343
It is observed from Table 10.1 that policy makers imparted maximum weightage
to Bonobibi (DR = 5) followed by Dakshin Rai and Manik Pir (DR = 4 for both),
Olabibi and Ma Manasha (DR = 2 for both). The product of DR and % of vote provided maximum weightage to Bonobibi (MGDS1 = 165.5) followed by Manik Pir
(MGDS1 = 108.0), Dakshin Rai (MGDS1 = 104.8), Ma Manasha (MGDS1 = 16.2)
and Olabibi (MGDS1 = 11.2). Thus it shows that Bonobibi has the highest devotional rank in the mangrove based culture-cum-religion matrix of eastern Indian
Sundarbans. With the development of medical science, the frequency of water born
diseases like Cholera has reduced to a great extent and this may be one of the reasons for minimum weightage to Olabibi who is the Goddess of Cholera and other
waterborne diseases (Figs. 10.3, 10.4 and 10.5).
Fig. 10.3 Responses of policy makers (Respondent Type 1) in terms of Devotion Rank (DR)
towards Gods/Goddesses
Fig. 10.4 Responses of policy makers (Respondent Type 1) in terms of % of vote towards Gods/
Goddesses
Dakshin Rai cult