mrutyunjay book review in english

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Sunday, May 13, 2012

Review: mrityunjaya- the story of karna by shivaji sawant.

I loved your review. Well, I have read the book in Marathi, the original one. And its simply magical. I always fall short of words when I go describing it, but your review is just perfect, just what i feel. Thankyou.

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Home > Books > Books Title > Mritunjay - Shivaji Sawant > ++Karn!! Will I ever Get Over You!!++

++Karn!! Will I ever Get Over You!!++. Review on Mritunjay - Shivaji Sawant

Mritunjay - Shivaji Sawant

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Even I find it impossible to measure the depth of his heart. …..

This is what Krishn has to say for the only warrior who got cremated by his hands..Karn.

Karn, the Suryaputra (Son of God) who spends his whole life being mocked as Sutputra(Son of Charioteer).

Karn, the Jayshtha Kauntya(Eldest Son of Kunti, the queen mother) who is better known as Radhay(Son of Radha,a common woman)

Karn who was equally admired and loved by Panchali (The Empress) and Vrishaali( The Common Woman)

Karn, the invincible, born with a sheath which could never be penetrated is the most soft hearted philanthropist;

Karn,the one who never returned anybody from his door empty handed but could never fill up his own hands .

Karn, is an enigma who was gravelly misunderstood but was expected to empathize with all situations and human beings.

Karn is a puzzle I am still trying to solve and yet could only get a fair bit of Idea after reading this book.

To read Mrityunjay and to understand it’s protagonist, the foremost requirement is to be passionate enough for the character. This is where my thoughts meet exactly the author of the Book Shivaji Sawant. When I read the prelude of the book I could actually identify with with Shivaji’s passion and respect for the eldest illegitimate son of Kunti. He wrote this book at the age of 27 but he clearly says that Karn was his childhood hero right from the times he had acted the role of Krishn on a stage play. He found himself trapped under the magnificence of the character of Karna Finally he wrote on him and the book was released in 1967 in Marathi and later on translated in Hindi and English.

The book shows the perspective of all main protagonists in the novel, mainly of course Karn and all the others involved with him like Kunti, Duryodhna , Shon, Vrishaali and eventually Krishn.

Being Karn : Never could I have imagined such a perfect portrayal of this most admired character. He knows right from his childhood that he is different and he does not belong. The way he can look into the eyes of Sun , the kundal and kawach which adorn him but not his younger brother and of course a quest to achieve perfection as a warrior. The commencement of his struggles from the school of Dron where he faces his first rejection to the times he takes his last breath , just wrenches the heart completely. The way he continuously tries to get acceptance , the thoughts running in his mind on every rejection he faces from the society, just makes your heart go out for him . The pages which essay his agony and anger of finally knowing that he is somebody but yet have always been treated as a nobody, can be turned many a times. Shivaji’s pen brilliantly deals with his dilemma in the times when he took a wrong step, and the way his conscience lashes him during such incidents. The manner a human heart argues with the head and reason has been put phenomenally in words.

Being Kunti : Now this was the first time I was able to read Kunti’s outlook and her pain and agony of never being able to accept her son. In this book you would never read anything about the royal queen, but only about a mother who could never be. Shivaji has carefully emphasized on the scene when she goes to Karn to beg forgiveness and plead for Arjun’s life. He says “what an irony, the mother who was supposed to shade the kid from everything, stands hidden under the shade of his clothes, probably to save herself from the embarrassment of facing his father , the Sun”.

Being Duryodhan : Another revelation was made in form of this character. He is just as human as anybody, alongwith his positives and negatives. His clear acceptance that he is using Karn as a means and the fact that he feels equally guilty about it, is brought out in an excellent way. Its great knowledge indeed to know that Duryodhan also had morals and conscience which poked him in few instances.

Being Vrishaali : The better half of Karna and his silent supporter in all times. Her life sees nothing beyond Karn and she finds herself fortunate than Draupadi, who never knew what it felt like being the loved one of such a great soul.

