This is a thorough and critical study of the cult of the Goddess Manasa—a study which throws valuable light on some features of the socio-cultural history of the country. The introduction deals with the nature, importance and scope of the subject. Sources are also discussed. The first chapter outlines the history of ophiolatry in Ancient India. In Chapter II the author traces the socio-religious background of Bengal from the 8th-12th centuries—a period when Manasa evolved and found a foothold in Bengali society. The third chapter narrates the stories of Manasa written in Bengali, Asamese and Bihari, and found in the Puranas for comparative study and their analysis. The fourth chapter deals with the original location and historicity of the principal legend of Manasa. Attempts are also made to ascertain the periods of the origin of the Goddess and of the various stories of Manasa. In Chapter V the author traces the gradual evolution of the cult of Manasa : and the sixth is a fair account of the relations between Manasa and other cult divinities. The seventh chapter is devoted to examine the icons said to be of Manasa and to consider the views that Manasa originated out of many deities. The last chapter is a detailed account of the rites and ceremonies connected with Manasa from the earliest time to the present day. This chapter is mainly based on field investigation. Summary and conclusion briefly reviews the whole work and the main conclusions drawn in it. The work also contains five short appendices, 26 plates, a map of Eastern India and a few charts.
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