Author’s Note

5

Abstract

7

Acknowledgements

8

Notes on transliteration, dating and references  

17

Abbreviations  

21

Map of Bengal 

285

Tables:

Table I : Perso-Arabic books in Khalji and Sultanate periods      

51

Table II : Perso-Arabic books in Mughal period 

53

Table III : Perso-Arabic books in British period

54

Table IV : List of early Dobh??? poets

86

Table V : Various opinions on Sagir’s period

100

Table VI : Diagram of Joseph’s story in world literature

114

Table VII : Comparison between the preambles of Firdawsi, Sagir and Jami  

131

Table VIII : Intertextuality and influences at a glance

158

Table IX : Comparison between Shaikh-i Sanaan’s and Ratan Sen’s journeys

242

Table X : Structural comparison between Man?iqu’?- T?air  and Padm?vat?

248

Table XI: Development of the Bengali poetic romance: Sagir to Alaol at a glance

281