History of Bengali Language and Literature c5.11

c5.11

Bengal interdicted by Manu. The country was for centuries in open revolt against Hindu orthodoxy. Buddhistic and Jain influences here were so great, that the codes of Manu, while including Bengal within the geographical boundary of Aryyāvarta, distinctly prohibit all contact of the Hindus with this land, for fear of contamination.† Ānanda Tīrtha, the famous commentator of Aitereya Āraṇyaka, declares Bengal to be inhabited by Rākṣasas and Piçāchas. In fact it is probable, that Bengal was mostly peopled by the descendants of the early citizens of Magadah,‡ hence Brahmanism could not thrive for many centuries amidst a people, who were the pioneers of Buddhism.