Chandi. Punthi. Printed in Palm Leaf. 1870. Calcutta. Chandi is one of the most popular folk deities in Bengal, and a number of poems and literary compositions in Bengali called Chandi Mangala Kavyas were written from 13th century to early 19th century. These had the effect of merging the local folk and tribal goddesses with mainstream Hinduism. The Mangal kavyas often associate Chandi with goddess Kali or Kalika and recognise her as a consort of Shiva. This Punthi, is unique as it is printed in Bengali. The pages of the Punthi is made from palm leave written on one side and bound with a piece of string. This made it resistant to insects as well, allowing it to survive for a long time. A rare collection as ‘punthis’ are traditionally hand written but this one is printed. Just imagine the labour of love that went behind to create such a document.
Chandi
