I Have Seen Bengal’s Face by Jibanananda Das - Poem / Poetry Appreciation / Exercises on Poem / Question-Answer on Poem / Theme and Summary of Poem / Poem Analysis
- Fakhruddin Babar
- Feb 7
- 12 min read
Updated: Feb 10
I Have Seen Bengal’s Face
Jibanananda Das
Translation of Jibanananda Das’s “Banglar Mukh Ami Dekhiyachhi” by Fakrul Alam
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-Jam, 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 and 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 rice fields
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.
Theme: It revolves around the deep connection between the speaker and the rich cultural, historical, and natural beauty of Bengal. It celebrates the resilience and spirit of the Bengali people, reflecting on their struggles and triumphs throughout history. Ultimately, the poem conveys a sense of pride and affection for Bengal, highlighting its vibrant identity and the emotional landscape that shapes the lives of its inhabitants.
Summary: In the poem “I Have Seen Bengal’s Face,” the speaker expresses a profound admiration for the beauty and spirit of Bengal, encompassing its landscapes, culture, and people. The poem vividly depicts the region’s natural scenery, from lush greenery to vibrant rivers, while also acknowledging the historical struggles and resilience of its inhabitants. Through powerful imagery and emotional reflections, the speaker captures the essence of Bengali identity, emphasizing the connection between the land and its people. Ultimately, the poem conveys a deep sense of pride and love for Bengal, celebrating its unique heritage and the strength of its culture.
Paraphrasing
Here is a more detailed paraphrase of each line of the poem:
"Because I have seen Bengal’s face I will seek no more;"Having encountered the unparalleled beauty of Bengal, I no longer feel the need to look elsewhere for something as captivating. Bengal’s beauty has fulfilled my longing for wonder and awe.
"The world has not anything more beautiful to show me."There is nothing in the entire world, no place or sight, that can offer anything more mesmerizing than the beauty I have experienced in Bengal. Nothing else compares to it.
"Waking up in darkness, gazing at the fig-tree, I behold"I awaken in the early hours, when it is still dark, and as I rise, I gaze at the fig tree standing before me. It is a moment of peaceful contemplation, just before the light of day begins to break.
"Dawn’s swallows roosting under huge umbrella-like leaves."As the first light of dawn approaches, I see swallows, the birds that symbolize the beginning of a new day, resting under large, umbrella-like leaves of the trees. Their quiet restfulness contrasts with the approaching day.
"I look around me"I take a moment to observe everything around me, taking in the sights and the environment that surrounds me.
"And discover a leafy dome-Jam, Kanthal, Bat, Hijol and Aswatha trees-"All around me, I notice a beautiful canopy made of dense, leafy branches. The trees surrounding me are diverse, with names like Jam, Kanthal, Bat, Hijol, and Aswatha, all contributing to the vast, green dome above me.
"All in a hush, shadowing clumps of cactus and zedoary bushes."Everything is quiet and still. The trees cast shadows over groups of cactus plants and zedoary bushes, adding a peaceful calm to the surroundings. The silence makes the moment feel sacred and untouched.
"When long, long ago, Chand came in his honeycombed boat"A long time ago, Chand arrived, traveling in his boat that had honeycombs, symbolizing something sweet and natural. This event harkens back to an ancient moment in Bengal’s history.
"To a blue Hijal, Bat and Tamal shade near the Champa, he too sighted"Chand arrived under the cool shade of blue Hijal, Bat, and Tamal trees, located near the fragrant Champa flowers. Even he, like others, noticed the enchanting beauty of Bengal surrounding him.
"Bengal’s incomparable beauty."The extraordinary beauty of Bengal left a lasting impression on him. It was a beauty so unique and awe-inspiring that it could not be compared to anything else in the world.
"One day, alas. In the Ganguri,"Sadly, on one particular day, when they were in the Ganguri region,
"On a raft, as the waning moon sank on the river’s sandbanks,"While they were floating on a raft, they watched the moon, now in its final phases, slowly descend towards the river’s sandy banks. The waning moon signified the passing of time, the end of a phase.