Being Shon : The younger brother,pal and mate of Karn. He witnesses and empathizes with the pain and agony which Karn goes through all his life. His loyalties to his brother are impregnable. Another admirable character sketched by Shivaji Sawant.

Being Krishn: And you thought that God never had a conscience or was never trapped in dilemma. The book climaxes by Krishn’s narration about Karna, his circumstance and the boundless respect and love he has for him. He says “ Amongst all the people I know I bow in front of four people in this world who love me silently and strongly: My Mother Devki, My Aunt Kunti, Daanvir Karn and Radha”. He finds himself torn between his duty and his affection for Karna. The respect which Karna gains in his eyes by rejecting his plea of joining the Pandavas, post the knowledge that he is their elder brother, fills the Almighty’s eyes with tears also.

Not only does this book deals with these characters, in sidelines you find explanations and answers of many questions. There are times when you feel that the character’s thoughts are so similar to the ones which go around in an average human mind. Something like “Oh Gowd! That’s me”. Besides talking about the most intriguing and superior character of all times, Shivaji has kept the background and thought process in an equally engaging flow. The narration carries you completely to an era putting you in the shoes of each and every character one by one. It took me a long time to read and actually get into the feel of the book. The more I tried to delay it, I delved into the matter deeper. The most commendable feature of the book that it is as human as its reader. The occurences are as relevant in today's world as they were at that time, with people suffering from similar pangs of emotions, as in present scenario.

This is one saga which is beyond age, time and limitations, just like its invincible hero who lives even after his death. It’s a book which is not going to fail you as its main protagonist, The Mrityunjay!!

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Comments on Mritunjay - Shivaji Sawant Review

Wow Monoo, one day someone here will write a DP titled 'Being Monoo'! Mythology never interests me and I am sure I wont pick up this book, but your review and your step by step drawing of characters has taught me a thing or 2 about how to re ... view a book for sure. It is surprising how the most endearing characters in stories pin for acceptance by a world that worships them but only after they are long gone. I see an ROTD in this review... Peace and equanimity    Read More

By: CilemaSnob | Apr 06, 2009 02:00 PM

Buddy, I'll be honest here! I didn't connect with the review not cause of the style et al....Just not used to reading things on mytholgy buddy but would request you to suggest something for the Uninitiated buddy. The very Useful rating is in ... expectation of that. And also something that's easy to start with....    Read More

By: Nirvana. | Apr 06, 2009 02:01 PM

Hi Manjit, I have always been awed by ... infact have madly admired Karna since the days Mahabharat was shown on DD, though we were kids then. Also since the time I have known that such a book exists, I have been looking for it. Infact I als ... o read about it's English translation: Triumph over death. Agar kahin mile to please, please batana. Coming to the review, it was stupendous. I was so engaged in the flow that I was feeling bad when it got over, I wanted more of it...:-). It was really good. I remember the time when u wrote your first book review and now with every passing book review, things are dynamically going from better to best. Kudos to you for investing time to read and then writing such clear-headed, unbiased reviews so that readers can take the right decision. Love u for that. Payal    Read More

By: mailsukhi | Apr 06, 2009 02:04 PM

Monoo Character of Karan is strongest among his brothers. Accordig to me loyalty, honor and following one's ''path'' were the base of the Mahabharata. Therefore, by remaining with his original side, he was simply continuing on that path ... and maintaining his honor. But again when you want to follow your duty, due to your obligations, you get misunderstood by others. Nice write up there Keep on penning This is ROTD for sure Kudos Bhupesh    Read More

By: bhupeshrai | Apr 06, 2009 02:19 PM

Manjit bhai... Books i only read when im on a boring train journey and hmmm... mythology not sure is my thing.. but reading your review one unknowingly starts admiring the author.. :)) Keep up the good work of providing some amazing revi ... ews for the book lovers.. Keep sharing! :) @Sidz@    Read More

By: Sidz_B | Apr 06, 2009 02:22 PM

Well A very Informative Review on Karna the Unsung Hero of Mahabharat... Thanks for Sharing Your Views on Mrithunjay. I have not read the Book as yet, Now May be I will.

