Tell us whether you’re king of poets or yogis!
Which are dear to you— metres or Sadhus?
Prefer ashes or songs? What is in your hands?
Nectar of self-knowledge or poetry?
On your cheeks shining
Didn’t droop your moustache mesmerizing
No fading of desire in your lips tender
Why such detachment in a moment?
The marks of Royalty haven’t faded
from your forehead gentle;
Why are your feet seeking villages
giving up palaces golden ?
Poet or saint or philosopher? Who are you?
Has Shiva himself descended
With his disciples dozen to kondaveedu?
The rural folks are marching to see you
Heard the songs of the Gita on Telugu fields!
Whether you wore clothes or not,
Tikkana’s forerunner or Timmanas successor?
Not for me are these quarrels bitter
Kudos your stream poetic and words sweet!
The Crown of the poet-philosophers
in fusing teluguness and Aataveladi!
your bold morals brightened the streets rural,
Your poems banners of green leaves
Adorned the thresholds of homes Telugu
Your lines of Abhirama are butterflies
on the lotus hearts of the Telugus;
oh, the sun of the poets!
Reached every home your rays bright
Salutes to Vemana Kavindra! Karma Yogiswara!
You served sweet idioms moral
To the children Telugu.
Your “uppukappurambu”
Is learnt by heart by every brat.
Since the twilight of infancy
When we went to school in shirts small;
Taught our teachers during times leisure
Your “Chittasuddi.”
From the childish cow-herds
To Scholars old of Sruthis
None Could be found on the land Telugu
Ignorant of your poems sumptuous.
Holding aloft the flag of morality
You attacked the fortress evil !
The light of your Crown reached
The cosmos entire, you are deathless!
As a social reformer you lighted the way
To the world full of practices poisonous
You gave novel awareness –
Man eminent ! Vemana!
In the light of your crown elegant
Saw our Telugus paths of light:
Appearing on the streets of literature
Small Vemanas many at present.
Wednesday, 20 October 2010
Tuesday, 19 October 2010
Chandragupta's victory-- "Sudhansu"
1.The Royal decision
We know that kumara Chandragupta could become the emperor of not only the kingdom of Magadha but also the entire India. He is matchless in talent, strength and bravery and in the wealth of all virtues.’ replied the king in calm tone o to his main queen.
“Then why did you ditch my son who has all the credentials to become the king and enthroned the sons of my sister?” asked the queen Muradevi fiercely.
The king talked briefly in a deep voice “ Devi! That is the political secret beyond you. you are the reason for the disqualification of kumara Chandragupta for becoming a king!’ Mura got stunned. ‘ what do you say, my lord ? am I responsible for the disqualification of Chandragupta. It beats me, lord!”
I know it’s beyond your ken! Listen to me. Your father has become an outcast due to religious conversion. Neither the ministers nor the people would agree for making the son of such a daughter into a king.” The king relied in firm tone.
“Where are these ministers and people when you made me your main queen?
“That’s quite different. They accepted you in deference to my wishes.”
“Why can’t they accept the enthronement of my son now?”
The quarrel between the royal couple turned more fierce.
“We have never promised you to make your son as the king. That’s your sour grapes!
“ Yes, I am the guilty! I have no eligibility to become the mother of the king! Sunanda is the divine damsel to your eyes! You want me to serve her as the mother of the king.” spoke Mura devi in distressed voice. The king began to console her.
***
“We have never promised you to make your son as the king. That’s your sour grapes!
“ Yes, I am the guilty! I have no eligibility to become the mother of the king! Sunanda is the divine damsel to your eyes! You want me to serve her as the mother of the king.” spoke Mura devi in distressed voice. The king began to console her.
“Devi! Don’t feel regrets. We have done this in view of the welfare of the kingdom. your son is not a servant simply because the sons of Sunanda are the lords. We decided to appoint the brave Chandragupta as the commander-in- chief.”
“It’s no nobility! Is it great to turn one fit for being a king into a commander-in-chief?”
What is in hands of a king ? He’s in the hands of a commander. If he decides the throne will crumble.”
Mahapadmanada is trying to soothe Muradevi in vain.
“ the lord can’t undo the justice through his glib tongue. I would say that even the greatest commander-in- chief is merely a servant of the king . why words?”
We have taken this decision keeping in view the wellbeing of the kingdom, the people’s pulse , the mind of the ministers, the decision is irrevocable!”
Muradevi is like a cobra enraged.
Yes! your decision is irrevocable since you are the lord eminent. But in case god decides otherwise, everything can change by itself and dharma will triumph and justice ill be enthroned! Muradevi rose and entered her chamber of privacy. The king turned answerless and started walking towards the palace of Sunanda.
***
Muradevi whose hopes have been dashed felt distressed and went to her son to reveal the king’s heart. She suffered from agony unbearable due to her misfortune that deprived Chandragupta, the rightful heir to the king . Chandragupta listened to her sorrow in a mood of contemplation.
Yes, mom! I have been doubting that it would happen like this. But don’t suffer, mother! Your son will get you the honour of being called as the queen mother. It’s more delightful to acquire kingdom out of bravery and prowess rather than as the king’s gift! I promise you that Maurya Chandragupta will inevitably become the king of Magadha and the emperor and realize the dreams of mother!” Mura’s distressed heart felt a sort of relief.