"Behula too saw countless aswaths bats besides golden rice fields"Behula, too, witnessed countless Aswath trees, as well as bats flying through the air above the lush, golden rice fields that were stretching before her eyes. It was a scene of harmony between nature and life.
"And heard the thrush’s soft song."She could hear the soft, melodic song of the thrush, a bird whose tune was gentle and soothing, enhancing the serene beauty of the scene around her.
"One day, arriving in Amara,"After some time, Behula reached Amara, a place filled with divine significance and importance, where gods were believed to hold their court.
"Where gods held court, when she danced like a desolate wagtail,"In Amara, a divine place where gods resided, Behula danced with the grace of a lonely wagtail, a bird often associated with being solitary. Her dance, though beautiful, was tinged with sorrow and desolation.
"Bengal’s rivers, fields, flowers, wailed like strings of bells on her feet."The rivers, fields, and flowers of Bengal seemed to weep, their beauty resonating through the air like the sound of bells ringing softly as Behula danced. Her movements were so powerful that the land itself seemed to respond, echoing her emotions.
Short Answer Questions
What is the significance of Bengal’s beauty in the poem? The beauty of Bengal is portrayed as unparalleled, a beauty so extraordinary that the speaker feels no need to seek anything else in the world. The natural landscape, including trees, rivers, and fields, is deeply connected to history and mythology, adding to its grandeur.
How does the speaker describe the environment upon waking up? The speaker describes waking up in darkness and gazing at the fig tree, which marks the beginning of their day. This moment of peace contrasts with the hustle of the day, allowing the speaker to connect with nature before the world awakens.
What is the significance of the swallows resting under the leaves? The swallows, associated with the dawn, represent new beginnings and a peaceful start. Their resting under the large umbrella-like leaves adds to the serene and calming atmosphere of the early morning.
How does the speaker describe the trees around them? The speaker describes a leafy dome created by trees like Jam, Kanthal, Bat, Hijol, and Aswatha. This dome creates a sense of enclosure and protection, as though nature itself is embracing the speaker in a peaceful, harmonious environment.
What role do the trees play in the poem? The trees symbolize both the natural beauty of Bengal and its ancient history. The names of trees mentioned are not just flora but are deeply linked to the cultural and spiritual heritage of the land.
Who is Chand, and what does he represent in the poem? Chand is a mythological or historical figure who arrived on his boat filled with honeycombs. His arrival under the shade of trees like Hijal, Bat, and Tamal represents his recognition of Bengal’s incomparable beauty, suggesting that the land has always attracted those who seek its enchantment.
How does the poem connect the themes of nature and mythology? The poem weaves together nature and mythology by referencing figures like Chand and Behula, who experience Bengal’s beauty in mythical contexts. Nature becomes a powerful force, intertwined with divine and human experiences, making the land sacred.
What event occurs in the Ganguri region in the poem? In the Ganguri region, Behula is floating on a raft, observing the waning moon as it sinks onto the river’s sandbanks. This moment signifies the passage of time and the cyclical nature of life, with the natural world continuing its rhythm despite human struggles.
How does Behula contribute to the theme of the poem? Behula’s journey and dance in Amara, a place of divine significance, reinforce the connection between human experiences and the divine. Her lonely dance, as she moves with the sorrow of a wagtail, highlights the emotional depth of Bengal’s landscape, as its beauty stirs feelings of both joy and grief.
What do the rivers, fields, and flowers symbolize in the poem? The rivers, fields, and flowers symbolize the land of Bengal itself—its beauty, abundance, and emotional resonance. As Behula dances, these elements seem to wail and resonate with the music of the bells, indicating that Bengal’s landscape is alive, responding to the emotions and experiences of its people.
Multiple-choice questions based on the text:
10 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) based on the poem:
What does the speaker suggest about Bengal’s beauty?
a) It is fleeting and temporary.
b) It is unparalleled and beyond comparison.
c) It is only seen by mythological figures.
d) It is comparable to other places in the world.
Answer: b) It is unparalleled and beyond comparison.
