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{{Short description|1934 novel by Bhagwati Charan Verma}}
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{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2017}}
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'''''Chitralekha''''' is a [[1934 in literature|1934]] [[Hindi]] [[novel]] by Indian writer [[Bhagwati Charan Verma]]. The novel is about the [[philosophy]] of life and love, sin and virtue. The novel was written, while the author was still practicing law at [[Hamirpur, Uttar Pradesh|Hamirpur]] and brought him immediate fame, starting his literary career. It is said to be modeled on [[Anatole France]]'s 1890 novel [[Thaïs (novel)|''Thaïs'']] but is set in an Indian background.<ref name="Bakshi1954">{{cite book|author=Mahendra Nath Bakshi|title=Prefaces to Hindi Letters (from the Earliest Times to the Present Day|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NatHAAAAMAAJ|year=1954|publisher=Bakshi Brothers|page=212}}</ref> However, the author in preface to the book said
'''''Chitralekha''''' is a [[1934 in literature|1934]] [[Hindi]] [[novel]] by the Indian novel writer [[Bhagwati Charan Verma]] about the [[philosophy]] of life, love, sin and virtue.


It is said to be modelled on [[Anatole France]]'s 1890 novel [[Thaïs (novel)|''Thaïs'']] but set in [[India]].<ref name="Bakshi1954">{{cite book|author=Mahendra Nath Bakshi|title=Prefaces to Hindi Letters (from the Earliest Times to the Present Day|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NatHAAAAMAAJ|year=1954|publisher=Bakshi Brothers|page=212}}</ref> However, the author noted in the book's preface:
"The difference between 'Chitralekha' and Anatole France's 'Thaïs,' is as much as there is in me and Anatole France. In 'Chitralekha', there is a problem, it is my own perspective of seeing the virtue and vice of human life, and it is also the music of my soul."<ref>https://archive.org/details/xZOL_chitra-lekha-bhagavati-charan-verma/page/n1/mode/2up</ref>
<blockquote>"The difference between ''Chitralekha'' and Anatole France's ''Thaïs'', is as much as there is in me and Anatole. In ''Chitralekha'', there is a problem, it is my own perspective of seeing the virtue and vice of human life, and it is also the music of my soul."<ref>{{cite web | url=https://archive.org/details/xZOL_chitra-lekha-bhagavati-charan-verma/page/n1/mode/2up | title=Chitra Lekha Bhagavati Charan Verma }}</ref></blockquote>


==Synopsis==
==Synopsis==


Chitralekha is a slim volume with a narrative that is woven around a love story, and reflects on various aspects of human life.
Chitralekha is a slim volume of literary work that explores the very essence of the universal truths of human life in a social setup. Woven around an intense love story that reflects on and flashes out not just the various aspects of human nature but also the myriad dilemmas that we face in our lifetime, Chitralekha - the novel and protagonist - is riveting from first sight and word. The story starts with a dialogue between the great hermit Ratnambar and his disciples, Shwetank and Vishaldev, about sins committed by humans. They ultimately conclude that humans become victims and slaves of circumstance. So, according to Ratnambar -there is no sin and virtue per se. Everyone does deeds according to circumstances that befall them in their lifetime. The author also propounds the views that sin may be in action but never in thought and also that anuraag (attachment/passion) is in desire, and viraag (alienation/lack of passion) comes from gratification (tripti). Through the various twists and turns in the plot, Bhagwaticharan Varma displays a candour and liberalism not otherwise associated with Hindi literature of pre-independence India. Through Chitralekha's character, the author describes the life of a truly empowered woman: beautiful and strong from within, materialistic by choice, largehearted by nature, and honest to the core. Chitralekha busts many myths surrounding a real and humane woman. She firmly holds the reins of her own life and is commanding in not letting society/ social pressure influence her. Her honesty with herself through introspection and her refusal to let an ego come in the way of atonement lead her to victory in life since she attains peace within passion and passion within peace.


The story commences with a dialogue between the revered [[hermit]] Ratnakar (रत्नाकर) and his disciples, Shwetaank (श्वेतांक) and Vishaldev (विशालदेव), discussing the [[sin]]s of humanity. They conclude that humans are often victims and slaves of circumstance. Ratnakar posits that sin and [[virtue]] are not inherent but products of our circumstances. The author, Bhagwati Charan Varma, explores the notion that sin may be in action. Still, never in thought, ''anuraag'' (attachment/passion) is in desire, and ''viraag'' (alienation/lack of passion) comes from ''tripti'' ([[gratification]]). This candid and liberal perspective is a departure from the traditional Hindi literature of pre-independence India.
⚫
This novel is a love story about a young general, Bijgupta, who leads a luxurious life while serving under the [[Mauryan Empire]] and [[Chandragupta_Maurya | King Chandragupta Maurya]] (340 BCE – 298 BCE) and the beautiful dancer and young widow, Chitralekha. Kumargiri -a hermit- also falls in love with Chitralekha and becomes a victim of his circumstances. Shwetaank and Vishaldev wish to find the truth about the holy and the unholy in life, as suggested by their guru, Ratnambar. They too, become slaves of circumstances, as does Bijgupta. The other characters are Yashodhara, the princess, and Yashodhara's father, the aged Mritunjay. The character, Chanakya, has been woven into the novel to make it interesting.


