Introduction

Bengali proverbs are found from the earliest literary specimens down to the present day. They encompass a wide range of subjects dealing with gods and goddesses, mythical characters, folkloric figures and historical persons, social and family life, love, human body and behaviour, materials of everyday use and luxurious items, agriculture and food, nature, place-names, birds, beasts and insects, and the like.

These thus reflect the gamut of Bengali society and, at times, the spirit of social revolt. The book then analyses the structure of Bengali proverbs and compares them with other forms of folk literature such as nursery rhymes and riddles, songs and ballads, matters concerning women's rituals in Bengal.

It also traces the similarities of Bengali proverbs and proverbs prevalent in other parts of India and beyond—a testimony to the commonality of human experience and emotion.