Book Review #107: Brihat Karnataka: Bhaashika, Samskrutika By Dr. M. Chidananda Murthy

Title: Birhat Karnataka: Bhashika, Samskrutika (Greater Karnataka: Linguistic, Cultural)

Author: Dr. M. Chidananda Murty

Publishers: Sapna Book House

Genre: Linguistic Research/Non-Fiction

Pages: 344+ (Paperback)

Source: Personal Copy

This is the book that should be read by every Kannadiga out there. The book makes each Kannada speaking person proud of their culture, language and their history. The amount of research that went into this book is inexplicable. Dr. M. Chidananda Murthy, a great human being and a research scholar has painstakingly compiled this book after doing years of research and arranging it in a chronological order. I have always admired the author for his stands on the various issues apart from his writings. He is one of the highly respected personalities in Karnataka and in India.

Coming to the book, it is definitely not an easy read. Reading a research book requires great deal of patience and an open mind to accept the ideas put forth in the book. It is definitely not a fantasy tale. The book mainly captures the greater Karnataka that existed before the Independence of India and before the partition. As we go through the book, we will realize that what a great culture that we belong to. It is also imperative that none of the so called research scholars in present day have the zest to do this kind of research on their language and culture.

Greater Karnataka, as we speak of today, is not the Karnataka that we see in today’s map. It includes the whole part of Maharashtra, parts of Andhra Pradesh (including the Telangana) and parts of Tamil Nadu, Goa, and few parts from the Madhya Pradesh and to some extent Gujarat. Author has presented his research facts point by point. Thereby, giving us a clear picture of the boundaries of the greater Karnataka since 7^th Century CE. We will come across many examples ranging from the languages that we use in present day Karnataka and the language that became an influence for the Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Goa etc… during yester years.

Quoting several language examples and the common words that belongs to Kannada and how it became the inspiration for the other languages to adopt Kannada and developed their own dialect and language is a fascinating read. The main examples from the Telugu, Konkani, Tamil and Marathi languages and how their origin of the language is greatly dependent on Kannada is a must read from the book. Not only were the languages, even the cultural beliefs and practices adopted from the Kannada speaking people in other states is a true testimonial of how dominant was Kannada during those times. It is quite clear from the book that, the southern parts of the India were greatly influenced by Kannada language, cultural practices and beliefs.

The first part of the book mainly concentrates on the research that author has done on the Maharashtra and the languages like Marathi and Konkani and how these are originated. His research includes many myth shattering events that present day Maharashtra or Goa people will not be able to digest. The book also explores the caste influences on major communities like Mahar, Danagar, etc… also the chief deities of Maharashtra like Tulaja Bhavani, Khandoba, Kollapura Lakhsmi, Pandarapura Vithoba and how these gods have the roots originating in Karnataka. The greatest personalities like Gnaneshwar, Nannideva of Marathi origin have spoken extensively on the importance of Karnataka and Kannada in their writings. Author also mentions the present day tussles of Maharashtra and Karnataka on the border dispute. He also mentions about the Mahajan Report that studied and settled the border dispute and village sharing between Karnataka and Maharashtra. Currently, this was challenged by the government of Maharashtra in Supreme Court and the case is pending. These things can be read in greater details in the book.

The 2^nd part of the book speaks about the epitaphs (Veeragallu and Masthigallu) of the Karnataka and the excavations found in the depths of Maharashtra and other states. The story behind these stones engravings is a treat to read from the book. Veeragallu is a stone engraved in the memory of a male person that has sacrificed his life to his King in the battles, in averting robbery and protecting their village or town. The stones speak about the bravery of these persons. Whereas, Masthigallu stone engravings belongs to the brave women that has sacrificed their lives for their husbands or to their villages. Masthi is a condensed form of “Mahasathi” in Sanskrit. Those days, following the Sathi system was not a compulsion, rather it is a self declared practice. Women folks would enter the pit fire of their dead husbands and self immolate them in order to prove their loyalty, chastity and love towards their husbands.

The final part of the book is an important research work that describes the influence of Kannada and Karnataka outside India. The book speaks extensively on Nepal and how Nepal was ruled and preserved by the Kings that has their roots in Karnataka. Author gives us an example of the dynasties like “Jangam” and other such families that originated in Karnataka and ruled Nepal for several centuries. As a mark of this, Author has given us ample amount of stone engravings from different temples in Nepal that has Kannada inscriptions on them. The chief priest of the Pashupatinath Temple of Nepal is a southern Indian Brahmin that belongs to the Shankara math of Southern India. This practice of appointing the chief priest from Southern India has been running since the temple was built. The legend says that, a Brahman from South India who conducted the proceedings of worshiping the Shiva during one of the Kings tenure in Nepal and that’s the practice ever since.