She embraced her son and spoke in love.” Chandra! You are my darling! I believe in you and your prowess. You have to occupy the throne and redress the injustice and fulfill my
life’s ambition”. Her tears bathed his head while he spoke bravely.
“Be cool, mother! God , the protector of Dharma can come to our rescue.”
Chapter 2 : Commander in- chief
Mahapadmananda ,the king of Magadha has two wives- the eldest is Muradevi and the younger is Sunanda devi. Both of them hailed from the royal families. Muradevi was the daughter of the lord of Pippalavana of great dynasty who took to Buddhisn and fell out of favour with Brahmins o propagated that he was an outcast and not royal .But Mahapadmanada took Muradevi as his wife unmindful of that propaganda. Though the king was polygamous, he fell for the beauty of Sunanda and reserved his special affection for her. Thu Mura got the royal respect whereas Sunandsa grabbed royal affection.
Mahapadmanada had the vast and well-established kingdom, enormous wealth, numerous servants, brilliant ministers, powerful army, but he was not blessed with children. It caused him an unspeakable anguish that he had no heir to rule the kingdom invincible to the enemies. The queens did al they could- prayers, visits to the temples, religious rituals, bathing in the holy rivers. But all it came to nothing.
Mahapadmanada consulted his ministers. He talked to his ministers and closeted with Rakshsamatya, who was closest to him, talented, blessed with magical powers, man of character and action and the most loyal one. The chief minister advised the king to seek the blessings of rishis who could grant boons great and rare and who would oblige the king for the sake of the welfare of the world. This prompted the king to visit the rishi of divine and miraculous powers living in the ashram nearby Kailaseawara temple in the deep forest of Pataliputra.
***
The ashram region was quiet, full of trees bent with the weight of fruits and creepers that climbed the trees, fragrance of flowers wafted by the wind ,nectar in the beautiful and tender flowers, and the songs of Koels turned mad after eating fruits tender .The king entered and proceeded in the hermitage where the parrots and other birds were making merry, the Vedas were being chanted and the animals were glad to see the leaping of their offspring .
The rishi invited the king with affection and the later worshipped the rishi appropriately to satisfy his inner desire. Pleased with the king’s obedience, the rishi gave him a boon. He sprinkled the holy water drops on the heads of the king’s wives. One drop fell on the head of Muradevi and eight drops on the head of Sunanda. The rishi blessed that the king would beget nine sons and one of them would become the most powerful, brightest and the world-famous emperor of the vast country. The rishi said that Muradevi would beget one son and Sunanda would beget eight sons. the king became mightily pleased and bid farewell to the rishi.
Mahapadmananda’s long-standing wish came true and he begot nine sons. the eldest one was named Chandragupta and the rest of the eight came to known as “Nandas.” The news that the king was blessed with sons spread like full moon light, shower of scent, melodious song, and malayamarut and plunged the folks in festivities.
***
The princes grew into adults and learned the education , etiquette and knowledge befitting their status. They turned into masers of martial arts. Among all these, Chandragupta, turned into an intellectual, expert of all fields, man of humility and won the affection of the teachers he became a matchless figure in archery, swordsmanship, throwing of the javelin, in the use of various weapons , riding of the horses, elephants and chariots, planning , breaking and defending various strategies of war.
From the beginning the sons of Sunanda have developed jealously and hatred towards Chandragupta and turned into men of egoism, licentious and irresponsible.
Mahapadmanada decided to give up his kingship due to old age and to go to the forest to take rest like a man of detachment. Though Chandragupta had been the eldest and his real heir to the throne, he decided to favour the Nandas for the kingship. He was afraid that people and his ministers won’t approve of Chandragupta’s candidature and the possible rebellion due to the conversion of Chandraguta’s maternal grandfather into Buddhism and being called an outcast. He took the ministers into confidence and began the effort to coronate the dhanananda.
Sunanda became elated at the stroke of good luck that visited her sons. She saw the king face down like the flag affected by the wind coming towards her palace. She accosted with smiling face and mad him sit on a seat comfortable. The king was very impressed by her love and affection and her closeness soothed him like scented water. His heart bloomed and her services pleased him a lot.
Sunanda; the lord is indifferent! May I know the reason?
King: nothing, lady! Your presence has filled my heart with supreme peace like the beautiful moon
Sunanda ( In humility ): It’s grace of the lord! Your affection for this servant might have given peace to you.
The king (elated and in soliloquy) : “What a vast difference between Mura devi and this woman! she’s like the hurricane and this is like malayamarut1 It’s most befitting to give kingdom to Sunanda’s son. It’s apt to give chief commandership to Mura’s son.”
On one fine occasion, the eldest of the Nandas was crowned. The Nandas were elated and behaved as they moved as they pleased on that occasion. Chandragupta became the commander- in-chief. The old king made the chief minister pledge that he would take care of the kingdom went to the forest along with Sunanda. Muradevi stayed back in the hope of the rise of Chandragupta’s star.
Chapter 3: The fury of the king
The Nandas had neither any interest in running the kingdom nor an iota of efficiency . they behaved licentiously since they took the power. They were without morals befitting the running of the government. They knew no knowledge and discretion. They used to behave with bad temper and bereft of control and appropriateness. They used to while away day and night in slavishness to the looks of numerous women, drinking and houses of gambling, dances of the damsels and singing of the singers. They had no mind to carryout the acts for the welfare of the people.
