Sadhguru expresses his gratitude to all involved in recognising Bengali as a Classical Language. He remarked that the metrical rhythms of Chandas and Bengali are more than mere sound patterns; they are cosmic vibrations, inviting us to delve into the sacredness of language.
Article | October 06, 2024
Sadhguru: The Bengali language, or Bangla, holds an esteemed position in the history of linguistic and spiritual heritage. More than just a mode of communication for millions, it is a living embodiment of an ancient culture with roots reaching deep into the origins of human civilization. Classified as a classical language, Bangla is enriched by centuries of literary brilliance and spiritual depth. The origins of this language can be traced back to one of the world's oldest languages, Chandas, which predates Sanskrit. This ancient proto-Vedic language emerged from the regions of Rarh Banga and Barendra Bhumi, present-day Bengal, and was instrumental in composing the early hymns of the Rig Veda, humanity's oldest spiritual scripture. Historically, Bengal has also been a cradle of spiritual practices, such as Nigam Tantra, one of the most ancient forms of spiritual discipline.
In this exploration, we will journey through Bangla's ancient linguistic evolution from Chandas, illustrating why it is deserving of the status of a classical language.
1. The Linguistic Roots: From Chandas to Bangla
The linguistic lineage of Bangla stretches back far beyond modern understanding. Chandas was the primordial structure of language during the early Vedic era. Unlike the later-evolved Sanskrit, which became a more refined language used in religious discourse, Chandas was raw, poetic, and deeply expressive of spiritual aspirations. The Rig Veda, the oldest of the four Vedas, was composed using Chandas, and its rhythmic metrical structures still resonate within both linguistic and spiritual traditions today.
1.1 Chandas: The Foundation of Vedic Language Chandas wasn't just a linguistic framework; it was a language on its own, much older than Sanskrit. It was widely spoken in the fertile regions of Rarh Banga (south-western Bengal) and Barendra Bhumi (north-western Bengal), where cultural and spiritual history runs deep. This proto-Vedic language laid the foundation for the vast linguistic family from which Bangla would later emerge.
The hymns of the Rig Veda were more than just sacred verses; they were invocations of the divine, expressions of cosmic understanding, and prayers for abundance. These hymns formed the base of spiritual thought that permeated Bengal’s culture for millennia.
1.2 Chandas and its Connection to Bengal The preservation of Chandas in Rarh and Barendra was crucial to the later evolution of Bengali. Bengal's strategic location between the Ganges and Brahmaputra made it a cultural crossroads, where Aryan settlers mingled with the local population, resulting in a rich linguistic synthesis. These exchanges sowed the seeds for the emergence of Bangla. Both Rarh and Barendra were centres of learning where scholars and sages studied the Vedic knowledge inscribed in Chandas, ensuring its oral transmission through generations. This helped form early Prakrits and Apabhramsa, which would eventually crystallize into the Bengali language.
2. The Evolution of Bangla from Chandas
The journey from Chandas to modern Bangla is a story of linguistic transformation, cultural synthesis, and spiritual refinement. While Sanskrit dominated northern India, Bengal charted its own path, drawing heavily on its unique spiritual traditions and preserving much of Chandas’ essence even under the influence of Sanskrit.
2.1 The Development of Early Prakrits and Apabhramsa As Chandas evolved, it gave rise to Prakrits, the vernacular tongues of the common folk. These languages maintained the musicality and flexibility of Chandas but were more fluid than classical Sanskrit. Over time, Prakrit and Apabhramsa in Bengal absorbed local flavours, particularly influenced by the Buddhist Pali canon.
A striking example of this is the Charyapada, a collection of mystical Buddhist songs from Bengal and Bihar that offers valuable insights into the early stages of Bangla's development. These songs, written in proto-Bangla, reflect the enduring influence of Chandas in their rhythmic structures.
2.2 The Emergence of Bangla as a Literary Language Between the 10th and 12th centuries, Bangla transformed from its proto-linguistic stages to a fully developed literary language. Spiritual and intellectual movements such as Tantric practices, Buddhism, and Vaishnavism shaped the region, and Bangla grew to be a medium that could express both profound spiritual truths and cultural diversity. Works like Mangal Kavya, early devotional poetry, retained metrical patterns from Chandas and became integral to Bengali literature.
The Sri Chaitanya movement of the 15th century further enriched the language, infusing it with devotional fervour and philosophical depth. By this period, Bangla had become a mature literary and cultural force, but its connection to its ancient linguistic ancestor, Chandas, remained ever-present.
3. The Spiritual Legacy: Bengal’s Nigam Tantra
Bengal’s spiritual heritage is as ancient as its linguistic one. Nigam Tantra, one of the earliest forms of spiritual practice, is deeply intertwined with the history of the region. Originating in the same lands where Chandas was spoken, this ancient tradition predates classical Tantra.
3.1 Nigam Tantra: The Ancient Path of Spiritual Knowledge Nigam Tantra refers to the spiritual knowledge extracted from the Vedas, particularly the Chandas hymns of the Rig Veda. It emphasized inner realization and meditation over external rituals, making it one of the most profound forms of spiritual practice in Bengal. The early Tantrics believed that the vibrational power of the Chandas hymns was a direct pathway to accessing cosmic energies, and the language of Chandas was revered for its ability to unlock higher consciousness.
3.2 The Influence of Nigam Tantra on Later Spiritual Traditions The influence of Nigam Tantra is visible in later Bengali spiritual traditions, particularly the Baul movement, which emphasized the pursuit of divine love and inner realization. The spiritual resonance of Chandas can be heard in Baul songs, which reflect the belief that language is a medium for attaining divine wisdom.
4. Why Bangla is a Classical Language
With its origins rooted in Chandas and its deep association with some of the oldest spiritual traditions in the world, Bangla undeniably holds its rightful place as a classical language.
Chandas is one of the oldest and most revered linguistic forms in human history, renowned for its spiritual, poetic, and philosophical depth. Serving as the linguistic foundation for spiritual practices like Nigam Tantra, Nath Yogis, and the Charyapada, Chandas eventually evolved into a precursor for modern languages such as Bangla, Assamese, Manipuri, and even Tibetan. As Bangla grew from these ancient roots, it retained the essence of its spiritual heritage while evolving into a vibrant and powerful language of literature and culture.
Through Chandas, the pulse of ancient Bengal still echoes, binding language and spirituality into an enduring legacy. Bangla's profound connection to its linguistic and spiritual past makes it far more than a language—it is a vessel of timeless wisdom and a classical expression of human consciousness.
