Evolution Of Hinduism In Medieval Bengali Literature: Siva, Candi, Manas A

Abstract

WHEN the geographical term ‘Bengal’ is used in any study of the old or medieval period of the literary history of the area, it must be borne in mind that it has so far been impossible to delineate its then boundaries with precision. Such early cartographical evidence2 as there is, suggests that it is improbable that the topography of Bengal resembled very closely that which is now familiar in our modern maps. The great rivers, which are the most distinctive characteristic of the formation of this part of India, are known to have made considerable changes in their courses; and the constant depositing of silt in the delta districts has almost certainly increased the area of its land surface during the centuries.