In the course of time the Nandas’ atrocities went beyond the limits. There was no security to the life, property and honour of the people, especially women. So they lost the love and affection of the people. The servants of used to squeeze money from the people in many ways and amassed the wealth. The distressed and even the chief minister could approach the king. The ministers could not melt the hearts of the Nandas and felt helpless. In these conditions Chandragupta slowly began to take care of the royal activities. He used to enquire after the sufferings of the people, take the necessary actions, make the apt laws of governance and win the affection of the people. The Nandas remained the kings only in name.
On seeing this Rakshsamatya felt disturbed . He apprehended that Chandragupta would become the king replacing the Nandas and in that case his word to Mahapadmanada would be of no avail. He tried fruitlessly to meet the Dhanananda many times. But the latter surrounded always by the beautiful courtesans gave him no chance.
***
One day Rakshsamatya could meet the king after with the utmost difficulty and the king Nanda came out of the palace of pleasure in annoyance and asked the minister what had brought him there.
Minister ; the lord has to become alert, the kingdom is in danger.
King Nanda : What’s the danger? When you are there, how come the situation?
Minister: The lord himself must bearthe burden of the ruling the kingdom and the ministers are mere helpers! If you are unmindful of the royal duties, there would be danger for you and your kingdom.
Nanda: If the king himself had to look after the affairs of the kingdom , what would ministers do? To just eat and sleep? We want to remove such useless ministers.
Minister Rakshasa: The king has to become peaceful and in haste is warranted in the affairs of the kingdom.
Nanda: we don’t have patience. Tell me what you have to .
Minister: yes, me lord! The commander is taking the affairs of the kingdom and is not consulting even the ministers. If allowed this could lead to disorder in the kingdom.
Nanda: Oh, a genius! Why are you so afraid “ If Chandragupta took affairs in to his hands, it was because he was efficient . Perhaps, he didn’t have to consult with the ministers. why are you grief- stricken? Take your salary, go home and spend your time with your wife and children. No danger to either the king or kingdom. I brook no delay in going to shire in the forest!
The kind Nanda rose and went away . The minister was disappointed and went home.
***
By next morning, the Nanda King came to his senses. He began to understand the words of Rakshasamatya. He had been appending time in pleasure-seeking while Chandragupta was slowly improving his clout. If Chandragupta takes advantage of the situation what would happen to himself and his brothers? they would lose their kingdom and end up as paupers. Who would come to their rescue? Everyone would serve only the king. Their father gave them kingdom out of special affection and deceived Chadragutpa. Perhaps it might be true that Chandragupta has been trying to grab the power. In that case, what would happen to them? He trembles with this thought and prevent it from becoming true through expelling Chandargupta from the kingdom. He sent soldiers to fetch him
***
Chandrgupta anticipated danger when he heard the king’s command. Still, he came to the king fully prepared. The king looked at him and said in disrespect.
‘’ Chandragupta! The ministers are alleging that you are interfering excessively in running the administration. What do you say?”
Chandragupta (recklessly) :When the king is inefficient and indifferent, the commnder-in- chief had no other option except bearing the burden of governance?”
The king ( in anger): who asked you to bear the so called burden?
Chandra ( fearlessly) : I my self have done it for the sake of the people.
“ You are a betrayer1 for the crime of attempt to usurp power and dethrone us , we are banishing you from the kingdom.
“ Good riddance! It’s better not to remain as commander-in- chief in the absence of the king’s confidence.”
Chandragupta stood up.
“You are dismissed from your post since you defied the king. We re sending you to the prison in the interest of the king’s security. your case will be reviewed depending on your behavior.”
The king’s order was implemented. Chandragupta along with his mother Mura devi was imprisoned in a horrible dungeon.
We know that kumara Chandragupta could become the emperor of not only the kingdom of Magadha but also the entire India. He is matchless in talent, strength and bravery and in the wealth of all virtues.’ replied the king in calm tone o to his main queen.
“Then why did you ditch my son who has all the credentials to become the king and enthroned the sons of my sister?” asked the queen Muradevi fiercely.
The king talked briefly in a deep voice “ Devi! That is the political secret beyond you. you are the reason for the disqualification of kumara Chandragupta for becoming a king!’ Mura got stunned. ‘ what do you say, my lord ? am I responsible for the disqualification of Chandragupta. It beats me, lord!”
I know it’s beyond your ken! Listen to me. Your father has become an outcast due to religious conversion. Neither the ministers nor the people would agree for making the son of such a daughter into a king.” The king relied in firm tone.
“Where are these ministers and people when you made me your main queen?
“That’s quite different. They accepted you in deference to my wishes.”
“Why can’t they accept the enthronement of my son now?”
The quarrel between the royal couple turned more fierce.
“We have never promised you to make your son as the king. That’s your sour grapes!
“ Yes, I am the guilty! I have no eligibility to become the mother of the king! Sunanda is the divine damsel to your eyes! You want me to serve her as the mother of the king.” spoke Mura devi in distressed voice. The king began to console her.
***
“We have never promised you to make your son as the king. That’s your sour grapes!
“ Yes, I am the guilty! I have no eligibility to become the mother of the king! Sunanda is the divine damsel to your eyes! You want me to serve her as the mother of the king.” spoke Mura devi in distressed voice. The king began to console her.
