Table of Contents

Lesson 3: The Legend of Gazi Pir Passage

A. Warm-Up Activity

Discuss the following questions:
a. What is meant by indigenous art?
b. Have you seen a paat or scroll painting?
c. If so, what are some of the images depicted in it?
d. What other forms of indigenous art can you think of?

Answer:

a. What is meant by indigenous art?
Indigenous art refers to the traditional and cultural artwork created by the native or local people of a region. This form of art is often inspired by nature, folklore, religious beliefs, and daily life. It is passed down through generations and reflects the identity and heritage of the indigenous community.

b. Have you seen a paat or scroll painting?
Yes, paat or scroll paintings are traditional forms of art in many cultures, including Bengal. They are often created on long scrolls of cloth or paper, illustrating stories or religious themes through sequential images.

c. If so, what are some of the images depicted in it?
In paat or scroll paintings, images of mythological stories, religious figures, animals like tigers or snakes, historical events, and scenes from daily life are commonly depicted. These paintings often tell a story through visuals.

d. What other forms of indigenous art can you think of?
Other forms of indigenous art include pottery, weaving, sculpture, traditional dance and music, woodcarving, beadwork, and body art like tattoos or henna. These forms vary across different cultures and regions, each carrying its own unique style and significance.

B. Now read the following text and answer the questions that follow:

The Legend of Gazi

According to some myths and legends, Gazi Pir was a Muslim saint who is said to have spread Islam in the parts of Bengal close to the Sundarbans. He was credited with many miracles. For example, he could supposedly calm dangerous animals and make them docile. He is usually depicted in paat or scroll 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 the region full of canals and creeks, indeed, a kind of watery jungle bordering the Bay of Bengal. Because of his alert and vigilant presence, all predatory 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 in folk literature as well as art and has been performed in indigenous theatre. Some Gazi paat scrolls are part of the collection of the British Museum.

C. Find out the meanings of the following words:

Legends
Docile
Scroll
Creeks
Vigilant
Predatory
Collection
Indigenous

Answer:

Legends:
Stories passed down from generation to generation, often based on historical events or figures, but with added mythical or supernatural elements. They are part of a culture’s folklore.
Docile:
Easily managed, controlled, or trained; submissive and calm in nature.
Scroll:
A roll of paper or parchment, often used in ancient times for writing or drawing. It can also refer to a long piece of artwork or writing that is unrolled to view.
Creeks:
Small streams of water or narrow channels, usually flowing into a river or the sea.
Vigilant:
Keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties; alert and attentive.
Predatory:
Relating to animals or people that hunt, exploit, or prey on others for survival or advantage.
Collection:
A group of objects, often of artistic, historical, or scientific importance, that are gathered and kept together for display or study.
Indigenous:
Originating or occurring naturally in a particular place; native to a region or environment.

D. Answer the following questions:

a. What kind of extraordinary power did Gazi have?
b. What was the geographical nature of the region where Gazi performed his miracles?
c. Why do you think Gazi was admired in parts of rural Bangladesh for a long time?
d. What are the different art forms in which the myth of Gazi is kept alive in Bangladesh and even outside the country?

Answer:

a. What kind of extraordinary power did Gazi have?
Gazi had the extraordinary power to tame dangerous animals, making them docile and harmless. He could also fight crocodiles and protect people from wild animals in the region. His ability to calm and control these predators made him a revered figure.

b. What was the geographical nature of the region where Gazi performed his miracles?
Gazi performed his miracles in a region near the Sundarbans, which is a watery jungle area filled with canals, creeks, and dense forests bordering the Bay of Bengal. The region is known for its abundance of dangerous wildlife, including tigers and crocodiles.

c. Why do you think Gazi was admired in parts of rural Bangladesh for a long time?
Gazi was admired for his role in protecting the villagers from wild animals and making it possible for them to live and farm near the forests. His miraculous powers and vigilant protection helped people feel safe in an otherwise dangerous environment, which made him a respected and celebrated figure in rural Bangladesh.

d. What are the different art forms in which the myth of Gazi is kept alive in Bangladesh and even outside the country?
The myth of Gazi is kept alive through various art forms such as folk literature, paat (scroll paintings), and indigenous theatre. Some Gazi paat scrolls are even preserved in international collections, such as the British Museum, showcasing the global reach of this traditional art form.

E. Notice that the passage about Gazi contains words and phrases such as:

for example
also
indeed
consequently

These words and phrases are used either for emphasis or transitions. What part of speech do these words belong to? Which of them are used for emphasis and which for transitions? Why are they needed in the passage and how different would the passage be without them?