What does the speaker observe upon waking up in the morning?
a) The swallows flying in the sky.
b) The fig tree and the peaceful environment.
c) The arrival of the sun.
d) The distant hills covered in mist.
Answer: b) The fig tree and the peaceful environment.
Which trees are mentioned by the speaker in the poem?
a) Mango, Banyan, and Palm trees.
b) Jam, Kanthal, Bat, Hijol, and Aswatha trees.
c) Oak, Pine, and Birch trees.
d) Maple, Cedar, and Redwood trees.
Answer: b) Jam, Kanthal, Bat, Hijol, and Aswatha trees.
What is the significance of the swallows in the poem?
a) They symbolize death.
b) They represent the arrival of spring.
c) They symbolize new beginnings and peace.
d) They represent the passing of time.
Answer: c) They symbolize new beginnings and peace.
Who is Chand in the poem?
a) A historical figure who observed Bengal’s beauty.
b) A character from a mythological story who arrived in Bengal by boat.
c) A famous poet who wrote about Bengal.
d) A king who ruled Bengal in ancient times.
Answer: b) A character from a mythological story who arrived in Bengal by boat.
What does the phrase "Bengal’s incomparable beauty" refer to in the poem?
a) The diversity of the people in Bengal.
b) The unique natural and cultural beauty of the land.
c) The political history of Bengal.
d) The economic prosperity of Bengal.
Answer: b) The unique natural and cultural beauty of the land.
What is the significance of the "waning moon" in the poem?
a) It symbolizes the passage of time.
b) It represents the beginning of a new day.
c) It indicates the arrival of a new season.
d) It symbolizes eternal beauty.
Answer: a) It symbolizes the passage of time.
What does Behula’s dance represent in the poem?
a) The sorrow and emotional turmoil in Bengal.
b) A celebration of life and love in Bengal.
c) A connection to the divine and the gods.
d) The struggles of the common people of Bengal.
Answer: c) A connection to the divine and the gods.
What role does nature play in the poem?
a) It represents the challenges of life.
b) It is a reflection of the speaker’s emotions.
c) It is a backdrop to the political events of Bengal.
d) It symbolizes the divine connection between humanity and the gods.
Answer: b) It is a reflection of the speaker’s emotions.
What does the imagery of the "golden rice fields" symbolize in the poem?
a) The harvest and prosperity of Bengal.
b) The timelessness of nature.
c) The innocence of the people.
d) The fleeting nature of life.
Answer: a) The harvest and prosperity of Bengal.
Summary:
The poem celebrates the unparalleled beauty of Bengal through vivid descriptions of its natural landscape and cultural significance. The speaker expresses that having witnessed the stunning face of Bengal, they no longer need to seek beauty elsewhere in the world. They begin by describing the peaceful morning they experience, where they wake up in the darkness, gaze at a fig tree, and observe swallows resting under large, protective leaves. The speaker feels surrounded by the beauty of the land, with trees like Jam, Kanthal, Bat, Hijol, and Aswatha forming a leafy dome over their head.
The poem then weaves in elements of mythology and history, referencing figures like Chand and Behula, who experienced Bengal's beauty in different ways. Chand, arriving in his honeycombed boat, finds the beauty of Bengal in the shade of trees near the Champa, while Behula, in the mythological story, experiences the land's beauty as she journeys in the Ganguri region. Both figures, in their respective contexts, are struck by the land’s unmatched charm.
As the poem progresses, the speaker brings attention to the rich symbolism of the landscape—rivers, fields, and flowers—suggesting that they are more than just physical features. These elements seem to resonate emotionally, as Behula’s dance in Amara, a place of divine power, echoes with the sorrow and beauty of Bengal. The poem ends by highlighting the emotional power of Bengal’s landscape, which moves both human and divine figures alike.
Theme:
The poem explores the timeless and incomparable beauty of Bengal, connecting its natural elements to emotional and mythological significance. Through its vivid descriptions, the poem reflects on the spiritual and cultural resonance of the land, emphasizing how its beauty has inspired awe in both historical and mythological figures.
