The correct option is (c).
Explanation
Early Bengali literature is historically classified into two distinct categories based on their linguistic and thematic origins: one category is indebted to Sanskrit, while the other is independent of Sanskrit influence.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Incorrect. Early Bengali literature does not consist exclusively of translations from Sanskrit. It is divided into two categories. While the first category is indebted to Sanskrit, the second category is independent of it and includes Nath literature (such as the songs of Maynamati and Gopichandra), stories regarding the worship of Dharma Thakur, fairy tales, folk tales, and ballads.
- Statement 2 is Correct. The category of texts indebted to Sanskrit includes translations of Sanskrit epics, the Mangalakavyas (poems dealing with local deities), and Bhakti literature, such as the biographies of Chaitanyadeva (the leader of the Vaishnava Bhakti movement).
- Statement 3 is Correct. The texts belonging to the second category (independent of Sanskrit) circulated orally for generations before being recorded. Consequently, unlike the Sanskrit-indebted texts which have preserved manuscripts, the oral traditions cannot be dated precisely.
Key Takeaway:
Early Bengali literature is dual in nature: a written, Sanskrit-influenced tradition (Mangalakavyas, Bhakti biographies) that is datable, and an oral, indigenous tradition (Nath literature, folk tales) that lacks precise dating.