Perilous Journeys in Manasamangal and Chandimangal
By Swarnali Biswas
Summary
This article examines the trope of 'perilous journeys' in the Bengali texts *Manasamangal* and *Chandimangal*, focusing on the imaginary voyages of protagonists like Behula, Chand, Dhanapati, and Srimanta. These journeys, marked by 'strangeness,' cannibalism, and sea voyages, mirror motifs found in Arabic literature (e.g., Sindbad tales) and Sufi romances like *Mrigavati*. The analysis connects these literary elements to Bengal's role in early modern Indian Ocean trade and cultural exchanges, where European, Arab, and Persian traders interacted with locals. The texts, part of the religious *Mangalkavya* genre, use such journeys to test devotees' loyalty to deities like Manasa and Chandi, contrasting with Sufi narratives where suffering symbolizes spiritual growth. The article also highlights how real travelers' accounts and cultural encounters influenced these fictional tropes, including encounters with mythical creatures and cannibalistic figures. Versions of *Manasamangal* and *Chandimangal* from the 15th to 17th centuries reflect Bengal's mercantile and cultural dynamism, blending Indic and Islamic traditions. The study underscores how these texts reveal global trade connections and the circulation of ideas, aesthetics, and storytelling motifs during the period.
Conclusion
This study reveals how the trope of ‘perilous journeys’ in *Manasamangal* and *Chandimangal* reflects broader cultural and literary exchanges in early modern Bengal. The imaginary voyages of characters like Behula and merchant Chand mirror real-world trade connections, Sufi narratives, and Arabic tales, highlighting Bengal’s role as a hub of mercantile and cultural interaction. The shared motifs of sea voyages, cannibalism, and marvelous creatures underscore the influence of global trade stories and Sufi romances, while also serving local religious and social narratives. These literary elements not only entertain but also reflect anxieties about identity, foreign encounters, and divine retribution during a period of political upheaval. The analysis underscores how regional literature absorbed and adapted diverse influences, blending them into uniquely Bengali religious and cultural frameworks.