By: JaveedAhmedM | Apr 06, 2009 02:33 PM

Rohit That will be some day :) Dont read it for the sake of mythology, the book is very much relevant in today's times also...actually I edited my review later... It talks more about human relations, circumstances,and a lot ... more than just being a mythological story... Acceptance is a Virtue which sees most rejections .... Thanks for being here    Read More

By: Aarambhh | Apr 06, 2009 03:26 PM

Vineet This appears like an initiated ground but trust me buddy, it isnt...becaz this is not about just mythology or just another story....its about being a human being...struggling for your identity and of course all the other attributes of ... a mortal.....jealousy, deciet, conscience, and idealisms.... The book never fails anybody was heavily reccoed to me and now I am reccoing to all... Thanks for being here    Read More

By: Aarambhh | Apr 06, 2009 03:30 PM

Payal And I just get awed by the careful read and the comment you put :).... I know this book is the rarest of find but luckily a friend ( otiose-sidd) reccoed to me and gave me his copy....it took me so long to read but it was wort ... h it... I did edit the review a bit after reading your comment but wont give away more .... Thanks for such brightening remarks and compliments....:)    Read More

By: Aarambhh | Apr 06, 2009 03:36 PM

Bhupesh Bro This book exactly tells you what it was like for him...to live a life , continuosly looking for acceptance and just being an average human, though he deserved much better.... You are right but then he still performed his ... duties and thatswhy he rises above all Thanks for such a good one :)    Read More

By: Aarambhh | Apr 06, 2009 03:38 PM

Sidz As I told Rohit and Vineet, dont treat the book as Mythology....its much more than that... and me not being a book lover is slowly turning into one after reading this... Thanks for being here

By: Aarambhh | Apr 06, 2009 03:40 PM

Javeed Yeah he was the most deserving candidate to be called Hero in true sense Thanks for being here

By: Aarambhh | Apr 06, 2009 03:41 PM

dear Mono, this is really a very nicely written review but frankly I don't read books based on Mythology till the time I m not sure about the author's identity and his depth about it ........ I have read originals and I do refer tham wh ... enever I feel like .... Keep writing    Read More

By: Raj_onlyone | Apr 06, 2009 03:43 PM

Raj I know what you mean, but this is the most thorough book I have ever read.... it will not shake your assumptions and knowledge you had earlier, will just give it a new perspective... do read for sure... thanks for b ... eing here    Read More

By: Aarambhh | Apr 06, 2009 03:50 PM

Very good review, Monoo. Please check with Mahabharat by Geeta Press Gorakhpur. I think Karna was cremated by Duryodhan and not by Krishna. Rest is fine.

By: subhash_jsr | Apr 06, 2009 05:58 PM

Excellent review,Manjit. Karna was definitely misunderstood, but he was a true hero. Your review has done full justice to this great character. Keep writing...like everyday :)

By: Faerie | Apr 06, 2009 06:00 PM

Monoo Mrityunjay is a perfect example of state of contemporary society, where class and caste ride roughshod over innate worth; where the most intimate ties are denied for the sake of conformity with social norms. This is the line w ... hich had struck me from a book review which I read before buying the book... When I read the book I was zapped!!! especially in instances where Karna finds himself torn between his morals, his identity as a sun disciple and an injured ego. His conversation with himself is remarkable where he wants to save Draupadi but on the other hand keeps reminding himself of the insult borne by him. In his anger he calls her a harlot, and then repents it his whole life..... Sample this again from a book review I read Unsheathe the dark sword Draupadi from the scabbard of her clothes, she has been dangling all this while on the hips of the impotent Pandavas. Like the shrieking of a flock of parrots fluttering out of their tree-holes these words emerged scattering in a flurry of green feathers... I lifted the plate of my years- long neglect, filled with the flaming embers of revenge and emptied it on Draupadi's proud head Thanks Bro for finally reading this and reviewing it....I knew that this is how your review will look, because this is such a book to get such a reaction.... Thanks Sidd    Read More

By: otiose | Apr 07, 2009 11:58 AM

ab to uthani padegi ye book....read the edited version as well dude...