“Devi! Don’t feel regrets. We have done this in view of the welfare of the kingdom. your son is not a servant simply because the sons of Sunanda are the lords. We decided to appoint the brave Chandragupta as the commander-in- chief.”
“It’s no nobility! Is it great to turn one fit for being a king into a commander-in-chief?”
What is in hands of a king ? He’s in the hands of a commander. If he decides the throne will crumble.”
Mahapadmanada is trying to soothe Muradevi in vain.
“ the lord can’t undo the justice through his glib tongue. I would say that even the greatest commander-in- chief is merely a servant of the king . why words?”
We have taken this decision keeping in view the wellbeing of the kingdom, the people’s pulse , the mind of the ministers, the decision is irrevocable!”
Muradevi is like a cobra enraged.
Yes! your decision is irrevocable since you are the lord eminent. But in case god decides otherwise, everything can change by itself and dharma will triumph and justice ill be enthroned! Muradevi rose and entered her chamber of privacy. The king turned answerless and started walking towards the palace of Sunanda.
***
Muradevi whose hopes have been dashed felt distressed and went to her son to reveal the king’s heart. She suffered from agony unbearable due to her misfortune that deprived Chandragupta, the rightful heir to the king . Chandragupta listened to her sorrow in a mood of contemplation.
Yes, mom! I have been doubting that it would happen like this. But don’t suffer, mother! Your son will get you the honour of being called as the queen mother. It’s more delightful to acquire kingdom out of bravery and prowess rather than as the king’s gift! I promise you that Maurya Chandragupta will inevitably become the king of Magadha and the emperor and realize the dreams of mother!” Mura’s distressed heart felt a sort of relief.
She embraced her son and spoke in love.” Chandra! You are my darling! I believe in you and your prowess. You have to occupy the throne and redress the injustice and fulfill my
life’s ambition”. Her tears bathed his head while he spoke bravely.
“Be cool, mother! God , the protector of Dharma can come to our rescue.”
Chapter 2 : Commander in- chief
Mahapadmananda ,the king of Magadha has two wives- the eldest is Muradevi and the younger is Sunanda devi. Both of them hailed from the royal families. Muradevi was the daughter of the lord of Pippalavana of great dynasty who took to Buddhisn and fell out of favour with Brahmins o propagated that he was an outcast and not royal .But Mahapadmanada took Muradevi as his wife unmindful of that propaganda. Though the king was polygamous, he fell for the beauty of Sunanda and reserved his special affection for her. Thu Mura got the royal respect whereas Sunandsa grabbed royal affection.
Mahapadmanada had the vast and well-established kingdom, enormous wealth, numerous servants, brilliant ministers, powerful army, but he was not blessed with children. It caused him an unspeakable anguish that he had no heir to rule the kingdom invincible to the enemies. The queens did al they could- prayers, visits to the temples, religious rituals, bathing in the holy rivers. But all it came to nothing.
Mahapadmanada consulted his ministers. He talked to his ministers and closeted with Rakshsamatya, who was closest to him, talented, blessed with magical powers, man of character and action and the most loyal one. The chief minister advised the king to seek the blessings of rishis who could grant boons great and rare and who would oblige the king for the sake of the welfare of the world. This prompted the king to visit the rishi of divine and miraculous powers living in the ashram nearby Kailaseawara temple in the deep forest of Pataliputra.
***
The ashram region was quiet, full of trees bent with the weight of fruits and creepers that climbed the trees, fragrance of flowers wafted by the wind ,nectar in the beautiful and tender flowers, and the songs of Koels turned mad after eating fruits tender .The king entered and proceeded in the hermitage where the parrots and other birds were making merry, the Vedas were being chanted and the animals were glad to see the leaping of their offspring .
The rishi invited the king with affection and the later worshipped the rishi appropriately to satisfy his inner desire. Pleased with the king’s obedience, the rishi gave him a boon. He sprinkled the holy water drops on the heads of the king’s wives. One drop fell on the head of Muradevi and eight drops on the head of Sunanda. The rishi blessed that the king would beget nine sons and one of them would become the most powerful, brightest and the world-famous emperor of the vast country. The rishi said that Muradevi would beget one son and Sunanda would beget eight sons. the king became mightily pleased and bid farewell to the rishi.
Mahapadmananda’s long-standing wish came true and he begot nine sons. the eldest one was named Chandragupta and the rest of the eight came to known as “Nandas.” The news that the king was blessed with sons spread like full moon light, shower of scent, melodious song, and malayamarut and plunged the folks in festivities.
***
The princes grew into adults and learned the education , etiquette and knowledge befitting their status. They turned into masers of martial arts. Among all these, Chandragupta, turned into an intellectual, expert of all fields, man of humility and won the affection of the teachers he became a matchless figure in archery, swordsmanship, throwing of the javelin, in the use of various weapons , riding of the horses, elephants and chariots, planning , breaking and defending various strategies of war.
From the beginning the sons of Sunanda have developed jealously and hatred towards Chandragupta and turned into men of egoism, licentious and irresponsible.
Mahapadmanada decided to give up his kingship due to old age and to go to the forest to take rest like a man of detachment. Though Chandragupta had been the eldest and his real heir to the throne, he decided to favour the Nandas for the kingship. He was afraid that people and his ministers won’t approve of Chandragupta’s candidature and the possible rebellion due to the conversion of Chandraguta’s maternal grandfather into Buddhism and being called an outcast. He took the ministers into confidence and began the effort to coronate the dhanananda.
