Kolkata | India : Wing Commander Dr. Ranjit Kumar Mandal (Retd.) has made a significant contribution to India’s linguistic heritage with the publication of Phrases, Idioms and Riddles of Rajbanshi Language: Rajbanshi Chilkas and Solloks in English and Bengali Verses. The 824-page, tri-lingual volume documents 2,500 Rajbanshi Chilkas and Solloks in English, Bengali, and Rajbanshi, making it one of the most extensive compilations of Rajbanshi oral tradition to date.
The book captures the richness of Rajbanshi life through Solloks, traditionally used as riddles for entertainment and learning, and Chilkas, poetic couplets comparable to Kabir’s Dohas that reflect moral values, humor, satire, and social behavior. A unique mock dialogue using Chilkas highlights their practical, conversational usage.
With a history spanning over thirteen centuries, Rajbanshi is spoken by nearly six crore people across India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan, particularly in West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Meghalaya, and Tripura. Despite its historical importance and royal lineage, the language gradually lost official recognition. Recent academic interest has led to Rajbanshi being taught in eight universities, with Delhi University expected to introduce studies soon.
At a time when global institutions like UNESCO and the United Nations warn against language extinction, Dr. Mandal’s work stands as a timely effort to preserve a living cultural legacy for future generations.
“Preserving languages is a cultural and human obligation. Through this book, I have made a humble effort to ensure that the voice of the Rajbanshi language continues to be heard,” says Dr. Mandal.
A former Combat Director in the Indian Air Force, Dr. Mandal served for 24 years before becoming an educationist, author, and Editor-in-Chief of two research journals.
For copies and inquiries:
📧 ranajitmondal2005@yahoo.co.in
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