Question

Narrate in detail how Kanai gets to know about the legend of Bon Bibi. What does he learn? Why do the people of the tide country revere Bon Bibi?

Answer 1

Kanai learns about the legend when he sees the performance of "The Glory of Bon Bibi." The performance vividly depicts the story of Bon Bibi, engaging Kanai and providing a cultural and historical insight into the legend. The legend begins in Medina with the birth of twins Ibrahim, Bon Bibi, and Shah Jongoli. The twins are chosen for a divine mission to travel to "the country of eighteen tides" to make it habitable for humans. Represented as the embodiment of hatred and insatiable desires, Dokkhin Rai opposes Bon Bibi. Bon Bibi, symbolizing mercy and balance, divides the land—one half for human settlement and the other as wilderness for Dokkhin Rai. The arrival of the twins is marked by strange noises, leading to a pitched battle between Bon Bibi and Dokkhin Rai. Dhona ventures into Dokkhin Rai's territory with seven ships, accompanied by Dukhey, who is warned by his mother to call upon Bon Bibi if in trouble. Dhona bargains with the demon, offering a cargo of honey and wax in exchange for Dukhey. Left stranded and threatened by a black and gold tiger (Dokkhin Rai in disguise), Dukhey calls out to Bon Bibi for help. Bon Bibi saves Dukhey and punishes Dokkhin Rai, restoring balance. Kanai gains a deep understanding of the cultural and religious significance of Bon Bibi to the people of the tide country. He learns the moral lessons embedded in the legend, emphasizing the virtues of mercy, justice, and protection for the weak. The story teaches the importance of maintaining a balance between human desires and the natural world. It highlights the consequences of greed and the need for respect towards nature and its inhabitants. People believe Bon Bibi rules over the jungle, with tigers, crocodiles, and other beasts obeying her command. She is seen as the one to call upon in times of danger, providing divine protection. Bon Bibi's law dictates that the rich and greedy are punished while the poor and righteous are rewarded. This principle resonates with the island dwellers, reinforcing their reverence for her as a just and merciful figure. Bon Bibi is revered as the saviour of the weak and a mother of mercy to the poor. Her presence and influence are closely interwoven with the lives of the island dwellers, providing them with hope and a sense of security.