Sunanda became elated at the stroke of good luck that visited her sons. She saw the king face down like the flag affected by the wind coming towards her palace. She accosted with smiling face and mad him sit on a seat comfortable. The king was very impressed by her love and affection and her closeness soothed him like scented water. His heart bloomed and her services pleased him a lot.
Sunanda; the lord is indifferent! May I know the reason?
King: nothing, lady! Your presence has filled my heart with supreme peace like the beautiful moon
Sunanda ( In humility ): It’s grace of the lord! Your affection for this servant might have given peace to you.
The king (elated and in soliloquy) : “What a vast difference between Mura devi and this woman! she’s like the hurricane and this is like malayamarut1 It’s most befitting to give kingdom to Sunanda’s son. It’s apt to give chief commandership to Mura’s son.”
On one fine occasion, the eldest of the Nandas was crowned. The Nandas were elated and behaved as they moved as they pleased on that occasion. Chandragupta became the commander- in-chief. The old king made the chief minister pledge that he would take care of the kingdom went to the forest along with Sunanda. Muradevi stayed back in the hope of the rise of Chandragupta’s star.
Chapter 3: The fury of the king
The Nandas had neither any interest in running the kingdom nor an iota of efficiency . they behaved licentiously since they took the power. They were without morals befitting the running of the government. They knew no knowledge and discretion. They used to behave with bad temper and bereft of control and appropriateness. They used to while away day and night in slavishness to the looks of numerous women, drinking and houses of gambling, dances of the damsels and singing of the singers. They had no mind to carryout the acts for the welfare of the people.
In the course of time the Nandas’ atrocities went beyond the limits. There was no security to the life, property and honour of the people, especially women. So they lost the love and affection of the people. The servants of used to squeeze money from the people in many ways and amassed the wealth. The distressed and even the chief minister could approach the king. The ministers could not melt the hearts of the Nandas and felt helpless. In these conditions Chandragupta slowly began to take care of the royal activities. He used to enquire after the sufferings of the people, take the necessary actions, make the apt laws of governance and win the affection of the people. The Nandas remained the kings only in name.
On seeing this Rakshsamatya felt disturbed . He apprehended that Chandragupta would become the king replacing the Nandas and in that case his word to Mahapadmanada would be of no avail. He tried fruitlessly to meet the Dhanananda many times. But the latter surrounded always by the beautiful courtesans gave him no chance.
***
One day Rakshsamatya could meet the king after with the utmost difficulty and the king Nanda came out of the palace of pleasure in annoyance and asked the minister what had brought him there.
Minister ; the lord has to become alert, the kingdom is in danger.
King Nanda : What’s the danger? When you are there, how come the situation?
Minister: The lord himself must bearthe burden of the ruling the kingdom and the ministers are mere helpers! If you are unmindful of the royal duties, there would be danger for you and your kingdom.
Nanda: If the king himself had to look after the affairs of the kingdom , what would ministers do? To just eat and sleep? We want to remove such useless ministers.
Minister Rakshasa: The king has to become peaceful and in haste is warranted in the affairs of the kingdom.
Nanda: we don’t have patience. Tell me what you have to .
Minister: yes, me lord! The commander is taking the affairs of the kingdom and is not consulting even the ministers. If allowed this could lead to disorder in the kingdom.
Nanda: Oh, a genius! Why are you so afraid “ If Chandragupta took affairs in to his hands, it was because he was efficient . Perhaps, he didn’t have to consult with the ministers. why are you grief- stricken? Take your salary, go home and spend your time with your wife and children. No danger to either the king or kingdom. I brook no delay in going to shire in the forest!
The kind Nanda rose and went away . The minister was disappointed and went home.
***
By next morning, the Nanda King came to his senses. He began to understand the words of Rakshasamatya. He had been appending time in pleasure-seeking while Chandragupta was slowly improving his clout. If Chandragupta takes advantage of the situation what would happen to himself and his brothers? they would lose their kingdom and end up as paupers. Who would come to their rescue? Everyone would serve only the king. Their father gave them kingdom out of special affection and deceived Chadragutpa. Perhaps it might be true that Chandragupta has been trying to grab the power. In that case, what would happen to them? He trembles with this thought and prevent it from becoming true through expelling Chandargupta from the kingdom. He sent soldiers to fetch him
***
Chandrgupta anticipated danger when he heard the king’s command. Still, he came to the king fully prepared. The king looked at him and said in disrespect.
‘’ Chandragupta! The ministers are alleging that you are interfering excessively in running the administration. What do you say?”
Chandragupta (recklessly) :When the king is inefficient and indifferent, the commnder-in- chief had no other option except bearing the burden of governance?”
The king ( in anger): who asked you to bear the so called burden?
Chandra ( fearlessly) : I my self have done it for the sake of the people.
“ You are a betrayer1 for the crime of attempt to usurp power and dethrone us , we are banishing you from the kingdom.
“ Good riddance! It’s better not to remain as commander-in- chief in the absence of the king’s confidence.”
Chandragupta stood up.
“You are dismissed from your post since you defied the king. We re sending you to the prison in the interest of the king’s security. your case will be reviewed depending on your behavior.”
