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Tuesday, January 10, 2017

ಎಸ್ಎಲ್ ಭೈರಪ್ಪನವರ ಹೊಸ ಕಾದಂಬರಿ 'ಉತ್ತರ ಕಾಂಡ' | Kannada Novelist SL Bhyrappa's new Novel Uttara-Kanda

1 comment:

  1. The book is based on Valmiki Ramayana with clever modifications which render many super natural hypes in the original superbly natural, without losing the essence of the epic. It is presented as narrated by Sita abandoned by Rama. Lakshmana looks sensible and consistent, still remaining obedient to Rama. Rama weavers, at times excels and at times righteous beyond reason. If Lakshmana is like Patel, Rama is a hybrid of Gandhi and Nehru. Sita like Mother India suffers. Valmiki tries to re-unite them at the venue of Ashvamedha. Rama after seeking overwhelming approval of his subjects, accepts Sita, but she refuses! Rama coronates his twin sons and enjoins Lakshmana as their mentor as his sons don't respect him for what he did to their mother. Rama dies dejected and lonely just as he ruled dejected and lonely! Sita refuses to enter widow-hood on day ten, instead ahead of that she becomes one with earth. Valmiki regrets he could only pen but can not give it a happy ending!
    I found few trivial discrepancies.
    Nahusha and Yayati are given as ancestors of Rama. Yayati is actually common ancestor of Yadus and Kurus of Mahabharata.
    No reason given why Ravana does not force himself on Sita.
    Brihadaranyaka verse in the text is translated wrong although explained right!
    Finally when Rama chops of a Sudra's head for indulging in penance forbidden for a Sudra in treta yoga, Sudra argues that when he used to till land he gave tax due to the king. But as we known, tilling was meant only for Vaishyas in those days!
    I am sure this work will be translated to English. Perhaps it will be better to add a map noting geographical regions and also a glossary of characters.

    In conclusion it is a masterpiece and I enjoyed reading it. My rating is 4.5 out of 5.

    I have purposely left out many juicy parts not to spoil it for those who have not read!

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