Page:History of Bengali Language and Literature.djvu/276

 240 BENGALI LANGUAGE & LITERATURE. [ Chap. of Civa as a Bhiksu,—probably borrowed from the Buddhistic idea of renunciation,—degenerated amongst the masses, and the Great God was reduced to the level of a beggar. The mythology, that pieces narrated the story of Civa, swallowing poison to SAMs. protect the universe from destruction, lent credulity to the story of his taking profuse doses of Siddhi and Dhutura,—thus the peasants of Bengal gave Addicted to a form to the Great God that mirrored the condition intoxicat- ie deuce of their own life. But his edifying character was not altogether lost, in this humble delineation. — In- difference to the world, and an ever contented dis- position, not ruffled by circumstances, befitting a Yogi, could yet be discovered in the character given him by the rustic poets. But Bengali literature gradually grew more refined as it attracted the notice of scholars; and Civa as represented in the popular compositions, could no longer satisfy the enlightened taste of the multitudes who listened to the Caiva songs. These songs fell into popular disfavour as the elements of the personal God were found more or less wanting in Civa, and only a few writers, latterly, took up the subject for poetry. The character that had been attributed to Civa by the people in the days of Buddhistic degeneracy, was still retained in these The new — songs, but a new element was introduced into them, element in Gaiva literature. tions inspired bv the superior ideals of the Paurgnik which served as an attraction to the rising genera- Renaissance: The domestic element is prominent in the later বি songs on Civa. In them he plays the role of the of afamily. patriarch of a family, where Kartika and Ganega ~ his sons, Laksmi and Saraswati his daughters,