Now make sentences with these words and phrases.

Finally, try to make a list with these and similar adverb words and phrases that you can use for emphasis and transitions.

Answer:

What part of speech do these words belong to?
The words “for example,” “also,” “indeed,” and “consequently” are all adverbs or adverbial phrases. They are used to connect ideas in a sentence and clarify relationships between thoughts.
Which of them are used for emphasis and which for transitions?
- For emphasis: “Indeed” is used to emphasize or strengthen a statement.
- For transitions: “For example,” “also,” and “consequently” are used for transitions, helping to connect ideas smoothly.
  - “For example” introduces specific instances.
  - “Also” adds additional information.
  - “Consequently” indicates a result or effect.
Why are they needed in the passage and how different would the passage be without them?
These words and phrases are essential for making the passage more coherent and easy to follow. They guide the reader by showing how ideas are related to each other. Without them, the passage would feel disjointed and harder to understand, as the logical flow between thoughts would be unclear.
Sentences with these words and phrases:
- For example: Many people enjoy outdoor activities. For example, hiking and camping are popular pastimes.
- Also: She completed her project early. Also, she helped her classmates finish theirs.
- Indeed: The view from the mountaintop was breathtaking. Indeed, it was one of the best sights I’ve ever seen.
- Consequently: He studied very hard for the exam. Consequently, he scored the highest marks in the class.
List of adverb words and phrases for emphasis and transitions:
- For emphasis:
  - Indeed
  - Certainly
  - Surely
  - Of course
  - Obviously
- For transitions:
  - For example
  - Additionally
  - Moreover
  - Therefore
  - Consequently
  - In contrast
  - However
  - Furthermore
  - On the other hand

F. Rearrange the sentences in the right order to make a paragraph:

Gazi Pir was gifted with the power of miracles.
In fact, some of these paats are preserved even in the British Museum.
Another miracle associated with Gazi is that he could fight the crocodiles.
These two examples of the miracles he performed, along with some others, are preserved in folk literature.
In addition to literature, the miracles of Gazi are also portrayed in art, especially in a folk art form called paat.
For example, he could tame hostile animals and make them obey him.
This is how the British Museum pays tribute to this legendary Muslim saint and preacher.

Rearranged paragraph:

Gazi Pir was gifted with the power of miracles. For example, he could tame hostile animals and make them obey him. Another miracle associated with Gazi is that he could fight the crocodiles. These two examples of the miracles he performed, along with some others, are preserved in folk literature. In addition to literature, the miracles of Gazi are also portrayed in art, especially in a folk art form called paat. In fact, some of these paats are preserved even in the British Museum. This is how the British Museum pays tribute to this legendary Muslim saint and preacher.

G. Write a paragraph of about 150 words explaining what folk art is and your personal experience of some forms of folk art.

Answer:

Folk art refers to traditional art forms created by local, often self-taught, artists that reflect the cultural life of a community. It includes paintings, sculptures, pottery, weaving, and performances that are passed down through generations. These art forms are deeply connected to the daily lives, customs, and beliefs of the people who create them. Unlike fine art, folk art is usually functional, and it is used in ceremonies, festivals, or everyday life.

In my personal experience, I have seen several forms of folk art, such as paat scroll paintings in Bengal, which narrate mythological or religious stories. I’ve also experienced Nakshi Kantha, a form of traditional embroidered quilt, often adorned with beautiful motifs like flowers, birds, and trees. These art forms are not only visually appealing but also carry deep cultural and emotional significance, showcasing the creativity of rural artisans and preserving the heritage of a community.

H. Follow-Up Activity: Group Presentation

In class, discuss the different forms of the folk art of Bangladesh. Then form groups where each group gives a presentation on one of these forms.

Answer:

In class, begin by discussing the various forms of folk art found in Bangladesh. Some notable examples include:

Paat (Scroll Painting): Traditional narrative art that illustrates religious or historical stories.
Nakshi Kantha: Embroidered quilts, often featuring intricate patterns and motifs.
Pottery: Handcrafted clay items used for both decorative and functional purposes.
Jamdani Weaving: A fine form of muslin weaving, known for its complex designs.
Terracotta Art: Sculptures and decorative items made from clay, commonly used in architecture.
Folk Music and Dance: Baul songs, Bhatiali, and traditional dance forms that express local life and spiritual themes.

Once you’ve discussed these forms, divide the class into groups. Each group will choose one of these art forms and prepare a presentation. The presentation should include: