‘Maynagarh’ Context of Dharmamangal : A Review/ ধর্মমঙ্গলের ‘ময়নাগড়’ প্রসঙ্গ : একটি পর্যালোচনা

Abstract

Dharmamangal is one of the four main branches of Mangalkavya, a literary genre that emerged in Bengali literature after the Turkish invasion. This genre flourished in the 17th century, with poets like Ruparam, Ghanaram, Ramdas Adak, Sitaram Adak, Khelaram, and Manik Ganguli contributing to its development. Set against the backdrop of the Rarh region, Dharmamangal provides a detailed account of the region's history, geography, society, and culture, which is unparalleled in medieval Bengali literature. The narrative revolves around the glory of the God Dharma and the bravery of the Dom community. The epic poem meticulously follows historical legends and geographical details. Lausen, a feudal king, is the central character, with his capital at Maynagarh. The story of Maynagarh is a significant part of the Dharmamangal narrative. Despite debates about the location of Maynagarh, it is believed to be in Purba Medinipur district. The history and folklore surrounding Lausen are still prevalent in the region. Members of the royal family with the title Bahubalindra continue to reside in this regions presently. Historically, Mayna was the part of the Utkal kingdom during the medieval period. This article aims to explore the connection between the Lausen narrative and historical facts, the depiction of Maynagarh in the Dharmamangal epic, it’s its ancient history and its current location. By Examining these questions, we seek to arrive at a definitive conclusion regarding the current location and historical significance of Maynagarh in the context of Dharmamangal narrative.