Proverbs are an invaluable asset in Bengali folklore. They reveal profound truths or realities, distilled over time from human experiences. Through repeated use, these sayings gradually become embedded in society, establishing a tradition of daily usage. For over a thousand years, proverbs have been a rich part of Bengali culture, cherished and passed down through generations. Though often used interchangeably, "proverb" and "saying" have subtle differences. Proverbs embody deep truths derived from human experience, often expressed in ironic statements, with no identifiable single author. Sayings, however, are specific expressions crafted by wise, creative individuals within society. Over time, as these sayings are frequently used, they become ingrained in the community.

Below, we’ve prepared a list of proverbs based on analysis of past exam questions. These are likely to appear in various competitive exams.

Proverbs and Sayings in Folk Culture

Proverbs and sayings are integral to folk culture, with "proverb" representing a traditional phrase or common saying, and "saying" signifying a well-known expression. A perceptive expression coined by a creative individual after observing society often becomes a proverb over time. For example, "Wilderness suits the wild, and children belong in their mother’s arms," was originally a saying by Sanjib Chandra Chattopadhyay in his novel Palamau. This saying has a known author, but proverbs typically do not; the original authors eventually fade away, but their words endure in society. For instance, "The cleverest gets caught in their own trap" and "Coal doesn’t become clean by washing" are examples of proverbs.

Differences Between Proverbs and Sayings

Origin: Proverbs are the product of the collective wisdom of society over time, while sayings are created by creative individuals such as poets and writers.
Written Form: Proverbs have no written origin and are passed down orally, while sayings often originate from written works, gaining popularity through repeated use.
Source: Proverbs arise from societal experience, whereas sayings are insights from an individual’s experience.
Meaning: Proverbs often carry implied meanings, while sayings are generally straightforward in their expression.
Length: Proverbs are usually shorter than sayings.
Characteristics of Proverbs

A Reflection of Collective Experience: Proverbs express the accumulated wisdom, mature judgment, and commonly held truths within society.
Brevity: Proverbs are concise, typically structured in brief sentences.
Use of Literary Devices: They often incorporate metaphors, irony, and paradox.
Classification of Proverbs

Based on their meanings, proverbs can be categorized in various ways, such as:

General Experience: e.g., "Wisdom dawns after the thief has fled."
Moral Teachings: e.g., "The winds shake the bell of righteousness."
Mythical References: e.g., "Singing hymns to Shiva while winnowing rice."
Critiques of Human Nature: e.g., "A self-proclaimed leaderwithout the village’s consent."
Social Norms: e.g., "The mullah’s reach is only to the mosque."
Well-Known Events: e.g., "Money talks, and Gauri Sen is ready to give."
These proverbs and sayings reflect the depth of Bengali wisdom and cultural heritage, adding richness to both language and tradition.