According to some myths[A1] [1]
and legends[A2] ,
Gazi Pir was a Muslim saint[A3] [2]
who is said to have spread Islam in the parts of Bengal close to the
Sunderbans. He was credited with many miracles[A4] [3].
For example, he could supposedly calm dangerous animals and make them docile[A5] [4].
He is usually depicted[A6]
in paats or scroll[A7] [5]
paintings riding a fierce-looking Bengal tiger, a snake in his hand, but in no
apparent danger. According to some stories, he also fought crocodiles who
threatened the people of a region full of canals and creeks[A8] [6],
indeed, a kind of watery jungle bordering the Bay of Bengal. Because of his
alert and vigilant[A9]
presence, all predatory[A10] [7]
animals were said to have been kept within bounds. It was also believed that he
enabled villagers to live close to forests and jungles and cultivate their
lands. Consequently, people of these regions would pray to him for protection.
The story of Gazi Pir has been preserved[A11] in folk literature as well as art
and has been performed in indigenous[A12] [8]theatre.
In fact, some Gazir paat scrolls are part of the collection of the British
Museum.
[1] The word
“myth”------- A traditional story and typically involving supernatural beings
or events.
[2] The word
“saint” refers ----A person acknowledged
as holy or virtuous.
[3] Miracle means
----- the effect of a supernatural or divine agency in human affairs/
extraordinary event doesn’t follow scientific laws
[4] Docile” means
---easily managed / easily teach
[5] Scroll” means
---- A roll of paper or parchment
[6] Creeks” means
----small river / A narrow aria of water
[7] Predatory”
means ----living by killing or eating other animal
[8] Indigenous”
means ---originating in a particular place
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