By: CilemaSnob | Apr 07, 2009 12:04 PM

!!!Wonderful Review!!! I have to gather time to read it all.. and than I have to gather it again and again.. till I felt that now I can comment on it... And ll that comes to my mind is : !!! Its a Wonderful Review!!! and on ... e thing I will like to put again.. we have a common hero...and he is not a hero of losers.. but givers.. Hope one I will find this book either in some store or from you.. waise tum doge to achha lagega :) You have just inspired mr to write another revierw... Thanks Take care and keep Writing Vikky Gural Pyar Hummein Phir Milaeega...    Read More

By: DESPRADO | Apr 07, 2009 01:45 PM

Some movies are beyond Hit and Flop and some reviews are beyond ROTD and all... This is one such review.. :) PHPM

By: DESPRADO | Apr 07, 2009 01:47 PM

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THE TELEGRAPH BOOK REVIEW

published in the Northeast edition

Friday, October 7, 2011

Publishers name: Orchid Publication

Writer: Birendra Kumar Bhattacharyya

Translated by: D.N. Bezboruah

Number of pages: 411

Price: Rs 250

In the name of the country

Conflict is the predominant theme of Mrityunjay, the Assamese novel that won Birendra Kumar Bhattacharyya the Jnanpith Award in 1979. In the turbulent eddies of the Quit India Movement, the dichotomy between the Gandhian path to independence and the more revolutionary vision of some others has been intricately woven into this volume.

In 1942, Bhattacharyya had witnessed the Barapathar derailment. Twentyeight years later, he created Mrityunjay, a graphic tale of the Panikhaiti derailment, which killed hundreds of soldiers of the British Raj. The plot brings together the rustic and the religious, the urbane and the patriotic, in a collective spirit that conquers death as it were, hence mrityunjay. The narrative is so visually resplendent that it could well work as a film script. With the sturdy delineation of the primary protagonists — the irreverent Dhanpur, the saintly Mahat Goswami, Aahina Konwar, Bhibhiram, Lairam, Prince Baneswar, Rupnarayan, among others, the characterisation is almost faultless, not merely symbolic or ideological.

The sum total of the conflict that rages in these characters is evident as an undercurrent throughout. The backdrop is the struggle raging in Nowgong of that era, where martyrs Bhogeswari Phukanani and Tilak Deka shine as an inspiration for this bunch of patriots who are unafraid to die.

The ambit of characterisation includes Nature in large measure. There are passages where Nature charmingly suffuses the emotion of the moment; at others, the vivid description of the landscape or fauna lends a dramatic dimension to the sequence of developments. Examples abound — the green hills of Assam, the rivers and banyan trees that act as a foil or add poignancy to the situational interplay of events.

The translation into English by D.N. Bezboruah is commendable, especially in the case of verse; he has painstakingly ensured the rhyme sequences. There are a few stilted passages (as in "Do you think they are going to give up so easily what goes with them even up to their deaths?") Local nuances, such as the "By Krishna" prefix used by Vaishnavites, does jar when read in English. But these are pitfalls common to all translations.

Comparisons with other novels of the period, such as Bankim Chandra Chattopadyay’s Anandamath, would be irrelevant because Bhattacharyya’s canvas is restricted to a small portion of the freedom struggle. But what makes it a panoramic interplay of events and characterisation is his vision and capacity to give a single incident the universality and permanence one associates with true art.

SUDIPTA BHATTACHARJEE

Published on July 1, 2011

2 comments:

Wow so nice

Can you give a total summary of this novel? I need to read this for my MA exam