The king’s order was implemented. Chandragupta along with his mother Mura devi was imprisoned in a horrible dungeon.
Monday, 18 October 2010
"What are blots? What are flashes?"
Gopichand’s novel “Merupula marakalu” ( Blots of Flashes ) shows the conflict between animal self and higher self in human. In the course of history, humans made monogamy as the virtue out of necessity. From the tribal society where relations between man and woman were relatively free to the present times when they are coercive in a sense , humanity has walked a long distance. These relations are man made and can be broken based on their consent. Anna Karenina in Tolstoy’s novel commits suicide unable to break free from religious shackles which prevented her from getting divorce from her husband. Polyandry, polygamy, monogamy , trial marriages, single parenthood—the society has been moving. Patriarchal family which has replaced matriarchal family become a norm to sustain the private property in the same lineage.
Usha Rani’s conflict has been due to her irrepressible sexuality and individuality versus monogamous norm. she hasn’t found her soul mate in spite of her legal marriage to Ramanujam, a lawyer and her affairs with Chakravarthy (a journalist), Sri Kant and Kmalakaram , husband of sister of Sri Kant. She has flouted family norms, gave happiness, deceived her lovers, felt poetic emotions, practiced coquetry, saw the chauvinism of men, their hypocrisy, pathetic dependence , violent temperament. In her deviation from the lower circle of desires, she has been reaching for higher circle of consciousness as Gopichand tries to portray.Her restlessness makes her a yogini in the Himalayas at the end after she has gone through the ordeal of internal and external journey. She doesn’t agree that love can be only with one person at a time whereas all her male friends except Kamala karam see it as a bond of pleasure rather than a means of freedom from narrowness. They excuse their infidelities but not hers. But she corners them with her glib tongue and asks them to justify their own secret pleasures with her violating so called family norms. Chakravarthy realizes his folly when he meets with an accident and his wife serves him to make him normal.
Gopichand’s discussion of psychological theories of Freud, Havelock Ellis and others through dialogues between Usharani and Kamalakaram reveal that the author is not treating sex as a taboo unlike the earlier authors who romanticized love and family system. The novel has caused sensation when it was published as a serial and Gopichand’s poetic description of Usharani, her feelings, the historical places and the Himalayas shows another aspect of this ‘Vedana jeevi’ ( creature of anguish) at the stifling nature and stupidity of the old morals.
The author reveals how people bound by norms suffer like flies in ointment .
People mouth morals in spite of nurturing lust in their hearts as shown in the behaviour of Chandravadanulu, an old poet.
The fall made one man a yogi Vemana or Tulsidas.
The ‘fall’ made Usha Rani to become a Yogini in the Himalayas.
One also likes to ask, “Need one become a saint as a penance to expression of one’s desire? Is it Indian palliative?
Usha Rani’s conflict has been due to her irrepressible sexuality and individuality versus monogamous norm. she hasn’t found her soul mate in spite of her legal marriage to Ramanujam, a lawyer and her affairs with Chakravarthy (a journalist), Sri Kant and Kmalakaram , husband of sister of Sri Kant. She has flouted family norms, gave happiness, deceived her lovers, felt poetic emotions, practiced coquetry, saw the chauvinism of men, their hypocrisy, pathetic dependence , violent temperament. In her deviation from the lower circle of desires, she has been reaching for higher circle of consciousness as Gopichand tries to portray.Her restlessness makes her a yogini in the Himalayas at the end after she has gone through the ordeal of internal and external journey. She doesn’t agree that love can be only with one person at a time whereas all her male friends except Kamala karam see it as a bond of pleasure rather than a means of freedom from narrowness. They excuse their infidelities but not hers. But she corners them with her glib tongue and asks them to justify their own secret pleasures with her violating so called family norms. Chakravarthy realizes his folly when he meets with an accident and his wife serves him to make him normal.
Gopichand’s discussion of psychological theories of Freud, Havelock Ellis and others through dialogues between Usharani and Kamalakaram reveal that the author is not treating sex as a taboo unlike the earlier authors who romanticized love and family system. The novel has caused sensation when it was published as a serial and Gopichand’s poetic description of Usharani, her feelings, the historical places and the Himalayas shows another aspect of this ‘Vedana jeevi’ ( creature of anguish) at the stifling nature and stupidity of the old morals.
The author reveals how people bound by norms suffer like flies in ointment .
People mouth morals in spite of nurturing lust in their hearts as shown in the behaviour of Chandravadanulu, an old poet.
The fall made one man a yogi Vemana or Tulsidas.
The ‘fall’ made Usha Rani to become a Yogini in the Himalayas.
One also likes to ask, “Need one become a saint as a penance to expression of one’s desire? Is it Indian palliative?
Sunday, 17 October 2010
Satrughna
Satrughna is a minor character in the Ramayana. He was as loyal to Bharatha as Lakshmana was to Sri Rama. He along with Bharatha returned on coming to know about Rama’s exile to forest. He got angry over Manthara’ s role and tried to kill her for her act. Bharatha calmed him saying that Rama won’t approve of killing a woman . Later he followed Bharata to the forest to see Rama and showed his deep sorrow over Rama’s predicament. Sri Rama advised him not to show disrespect to mother Kaikeyi After fourteen years he sought the permission of Rama to kill Lavanasura and spare Bharatha the trouble as he had already spent fourteen years as an ascetic in waiting for Rama. He had to rule Lavanasura’s kingdom after his victory over the demon for twelve years. On his expedition against Lavnasura he stayed at Valmiki’s ashram and came to know about the birth of Lava and Kusha. Again on his return journey after twelve years, he again stayed at Valmiki’ ashram and listened to their singing of Ramayana and spent the night thinking about Rama. Later he Joined Sri Rama in his final journey to Vaikunta .