Chitralekha, the protagonist, embodies the life of a truly empowered woman: beautiful and resilient, driven by her own choices, generous by nature, and unwaveringly honest. She shatters the stereotypes surrounding women, presenting an accurate and humane portrayal. Chitralekha takes charge of her life, refusing to be swayed by societal norms and pressures. Her self-reflection and refusal to let her ego hinder her path to redemption lead her to triumph, as she finds both peace within passion and passion within peace.
⚫
The novel has twenty-two riveting sections that clearly demonstrate the futility of being judgmental.

⚫
This novel is a love story about a young general, Beejgupta (बीजगुप्त) and Chitralekha who was a beautiful dancer and a young widow. Beejgupta lives a luxurious life while serving under the [[Mauryan Empire]] ruled by [[Chandragupta Maurya|King Chandragupta Maurya]] (340 BCE – 298 BCE). Kumargiri (कुमारगिरि) a hermit, also falls in love with Chitralekha and becomes a victim of his circumstances. Shwetaank and Vishaldev wish to find the truth about the holy and the unholy of life, as suggested by their guru, Ratnakar, but they too become slaves of circumstances, as does Beejgupta. The other characters are Yashodhara (यशोधरा), the princess; Yashodhara's father, the aged Mritunjay (मृत्युंज्य); and Chanakya (चाणक्य), who has been woven into the novel to make it interesting.

⚫
The novel has 22 sections that demonstrate clearly the futility of being judgmental.


==Translations==
==Translations==
Line 44: Line 50:
! Language !! Translator !! Publisher !! Title
! Language !! Translator !! Publisher !! Title
|-
|-
| Gujarati || Kamal Sindha || Gurjar Sahitya Prakashan || Chitralekha
| [[Sanskrit]] || Niranjan Mishra || Rashtriya Sanskrit Sahitya Kendra Jaipur || Chitralekha
|-
| [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]] || Kamal Sindha || Gurjar Sahitya Prakashan || Chitralekha
|-
|-
| Telugu || Lanka Narayana Rao || Classic Books || Chitralekha
| [[Telugu language|Telugu]] || Lanka Narayana Rao || Classic Books || Chitralekha
|-
|-
| Marathi || Hemant Godse || Rajhans Prakashan || Chitralekha
| [[Marathi language|Marathi]] || Hemant Godse || Rajhans Prakashan || Chitralekha
|-
|-
| Marathi || Malati Cholkar || || Chitralekha
| Marathi || Malati Cholkar || || Chitralekha
|-
|-
| English || Pratibha Vinod Kumar and AK Kulshresth || Cernunos Books || The dancer, Her lover and the Yogi
| English || Pratibha Vinod Kumar and AK Kulshresth || Cernunos Books || The dancer, her lover and the yogi
|-
|-
|}
|}


==Adaptations==
==Adaptations==
A Hindi [[movie]] named ''[[Chitralekha (1964 film)|Chitralekha]]'' released in 1964 directed by [[Kidar Sharma]], was based on this novel. It starred, [[Ashok Kumar]], [[Meena Kumari]] and [[Pradeep Kumar]] in lead roles. Previously, the same director had made ''[[Chitralekha (1941 film)|Chitralekha]]'' (1941) which was also based on the same novel <ref>{{cite book |title=Encyclopaedia of Hindi cinema|author=Gulzar |author-link=Gulzar |author2=Govind Nihalani |author3=Saibal Chatterjee |publisher=Popular Prakashan|year=2003|isbn=81-7991-066-0 |page=335 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8y8vN9A14nkC&dq=Sahib+Bibi+Aur+Golam+Bimal+Mitra+%28novel%29&pg=PT361 }}</ref><ref>{{IMDb title|0138360|Chitralekha}}</ref>
A Hindi [[movie]], ''[[Chitralekha (1964 film)|Chitralekha]]'', released in 1964 was based on this novel. It was directed by [[Kidar Sharma]] and starred [[Ashok Kumar]], [[Meena Kumari]] and [[Pradeep Kumar]] in leading roles. The director has also directed another movie ''[[Chitralekha (1941 film)|Chitralekha]]'' (1941), which was based on the same novel.<ref>{{cite book |title=Encyclopaedia of Hindi cinema|author=Gulzar |author-link=Gulzar |author2=Govind Nihalani |author3=Saibal Chatterjee |publisher=Popular Prakashan|year=2003|isbn=81-7991-066-0 |page=335 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8y8vN9A14nkC&dq=Sahib+Bibi+Aur+Golam+Bimal+Mitra+%28novel%29&pg=PT361 }}</ref>{{Citation needed|date=June 2024}}


