Rankini (Bengali: রাঙ্কিনি) is a guardian deity, primarily worshipped in the eastern parts of India, including Jharkhand, West Bengal and Odisha. She is associated with protection, strength, fertility and prosperity.[1][2][3]
Description
editRankini is a tribal demon goddess, revered by various tribal communities, especially the Bhumij tribe of eastern India.[4][5] Her shrines are often found in remote jungles, reflecting her connection to nature and the wilderness.[6] She is typically represented by a naturally occurring stone, which is believed to symbolize her presence.[7][better source needed]
There is no mention of Rankini Devi in the Vedas, Puranas or epics. According to Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay's short story Rankini Debi'r Kharga,[8] Rankini is the deity of the wild tribals, who lived in Manbhum district.[9][10] She is also considered the family deity of the princely states of Dhalbhum and Jamboni.[11][12]
References
edit- ^ Maity, Pradyot Kumar (1989). Human Fertility Cults and Rituals of Bengal: A Comparative Study. Abhinav Publications. ISBN 978-81-7017-263-5.
- ^ McDaniel, June (2012-02-01). Making Virtuous Daughters and Wives: An Introduction to Women's Brata Rituals in Bengali Folk Religion. State University of New York Press. ISBN 978-0-7914-8765-5.
- ^ Bhaumik, Sudarshana (2022-08-26). The Changing World of Caste and Hierarchy in Bengal: Depiction from the Mangalkavyas c. 1700–1931. Taylor & Francis. ISBN 978-1-000-64143-1.
- ^ Russell, Robert Vane (2022-01-04). The Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India: Ethnological Study of the Caste System. e-artnow.
- ^ Ghosh, G. K. (2000). Legends of Origin of the Castes and Tribes of Eastern India. Firma KLM. ISBN 978-81-7102-046-1.
- ^ Dalton, Edward Tuite (1872). Descriptive Ethnology of Bengal. Office of the Superintendent of Government Printing.
- ^ link, Get; Facebook; Twitter; Pinterest; Email; Apps, Other. "Rankini Devi – About Goddess Rankini". Retrieved 2024-10-01.
{{cite web}}:|last2=has generic name (help) - ^ Manzoor, Sohana (2018-08-20). "The Machete of the Goddess". The Daily Star. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
- ^ Bandyopādhyāẏa, Bibhūtibhūshaṇa (1996). Fascinating Stories. Sahitya Akademi. ISBN 978-81-7201-948-8.
- ^ Bhattacharjee, Ritwick; Ghosh, Saikat (2021-04-30). Horror Fiction in the Global South: Cultures, Narratives and Representations. Bloomsbury Publishing. ISBN 978-93-90077-28-1.
- ^ Majumdar, Anindita (2006). British Forest Policy and Tribal Community in Bengal, 1880-1947. Readers Service. ISBN 978-81-87891-58-1.
- ^ Reid, J. (1912). Final Report on the Survey and Settlement of Pargana Dhalbhum in the District of Singhbhum, 1906 to 1911. Bengal Secretariat Book Departmentôt.