Satrughna was Rama’s devotee, silent worker, man of detachment, flexibility, brightness , follower of teachers and an able warrior.
Satrughna was Rama’s devotee, silent worker, man of detachment, flexibility, brightness , follower of teachers and an able warrior.
Thursday, 14 October 2010
READING "VEELUNAMA" AFTER 25 YEARS
I have read Gopichand’s “Pandita Parameswara sastry Veelunama’ second time after more than two decades. In the first reading I was impressed by his tender feelings, the role of a writer , Aurobindian philosophy integrated in his novel. At that time I used to smile at the way Gopichand exposed the hypocrisy embedded in some lesser breed of writers who suffered from mental pollution and derived pervert joy in dragging real writers to their level. When I was under the dominant influence of rationalism and materialism, I could not appreciate the novel totally. Now when I am able to strive after the integration of materialistic and realistic perspectives in the manner of Gopichand , I understand the eminent efforts and genius displayed by him in not only finding a path for him but also in helping the next generation cultivate open- mindedness and the desire to seek perfection in the evolution of life and literature .
In the novel, Keshava murthy suffers from his ‘friends’ who spread scandals against him out of jealousy. Iago in Shakeapeare’s Othello could not tolerate beauty in the life and finds daily ugliness in it out of jealousy. Seemantam is such a character who interferes in the life of a genius writer and tries to defame him . He spreads scandals against him , writers letters to Sujata, Keshava Murthy’s wife, incognito casting aspersion on his character as he could not win the love of Sujata earlier.
Gopi Chand exposes others who want to thrive on blackmailing in the name of running journals. Krishna murthy who gets benefited by Keshava murthy resents his success and demands favours , criticizes unjustly , deviates from the right path and suffers macabre death. Keshava murthy sheds tears over this and for his inability to help this errant fellow. The characters of Subhashini and Kanyakamani portray their genuine love and respect towards Keshava murthy whose writings they admire.
Parameswara Sastry who has raised Sujata, an “orphan’ ( his daughter in reality) has no love for modern trends in literature. he breaks with his daughter when she marries Keshava murthy against his will and refuses to see her. When he falls ill, Sujata takes her son to him and a sort of reconciliation takes place. The conspiracy of Seemantam and others to make Parmeswara Sastry give away his property for a college which they want to run fail. Sastry in his testament writes his property to Keshava murthy and admits hoe he has tried to tread modern path in writing in vain in the manner of Keshva Sastry.
The novel also relates Aurobindian idea that man can become superman in evolution when he give up his comfort zone and strives to integrate materialistic and idealistic perspectives and goes beyond mind.. A writer has to think originally , create a cosmos in the inside of his self , transform experiences of his own and of others in to characters. The adoption of multiple perspectives in story telling would help in achieving more authenticity of life.
He is indeed a masterful writer of insight, reason, observation of human motives, behaviour whose works continue to be seen as releant and redeeming for decades to come. He is an immortal writer.
URMILA KUMARI-- 'KARUNASRI' JANDHYALA PAPAYYA SASTRY
Sita who followed Rama would treat
Fourteen years as one minute and returns
How to spend so much time in city of emptiness
in separation from husband of yours?
With husband forests are palaces
Without him palaces are forests
For Janaki forest life is the queen’s residence
Without your darling you are in deep forest.
“While my brother and sister-in-law are forest
I have the good fortune of serving them
Do not follow me” says the husband
Your heart sank and suppressed is your sorrow great
To the husband who says “See you”
Somehow you raised your head to give assent
With voice choked and tears in your eyes blue
My heart is water on seeing you, Urmila!
Press your tears warm streaming
From your eyes with mascara
With end of your saree
The earth can’t bear tears of a loyal wife like you!
Your husband gone to serve his brother dear
Your darling sister would serve her lord,
Alone and crestfallen
How can you remain here like a daughter –in-law?
Won’t Kaika chide you forever
Saying "you are wife of Lakshmana
who was firm to destroy
My son and me?"
Fate cruel might have turned jealous
Turned your marital bliss of desires young
into a forest out of
Caprice and malice!
Your two sisters are serving their husbands
Sita is with her beloved in forest
How can you pass fourteen years
With heart turbulent and in loneliness ?
Don’t feel dejected at word
You're making merry while husband is in the wild
History reveals your sacrifice
Tears move the heart of world.
While turning your youth beautiful
Into moonlight in the wilderness
You surpassed Sita in devotion to husband
Your fame crept far and wide, oh, lady meritorious!
Fourteen years as one minute and returns
How to spend so much time in city of emptiness
in separation from husband of yours?
With husband forests are palaces
Without him palaces are forests
For Janaki forest life is the queen’s residence
Without your darling you are in deep forest.
“While my brother and sister-in-law are forest
I have the good fortune of serving them
Do not follow me” says the husband
Your heart sank and suppressed is your sorrow great
To the husband who says “See you”
Somehow you raised your head to give assent
With voice choked and tears in your eyes blue
My heart is water on seeing you, Urmila!
