Gitika: Swarup O Boishishtha by Barun Kumar Chakraborty Bengali PDF
Title: Gitika: Swarup O Boishishtha (Gitika: Nature and Characteristics),
Author: Barun Kumar Chakraborty,
Genre: Bengali Folk Literature, Folklore, Lok Katha, Folk Tales,
Format: PDF, PDF Size: 19 MB, Pages: 534,
Barun Kr Chakraborty wrote the Bengali Folk Literature Gitika: Swarup O Boishishtha
The Richness of Bengali Folk Literature
The abundance of Bengali folk literature is now a universally acknowledged truth. Its diversity and beauty have long captivated connoisseurs of art and culture. Foreign scholars and researchers, too, have been drawn to its charm, dedicating themselves to its study for generations.
Among the treasures of our folk tradition, Gitika (ballads) hold a special place. While Western countries boast a vast corpus of ballads, Bengal may not claim such numerical glory. Yet, the fifty‑odd Gitikas already collected—thanks largely to the pioneering efforts of Dinesh Chandra Sen and Chandrakanta De—remain invaluable. Sadly, except for one, these ballads have not received detailed sequential analysis. The only exception owes its scholarly discussion to Czech researcher Dušan Zbavitel. Thus, this book marks the first comprehensive exploration of Bengali Gitika in our own language.
Human-Centric Narratives in a Theocentric Age
Medieval Bengali literature was overwhelmingly centered on divinity. Gitikas, however, stand apart: they celebrate flesh‑and‑blood human beings. In a patriarchal society where women lacked economic independence and were often reduced to subservience, Gitikas astonishingly portray women as radiant figures of strength and individuality.
Although composed by men, these ballads elevate the dignity of women. The heroines—through sacrifice, endurance, devotion, and extraordinary resilience—emerge as the true focal points of the narratives. In contrast, male characters often appear self‑absorbed, weak, or ungrateful. The heroines’ rare qualities stem from their inexhaustible power of love, making them unforgettable in the cultural imagination.
The Absence of Divine Authority
Remarkably, most Gitikas omit references to God. Where deities are mentioned, it is usually in ritualistic songs or descriptions of social customs. The core narratives remain firmly grounded in human emotions, particularly love—often pre‑marital love—portrayed with restraint and dignity. Folk poets avoided sensationalism, choosing instead to uphold modesty and refinement.
Artistic Craftsmanship of Folk Poets
Though many Gitika composers were illiterate, their artistry is undeniable. Unlike medieval religious texts dominated by supernatural forces, Gitikas rarely allow the miraculous to control events or characters. Instead, they reveal the poets’ keen psychological insight and dramatic skill. Characters are vividly drawn, and events unfold with theatrical intensity.
While Western ballads are known for their brevity and intensity, Bengali Gitikas often lack such compactness. Yet, what they offer—rich storytelling, emotional depth, and cultural resonance—is no less remarkable.
Musical and Stylistic Features
Gitikas were meant to be sung. Their musical qualities—tunes, rhythms, refrains—form an essential part of their identity. This book also examines their stylistic devices, including the use of imagery and ornamentation, and compares them with Western ballad traditions.
Global Appreciation
Renowned scholars have admired Bengali Gitikas.
- Roma Roula was enchanted by tales like Madina, Malua, Chandrabati, Kanka, and Leela.
- George Grierson considered their publication long overdue.
- William Rothenstein praised their beauty and dramatic power.
Their appreciation was not mere sentiment; it was grounded in the intrinsic artistic excellence of these ballads.
The Author’s Aim
This book, written in light of modern theories of folklore, seeks to inspire readers to engage deeply with Gitikas. Even though the original ballads often retain unrefined grammar and spelling, the author has preserved them faithfully in discussion.
Acknowledgments are due to many who assisted in this work. In particular, Professor Sumitra Sen of Victoria College’s English Department is gratefully remembered for her guidance in analyzing Western ballads.
In essence, Gitika: Swarup O Boishishtha (Gitika— Nature and Characteristics) is not just a study of Bengali ballads—it is a celebration of human resilience, artistic genius, and cultural heritage.
So, the PDF link of this Folklore Gitika: Swarup O Boishishtha (Gitika: Nature and Characteristics) has provided in this webpage for the readers. Readers can download the folklore books PDF from this webpage and read it online.
Download PDF: The Light of Modern Theories of Folklore
Gitika: Swarup O Boishishtha (Gitika: Nature and Characteristics) PDF