Bangla Translation (Summary)
সারাংশ:
কবিতাটি বাংলার অতুলনীয় সৌন্দর্যকে তার প্রাকৃতিক ভূদৃশ্য এবং সাংস্কৃতিক তাৎপর্যের প্রাণবন্ত বর্ণনার মাধ্যমে উদযাপন করে। বক্তা প্রকাশ করেছেন যে বাংলার অত্যাশ্চর্য মুখ দেখার পর, তাদের আর বিশ্বের অন্য কোথাও সৌন্দর্য খোঁজার প্রয়োজন নেই। তারা তাদের অভিজ্ঞতার শান্ত সকালের বর্ণনা দিয়ে শুরু করেন, যেখানে তারা অন্ধকারে জেগে ওঠে, একটি ডুমুর গাছের দিকে তাকায় এবং বড়, সুরক্ষিত পাতার নীচে গিলে ফেলা প্রাণীদের বিশ্রাম নিতে দেখে। বক্তা ভূমির সৌন্দর্যে ঘেরা অনুভব করেন, যেখানে জাম, কাঁঠাল, বাদুড়, হিজল এবং অশ্বথের মতো গাছগুলি তাদের মাথার উপর একটি পাতাযুক্ত গম্বুজ তৈরি করে।
কবিতাটি এরপর পৌরাণিক কাহিনী এবং ইতিহাসের উপাদানগুলিতে বুনন করে, চাঁদ এবং বেহুলার মতো ব্যক্তিত্বদের উল্লেখ করে, যারা বিভিন্ন উপায়ে বাংলার সৌন্দর্য অনুভব করেছিল। চাঁদ, তার মৌচাকযুক্ত নৌকায় এসে, চম্পার কাছে গাছের ছায়ায় বাংলার সৌন্দর্য খুঁজে পায়, অন্যদিকে পৌরাণিক গল্পে বেহুলা, গাঙ্গুরি অঞ্চলে ভ্রমণ করার সময় ভূমির সৌন্দর্য অনুভব করে। উভয় ব্যক্তিত্ব, তাদের নিজ নিজ প্রেক্ষাপটে, ভূমির অতুলনীয় আকর্ষণে মুগ্ধ।
কবিতাটি এগিয়ে যাওয়ার সাথে সাথে, বক্তা ভূদৃশ্যের সমৃদ্ধ প্রতীকীতার দিকে মনোযোগ আকর্ষণ করেন - নদী, মাঠ এবং ফুল - যা ইঙ্গিত দেয় যে এগুলি কেবল শারীরিক বৈশিষ্ট্য নয়। এই উপাদানগুলি আবেগগতভাবে অনুরণিত হয় বলে মনে হয়, যেমন ঐশ্বরিক শক্তির স্থান আমারায় বেহুলার নৃত্য বাংলার দুঃখ এবং সৌন্দর্যের সাথে প্রতিধ্বনিত হয়। কবিতাটি বাংলার ভূদৃশ্যের আবেগগত শক্তি তুলে ধরে শেষ হয়, যা মানুষ এবং ঐশ্বরিক উভয় ব্যক্তিত্বকেই একইভাবে নাড়া দেয়।
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50 vocabulary words from the poem with their meanings in English and Bangla:
Face
English: A person's facial appearance or the front part of something.
Bangla: মুখ
Seek
English: To look for or try to find something.
Bangla: খোঁজা
Beautiful
English: Pleasing the senses or mind aesthetically.
Bangla: সুন্দর
Show
English: To display or present something for others to see.
Bangla: প্রদর্শন
Waking
English: The act of waking up from sleep.
Bangla: জেগে উঠা
Gazing
English: Looking steadily and intently, often with admiration.
Bangla: লক্ষ্য করা
Behold
English: To see or observe something, especially with admiration.
Bangla: দেখানো
Swallows
English: A type of bird known for flying long distances.
Bangla: ঝাঁঝরি পাখি
Roosting
English: Settling or resting, especially on a perch.