Press your tears warm streaming
From your eyes with mascara
With end of your saree
The earth can’t bear tears of a loyal wife like you!
Your husband gone to serve his brother dear
Your darling sister would serve her lord,
Alone and crestfallen
How can you remain here like a daughter –in-law?
Won’t Kaika chide you forever
Saying "you are wife of Lakshmana
who was firm to destroy
My son and me?"
Fate cruel might have turned jealous
Turned your marital bliss of desires young
into a forest out of
Caprice and malice!
Your two sisters are serving their husbands
Sita is with her beloved in forest
How can you pass fourteen years
With heart turbulent and in loneliness ?
Don’t feel dejected at word
You're making merry while husband is in the wild
History reveals your sacrifice
Tears move the heart of world.
While turning your youth beautiful
Into moonlight in the wilderness
You surpassed Sita in devotion to husband
Your fame crept far and wide, oh, lady meritorious!
Wednesday, 13 October 2010
GOPICHAND AND THE DISCOVERY OF THE MIDDLE CLASS SELF
Gopichand’s novels probe and unravel the existential anguish and inescapable hollowness of middleclass life. He brings out incense, the innocence and rationalizations of the incompetent , material success and vibrancy of the nonconformists and emptiness in the lives of the people bound by morals outdated. Time and tide of social change wait for none. People who commit ‘mistakes’ expand the range of their experience and enjoy their lives whereas the virtuous people suffer from unbearable narrowness. The writer shows the pathetic state of the moral people who are jealous of the free and justify their moral smugness. Tenderness in human relations, vibrancy of new way of life and human choice as a source of pleasure or pain are portrayed in detail and in depth in the novels of Gopichand which move the readers’ hearts profoundly.
In his ‘Sidhilalayam’ ( Dilapidated temple ), the writer shows how a ‘good’ husband fails to understand his ‘backward’ wife who seeks true love outside the prison of narrow family life. He pleads her to come back in vain and he realizes that his happiness lies in getting rid of the fear of public opinion and starting a new life with a woman who comes to him.
His ‘Gatinchani Gatam ‘ ( The past undead) is one of the best novelettes on partition. Hussain Khan, a rajakar rejects his mother’s advice and commits heinous deeds. Once he molests a Hindu girl called Parvathi and appropriates the land of one Danaiah. After police action, he runs to Pak but comes back unable to find life he expected there. His former colleagues now turn their back on him. He comes to know that the girl whom he harmed treated him as her husband till the last and left her child under the care of an old muslim man. his own mother has been looked after by Danaiah , A Hindu who builds her tomb in his garden. These facts change Hussain who repents over his mother’s grave and his tears cleanse his evil soul and expose the religious identity and highlights humanism.
Gopichand’s ‘Gadiapadani talupulu’ ( Doors unbolted) shows the shock of an idealist young man Srinivasa Rao . He turns into an ascetic when he realizes the real life of his ideal woman Koteswaramma whom he loves outside the wedlock. Koteswaramma also realizes the pain caused to Rao and tries to find out his whereabouts. Both of them meet in an ashram and an accidental meeting make them outcasts from the ashram. Srinivasa Rao again runs away to find solace in asceticism whereas Koteswaramma who still worships her first husband retires from the world of power, politics, influence and nonconformist life seeks reclusive life. The writer , a common friend of both Rao and Koeteswaramma offers his help, sympathy, and reads Bhagavatam in her last days praises her rational outlook and widened range of her perspective.
His ‘Premopahatulu ‘ ( The Rejected of love) shows the machinations of a modern couple Jaya Ramarao and Sundari who abet and condone their mutual affairs in the marriage of their convenience. Sundari tries to lure Kalyani, who comes from Nizvid (small town ) to stay with her for a while till she finds a house for her husband and herself in Hyderabad. The couple slowly try to build a web around Kalyani through their words and creation of ‘situations.’ When they go to a cinema hall, Kalyani sees true intentions of Rama rao and for her the couple are devils in league. The modern husband Rao warns and intimidates Sundari to convince Kalyani to come to him or face his wrath. Kalyani is surprised at the change in Sundari, the intelligent girl into a woman of cunningness who values her pleasure at the cost of others.
In his novel, Yamapasham ( The Rope of Yama) , Gopichand has exposed the life of a clerk in the manner of Chekhov or Kafka but with Indian realistic spirit intact. Narayana Rao is a clerk whose life has belied his ideals and turned him in to over analytical, impractical , self-justifying and remorseful over his lagging behind in the race of life. He has seven children , wife down and lusterless, fear of boss, rebellion of heart , timidity of brain, economic troubles, middle class egoism, hopes dashed, ignorance of world, innocence of secret of rising in hierarchy, self- pity and condemnation of the upstart etc. His eldest daughter Arundhathi says that they have confined to their pigeonholes and put up with insults in the name of conditions. Narayan Rao’s middle class self is too steeped in struggle for existence in the mould of morals dying and dead. Yamapasham is nothing other than outdated morals trying to dam the river life that flows on and on irrespective of murmurs of people left behind. The lives of many bound in files of officialdom suffer from yamapasham of red tapism. Gopichand’s protagonist says that man has to live on instead of escaping or getting drowned in the stream. There are no problems or solutions but life pure.
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