Bharatchandra Granthabali: A Popular Genre of Medieval Bengali Literature PDF

Name of Book- Bharatchandra Granthabali,
Edited by- Brajendranath Bandyopadhyay and Sajani Kanta Das,
Book Format-PDF,
Genre- Bengali Religious Book,

Bharatchandra Granthabali edited by Brajendranath Bandyopadhyay and Sajani Kanta Das

Annadamangal: A Masterpiece of Bengali Literature

The Annadamangal is a narrative poem composed by Bharatchandra Roy Gunakar in 1752-53. It is also known as ‘Annapurnamangal’. It stands as a pinnacle of the Mangalkavya tradition, a popular genre of medieval Bengali literature that glorified various deities. What sets Annadamangal apart is its unique blend of religious devotion, secular storytelling, historical events, and refined poetic style.

Structure and Content

The poem is a sprawling work divided into three distinct parts, each with its own focus and narrative:

Annadamangal (or Annada Mahatmya): This is the core part that eulogizes the goddess Annapurna, a form of Parvati, who is associated with abundance, food, and sustenance. The narrative weaves together mythological tales from various Puranas, including the story of Shiva and Parvati, the founding of Varanasi (Kashi), and the establishment of the goddess Annapurna’s temple in the city. A key episode in this section is the story of Vyasa, who tries to establish his own Kashi but is ultimately unsuccessful, highlighting the supremacy of the goddess.

Kalikamangal (or Bidya Sundar): This is a popular love story that was adopted by Bharatchandra from existing legends. It tells the tale of Princess Bidya of Bardhaman and Prince Sundar of Kanchi. This part is known for its sensuous and witty verses, intricate descriptions, and a narrative that is both romantic and adventurous. Although it is a secular love story, it is framed within the context of divine grace, as the lovers are ultimately blessed by the goddess Kali. This section is particularly significant for its influence on later Bengali literature and theater.

Annapurnamangal (or Mansingh): This final part is a historical narrative that interweaves the lives of real historical figures with the divine. It chronicles the story of Man Singh I, a Mughal general, and Bhavananda Majumdar, the ancestor of Bharatchandra’s patron, Maharaja Krishnachandra Ray. This part highlights the role of the goddess Annapurna in shaping historical events and the destiny of men.

Literary Style and Significance

Refined Language and Modern Sensibility: Bharatchandra’s language is highly polished and sophisticated, a departure from the earlier, more rustic style of Mangalkavya. He incorporated elements of both Sanskrit and Persian, creating a new, modern flavor in Bengali poetry. His witty wordplay, use of metaphors, and beautiful poetic rhythm set a new standard for literary composition.

Fusion of the Divine and the Secular: A hallmark of Annadamangal is the seamless blending of religious devotion with secular themes. While the goddess Annapurna is the central deity, the poem also explores human emotions, love, politics, and historical events. This humanistic approach distinguishes it from earlier devotional poetry.

Patronage and Context: The Annadamangal was written under the patronage of Maharaja Krishnachandra of Krishnanagar. This patronage allowed Bharatchandra the freedom to experiment with his style and subject matter. The poem also serves as a subtle tribute to his patron, especially in the third part, which glorifies his ancestor.

Legacy: Annadamangal is considered a transitional work that bridged the gap between medieval and modern Bengali literature. Its elegant language and focus on secular narratives influenced later poets and writers. It remains a classic of Bengali literature and a testament to Bharatchandra’s genius. The poem’s enduring popularity is also evident in its numerous illustrated editions and adaptations.

In summary, Annadamangal is not just a religious text; it is a complex and multi-layered work of art that showcases Bharatchandra’s mastery of language, his ability to tell compelling stories, and his unique vision that celebrated both the divine and the human.

Biography of Bharatchandra:

Bharatchandra Roy Gunakar (1712–1760) was a prominent 18th-century Bengali and Sanskrit poet and song composer. He is regarded as one of the last great poets of the medieval period of Bengali literature and is credited with ushering in a more modern style of composition. His poetic legacy is still celebrated, and his most famous work, the Annadamangal, is a masterpiece of Bengali literature.

Early Life and Education:

Bharatchandra was born in 1712 in Penro-Bhurshut village, which is now in the Howrah district of West Bengal, India. His father, Narendranarayan Ray, was a zamindar who lost all his land due to a property dispute with the Raja of Bardhaman. This led to a period of hardship for the family. Bharatchandra, being the youngest of four children, was sent to live with his maternal uncle. During this time, he dedicated himself to his studies, mastering Sanskrit at a young age. He also learned Persian, which was a gateway to high positions in society at the time.

Life as a Court Poet:

Bharatchandra’s talent for poetry was recognized by Maharaja Krishnachandra of Krishnanagar. He was appointed as the court poet, a position that brought him great honor and land grants. The Maharaja bestowed upon him the title of “Raygunakar” (abode of excellence), which became a part of his name. As a court poet, he had the opportunity to display his skills and compose works that earned him widespread acclaim.

Major Works:

Bharatchandra’s most notable work is the Annadamangal (or Annapurnamangal), which he completed in 1752. This epic poem is divided into three parts:

• Annadamangal: Eulogizes the goddess Annapurna.
• Kalikamangal: Narrates the story of Vidya and Sundar.
• Annapurnamangal: Recounts the story of Man Singh I and Bhavananda Majumdar.

Besides this magnum opus, he also composed other works, including:

• Rasamanjari: A Bengali adaptation of a Maithili work.
• Nagashtaka: A bilingual poetic work in Sanskrit and Bengali, showcasing his command over both languages.
• Gangashtaka: A Sanskrit composition.
• Satyanarayan Panchali: A work in praise of the composite deity Satyanarayan.

Legacy

Bharatchandra’s poetry is known for its grace, beauty, and refined language. He is considered a pioneer who infused a human element into Bengali music and poetic compositions, which were traditionally dedicated to deities. He also composed songs on the Radha-Krishna love theme in the raga musical form, contributing to the development of Bengali music. His influence extended beyond Bengal, with a portion of his Annadamangal being translated into Russian by Gerasim Lebedev.

Bharatchandra Roy Gunakar’s death in 1760 marked the end of the medieval period in Bengali literature. He left behind a rich literary heritage and is remembered as a master poet who refined the Bengali language and paved the way for modern poetry.

Why Should You Read the Books of Bharatchandra Roy Gunakar?

Reasons to read Annadamangal:

• Literary Merit:
• Cultural and Historical Significance:
• Religious Themes:
• Linguistic Variety:
• Unique Storytelling:
• Influence on Bengali Literature:
  Annadamangal was highly popular in the 19th century and had a significant impact on the development of Bengali literature.

In essence, reading Annadamangal provides a multi-faceted experience, offering insights into history, culture, religion, and the evolution of Bengali language and literature.

For those eager to delve into the depths of Bharatchandra’s Religious Book and the evolution of Bengali language and literature through the editors Brajendranath Bandyopadhyay and Sajani Kanta Das unparalleled vision, the PDF file of “Bharatchandra Granthabali” is made available on this webpage for online reading and download.

PDF Download: Bharatchandra Granthabali (Bengali Religious Book)

Bharatchandra Granthabali