Middle Bengali Literature

The Middle Bengali Literature is a period in the History of Bengali literature dated from 15th to 18th centuries. Followed by the Turkish Invasion in Bengal in the 13th century, literature in vernacular Bengali took its first shape in this time. The oldest example of Middle Bengali Literature is believed to be Shreekrishna Kirtana by Boru Chandidas.

The Middle Bengali Literature is divided into three periods named Pre-Chaitanya Era, Chaitnya Era and Later Middle Age.

In the Pre-Chaitanya Era (15th century), the early Vaishnava Poetry or the Vaishnava Padavali by Chandidas and Vidyapati was composed; the first translation of Ramayana and Bhagavata in Bengali were made and with Manasa Mangal and Chandi Mangal flourished the tradition of Mangalkavya.

In the Chaitanya Era (16th-17th century) the Later Vaishnava Poetry and the hagiography of Sri Chaitanya flourishes. In this period, the translation of Mahabharata into Bengali grows. Important development in Mangalkavya tradition is also seen in this period.

In the Later Middle Age, the tradition of Shakta Poetry or Shakta Padavali grows. The age of Mangalkavya meets its end with the composition of Annada Mangal by Bharat Chandra. The Baul tradition emerged as an intellectual icon with Lalan Fakir. The Eastern Bengal Ballads and Muslim love songs are one of the most important aspect of this period.