==References==
==References==
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[[Category:Indian novels adapted into films]]
[[Category:Indian novels adapted into films]]
[[Category:Historical novels]]
[[Category:Historical novels]]
[[Category:Works about the Maurya Empire]]
[[Category:Novels set in the Maurya Empire]]
[[Category:Novels set in the 3rd century BC]]
[[Category:Novels set in the 3rd century BC]]
[[Category:Rajkamal Prakashan books]]
[[Category:Rajkamal Prakashan books]]
[[Category:Cultural depictions of Thaïs (saint)]]
[[Category:Cultural depictions of Thaïs (saint)]]
[[Category:Novels about Indian prostitution]]
[[Category:Indian books on courtesan]]
[[Category:Novels based on novels]]
[[Category:Novels based on novels]]
[[Category:Ancient India in popular culture]]

Latest revision as of 21:32, 13 October 2024

Chitralekha
AuthorBhagwati Charan Verma
LanguageHindi
SubjectPhilosophy
GenreNovel
PublisherRajkamal Prakashan
Publication date
1934
Publication placeIndia
Media typeBound
891.433

Chitralekha is a 1934 Hindi novel by the Indian novel writer Bhagwati Charan Verma about the philosophy of life, love, sin and virtue.

It is said to be modelled on Anatole France's 1890 novel Thaïs but set in India.[1] However, the author noted in the book's preface:

"The difference between Chitralekha and Anatole France's Thaïs, is as much as there is in me and Anatole. In Chitralekha, there is a problem, it is my own perspective of seeing the virtue and vice of human life, and it is also the music of my soul."[2]

Synopsis

[edit]

Chitralekha is a slim volume with a narrative that is woven around a love story, and reflects on various aspects of human life.

The story commences with a dialogue between the revered hermit Ratnakar (रत्नाकर) and his disciples, Shwetaank (श्वेतांक) and Vishaldev (विशालदेव), discussing the sins of humanity. They conclude that humans are often victims and slaves of circumstance. Ratnakar posits that sin and virtue are not inherent but products of our circumstances. The author, Bhagwati Charan Varma, explores the notion that sin may be in action. Still, never in thought, anuraag (attachment/passion) is in desire, and viraag (alienation/lack of passion) comes from tripti (gratification). This candid and liberal perspective is a departure from the traditional Hindi literature of pre-independence India.

Chitralekha, the protagonist, embodies the life of a truly empowered woman: beautiful and resilient, driven by her own choices, generous by nature, and unwaveringly honest. She shatters the stereotypes surrounding women, presenting an accurate and humane portrayal. Chitralekha takes charge of her life, refusing to be swayed by societal norms and pressures. Her self-reflection and refusal to let her ego hinder her path to redemption lead her to triumph, as she finds both peace within passion and passion within peace.

This novel is a love story about a young general, Beejgupta (बीजगुप्त) and Chitralekha who was a beautiful dancer and a young widow. Beejgupta lives a luxurious life while serving under the Mauryan Empire ruled by King Chandragupta Maurya (340 BCE – 298 BCE). Kumargiri (कुमारगिरि) a hermit, also falls in love with Chitralekha and becomes a victim of his circumstances. Shwetaank and Vishaldev wish to find the truth about the holy and the unholy of life, as suggested by their guru, Ratnakar, but they too become slaves of circumstances, as does Beejgupta. The other characters are Yashodhara (यशोधरा), the princess; Yashodhara's father, the aged Mritunjay (मृत्युंज्य); and Chanakya (चाणक्य), who has been woven into the novel to make it interesting.

The novel has 22 sections that demonstrate clearly the futility of being judgmental.

Translations

[edit]
Language Translator Publisher Title
Sanskrit Niranjan Mishra Rashtriya Sanskrit Sahitya Kendra Jaipur Chitralekha
Gujarati Kamal Sindha Gurjar Sahitya Prakashan Chitralekha
Telugu Lanka Narayana Rao Classic Books Chitralekha
Marathi Hemant Godse Rajhans Prakashan Chitralekha
Marathi Malati Cholkar Chitralekha
English Pratibha Vinod Kumar and AK Kulshresth Cernunos Books The dancer, her lover and the yogi

Adaptations

[edit]

A Hindi movie, Chitralekha, released in 1964 was based on this novel. It was directed by Kidar Sharma and starred Ashok Kumar, Meena Kumari and Pradeep Kumar in leading roles. The director has also directed another movie Chitralekha (1941), which was based on the same novel.[3][citation needed]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Mahendra Nath Bakshi (1954). Prefaces to Hindi Letters (from the Earliest Times to the Present Day. Bakshi Brothers. p. 212.
  2. ^ "Chitra Lekha Bhagavati Charan Verma".
  3. ^ Gulzar; Govind Nihalani; Saibal Chatterjee (2003). Encyclopaedia of Hindi cinema. Popular Prakashan. p. 335. ISBN 81-7991-066-0.
[edit]
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