bowed before the might of Manasa.
বেহুলা তার স্বামী এবং দেওরদের নিয়ে বাড়ি ফেরেন, এবং চাঁদ সওদাগর অবশেষে মনসার শক্তির সামনে মাথা নত করেন।

Lakhindar and Behula then returned to their heavenly abode as Aniruddha and Usa.
লখিন্দর এবং বেহুলা তারপর অনিরুদ্ধ এবং উষা রূপে তাদের স্বর্গীয় আবাসস্থলে ফিরে যান।

Questions for discussion

1) Is there a connection between the story of Behula and Chad Saodagar and the poem of Jibanananda Das?

2) Why does the poet use medieval Bengali legends in this poem?

3) What other Bengali myths/legends do you know about? Have you seen them represented in any form in popular culture?

Answer Question No. F

F. Discussion Questions

1) Is there a connection between the story of Behula and Chand Saodagar and the poem of Jibanananda Das?
Yes, there is a connection. Jibanananda Das often weaves Bengali folklore and history into his poetry to reflect the cultural and emotional depth of Bengal. The story of Behula and Chand Saodagar, with its themes of devotion, endurance, and the human struggle against divine forces, mirrors the poet’s exploration of perseverance and the timeless relationship between love, mortality, and hope in his poems.

2) Why does the poet use medieval Bengali legends in this poem?
The poet incorporates medieval Bengali legends to highlight the rich cultural heritage of Bengal and to evoke a sense of timelessness in his work. These legends allow him to create layers of meaning, blending personal emotions with collective memory and folklore, which resonate deeply with the Bengali audience. They also reinforce universal themes like love, sacrifice, and faith.

3) What other Bengali myths/legends do you know about? Have you seen them represented in any form in popular culture?
Some other famous Bengali myths and legends include:

Savitri and Satyavan: A tale of a devoted wife who brings her husband back from death.
Malanchamala: A story of love and betrayal.
Goddess Durga and Mahishasura: The triumph of good over evil.

These stories are widely represented in art, literature, theater, and films. For example, the Behula-Lakhindar tale has inspired numerous folk plays, jatra performances, and modern adaptations in Bengali cinema and TV shows

G. Compare the original poem in Bangla (see below) with its English translation used in Activity B. Discuss the following questions:

1) How well are the tonal and formal qualities of the original poem preserved in the English translation?

2) What according to you, were some of the challenges that the translator might have faced while translating the poem into English?

3) Why do you think that the translator has kept some Bengali terms unchanged in his translation?

4) How far do you agree with the following comment on the translation of this poem? Why/Why not?

"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]

Answer Question No. G

G. Discussion Questions on Translation

1) How well are the tonal and formal qualities of the original poem preserved in the English translation?
The translation captures the essence and meaning of the original poem but may lose some of its rhythm, cultural nuances, and emotional resonance due to linguistic differences. The lyricism and subtle metaphors of the Bangla language are challenging to replicate in English without compromising the tone.

2) What, according to you, were some challenges that the translator might have faced while translating the poem into English?

Preserving cultural context: Bengali legends and folklore may not have direct equivalents in English.
Maintaining poetic rhythm: The natural rhythm and alliteration in Bangla poetry can be hard to replicate in English.
Balancing literal and interpretative translation: Staying true to the original while making it relatable to a non-Bengali audience.
Retaining the emotional depth: Capturing the intensity of feelings like devotion, loss, and perseverance.

3) Why do you think the translator has kept some Bengali terms unchanged in the translation?
The translator likely retained Bengali terms to preserve the cultural specificity and authenticity of the poem. Words like “Behula” or “Manasamangal” carry deep cultural and historical connotations that cannot be fully expressed in English. Keeping these terms adds a sense of identity and connects readers to the cultural roots of the poem.

4) How far do you agree with the comment on the translation of this poem? Why/Why not?
The success of a translation lies in its ability to communicate the essence of the original text while resonating with its audience. While the translation of this poem may not fully preserve the tonal and formal qualities of the Bangla original, it effectively conveys the central themes and introduces a non-Bengali audience to its cultural richness. However, nuances of rhythm and linguistic beauty are inevitably lost, which can dilute the overall impact. Therefore, while the translation is valuable, it may not fully replicate the original’s poetic depth.

বাংলার মুখ আমি দেখিয়াছি

জীবনানন্দ দাস

বাংলার মুখ আমি দেখিয়াছি, তাই আমি পৃথিবীর রূপ খুঁজিতে যাই না আর। অন্ধকারে জেগে উঠে ডুমুরের গাছে চেয়ে দেখি ছাতার মতন বড়ো পাতাটির নিচে ব'সে আছে ভোরের দোয়েলপাখি-চারিদিকে চেয়ে দেখি পল্লবের স্তূপ জাম-বট-কাঁঠালের-হিজলের-অশথের ক'রে আছে চুপ; ফণীমনসার ঝোপে শটিবনে তাহাদের ছায়া পড়িয়াছে!

মধুকর ডিঙা থেকে না জানি সে কবে চাঁদ চম্পার কাছে এমনই হিজল-বট-তমালের নীল ছায়া বাংলার অপরূপ রূপ

দেখেছিল: বেহুলাও একদিন গাঙড়ের জলে ভেলা নিয়ে-কৃষ্ণা দ্বাদশীর জ্যোৎস্না যখন মরিয়া গেছে নদীর চড়ায়-সোনালি ধানের পাশে অসংখ্য অশ্বত্থ বট দেখেছিল, হায়, শ্যামার নরম গান শুনেছিলো- একদিন অমরায় গিয়ে ছিন্ন খঞ্জনার মতো যখন সে নেচেছিলো ইন্দ্রের সভায় বাংলার নদী মাঠ ভাঁটফুল ঘুঙুরের মতো তার কেঁদেছিল পায়।

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Textbook page 51, 52, 53 & 54 || Class eleven and twelve || Unit Three: Myths and Literature || Lesson 1: Myths of Bengal || English first paper || Bangla meaning, word meaning, Text questions answer & short questions with summary ||