Bangla: বাসা তৈরি করা
Umbrella-like
English: Resembling an umbrella in shape or function.
Bangla: ছাতা-সদৃশ
Leaves
English: The flat, green parts of a plant or tree that are attached to the stem.
Bangla: পাতা
Dome
English: A rounded, often hemispherical roof or covering.
Bangla: গম্বুজ
Hush
English: A quiet, still, or peaceful state.
Bangla: শান্ত
Shadowing
English: Creating or providing shade.
Bangla: ছায়া সৃষ্টি করা
Clumps
English: A small, dense group or cluster.
Bangla: গুচ্ছ
Cactus
English: A type of plant with thick, fleshy stems that typically grow in dry areas.
Bangla: ক্যাকটাস
Zedoary
English: A type of plant from the ginger family, often used in traditional medicine.
Bangla: জেডোয়ারি (একটি প্রকারের মসলাদার গাছ)
Chand
English: A mythological figure in the poem.
Bangla: চাঁদ (কবিতায় একটি পৌরাণিক চরিত্র)
Honeycombed
English: Having a pattern or structure similar to a honeycomb.
Bangla: মধুরচক্রযুক্ত
Boat
English: A small vessel for traveling on water.
Bangla: নৌকা
Shade
English: A shadow or area sheltered from the sun.
Bangla: ছায়া
Sighted
English: To see or notice something.
Bangla: লক্ষ্য করা
Incomparable
English: So good or great that nothing can be compared to it.
Bangla: অদ্বিতীয়
Alas
English: An expression of sorrow or regret.
Bangla: হায়
Raft
English: A flat structure used for traveling or floating on water.
Bangla: ভেলা
Waning
English: Decreasing in size, intensity, or strength.
Bangla: ক্ষীণ হওয়া
Sank
English: To go down below the surface of water.
Bangla: ডুবানো
River’s sandbanks
English: Shallow areas of sand along the edge of a river.
Bangla: নদীর বালুচর
Plunged
English: To fall or dive into something.
Bangla: তলিয়ে যাওয়া
Break
English: To separate or divide something into parts.
Bangla: ভাঙা
Cossack
English: A member of a people from southeastern Russia, known for their horse-riding skills.
Bangla: কসাক (রাশিয়ান জনগণের একটি জাতি)
Reeled
English: To stagger or lose balance.
Bangla: দুলানো
Sundered
English: To break apart or separate.
Bangla: বিচ্ছিন্ন করা
Fell
English: To cause to fall or be destroyed.
Bangla: পতিত হওয়া
Jaws of Death
English: A metaphor for extreme danger or life-threatening situation.
Bangla: মৃত্যুর মুখ
Mouth of Hell
English: Another metaphor indicating entering a perilous situation.
Bangla: নরকের মুখ
Glory
English: Great honor, praise, or fame.
Bangla: গৌরব
Made
English: Past tense of make, meaning to create or form something.
Bangla: তৈরি করা
Wondered
English: To think about or question something with curiosity.
Bangla: বিস্মিত হওয়া
Honor
English: High respect or esteem.
Bangla: সম্মান
Noble
English: Having high moral qualities, virtuous.
Bangla: মহৎ
Charge
English: To rush forward, especially in battle.
Bangla: আক্রমণ
Volleyed
English: A rapid series of shots or blows.
Bangla: গুলি বা আঘাতের একটি সারি
Thundered
English: To make a loud, booming noise, like thunder.
Bangla: গর্জন করা
Stormed
English: To move forward forcefully, often in anger or aggression.
Bangla: ঝড়ের মতো আক্রমণ করা
Sabres
English: A type of curved sword with a single edge.
Bangla: স্যাবার (ধনুকাকৃত তলোয়ার)
Bells
English: A hollow instrument that makes a ringing sound when struck.
Bangla: ঘণ্টা
Court
English: A place where kings and gods gather.
Bangla: আদালত
Desolate
English: Feeling abandoned or uninhabited.
Bangla: একাকী
Wagtail
English: A type of bird that frequently moves its tail.
Bangla: ঝাঁকানো পাখি
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