Words are short to explain how important this book is. There are many such research records that prove the influence of Karnataka and Kannada pan India and outside India like Nepal. It is quite difficult to include everything in this review. I would highly recommend every Kannadiga to read this book at least once in their lifetime to feel proud of their language and culture. Author’s anguish is evident in few pages, where he expresses his concern regarding the non availability of the research scholars that can take up this work and give a logical end, since, Kannada influence is literally unlimited in India and rest of the world. I hope his wishes come true in future.

My Rating:

5/5 

Book Review #74: Durgastamana By Ta. Ra. Su

Title: Durgastamana (Durga’s Sunset)

Author: Taluku Ramaswami Subba Rao (Ta. Ra. Su)

Published Year: 1982

Genre: Historical (Non-Fiction)

Publishers: Hamsa Sahitya

Pages: 650+ (Hardbound)

This novel is easily considered as one of the MAGNUM OPUS in the Kannada literature in the field of Historical writings. The author Taluku Ramaswami Subba Rao famously known as Ta. Ra. Su has literally given his life to complete this novel. He started writing this mammoth novel in the beginning of the year in 1981 and completed it in just under 5 months. By end of the year 1981 this novel was completed and by the early 1982, this novel has been released to the public. From that time, till today, this novel has stood against the time and tide and keeps inspiring many young writers who wants to take up the writings of a historical novel.

This novel has been awarded with the Kendra Sahitya Academy (The 2^nd highest literary award in India) in the year 1985. Unfortunately, Ta.Ra.Su wasn’t alive to receive this award by himself. His wife accepted this award on behalf of him in the year 1985. The massive research that author has done in creating and writing this novel is evident in every page of the book. Probably, this can be considered as a single reference book to known the life and details of the last ruler of the Chitradurga, the indomitable, the ever loved Madakari Nayaka. 

Reading this novel requires a dedication and patience. It is not at all easy to read a mammoth book of more than 650 pages and grasp every details of it. It is that much detail oriented and it gives us an ample amount of information that need not be verified with any other books.

The novel opens with the death of the King, Kasturi Rangappa Nayaka II, the erstwhile king of the Chitradurga. The wife of Kasturi Rangappa Nayaka II decides to adopt the 12 year old Madakari Nayaka, the son of Bharamanna Nayaka and Ningavva that lived in a village called Janakalludurga (Nearby village of Chitradurga). Soon enough, the young Madakari Nayaka ascension to the throne has been done, and he was soon inducted in to the royal school to learn the art of administration, of war, of ruling, etc… under the able leadership of the Queen mother Obavva Nagathi and the ever loyal minister Kalli Narasappayya. As expected, Madakari Nayaka excels in his studies, his other education specifically designed for to be king. The time has already come to test his knowledge to the use in a small battle against the Rayadurga (Neighbor province of Chitradurga). The young Madakari Nayaka was invincible and soon enough he gains the trust and love of his people by his undiminishing attitude as a ruler. The people of Chitradurga has found their true ruler and extended their support and loyalty towards Madakari Nayaka. During his younger days, Madakari Nayaka has gained the trust of his royal court, his ministers, his family and his citizens and grew up as a much loved King.

The book further explores the details regarding Madakari Nayaka’s learning years and his marriage with Bangaravva, Padmavva and his love interests with the city devadasi girls Kadoori and Nagavva. He remained as a true lover to both of his wives and remained an ever loyal lover to the other two. His family details and discussions were discussed in many chapters and it is connected with the story, which I am omitting in my review.

As the book progresses further, Hyder Ali who was the ruler at the Mysore province and on expedition to expand his kingdom towards north. Initially, he approaches Madakari Nayaka for the much needed help, which was offered by Madakari Nayaka after consulting and taking advices from his minister Kalli Narasappayya. With the extended help from Madakari Nayaka, Hyder Ali was able to win over many Maratha provinces and their friendship grew day by day until an unfortunate event. This Hyder Ali was not a friend and not an enemy to any of his fellow kings, he only wish was to be the undisputed ruler across the India. To make that possible, he was ready to go to any extent. With these crooked thoughts in minds, Hyder Ali places his spies in Chitradurga’s kingdom to collect the information of the war details, like, number of soldiers they had, number of horses they had, number of weapons, bombs, foot soldiers, etc… of Chitradurga’s kingdom. During all these times, his minister Kalli Narasappayya wasn’t aware of these spies, but, not Madakari Nayaka.

Parashurama Nayaka, the younger brother of Madakari Nayaka, who grew up in the school of Minister Kalli Narasappayya, has gained much knowledge in the ministerial proceedings of his Kingdom. Madakari Nayaka appoints his brother to spy on his Minister Kalli Narasappayya to fetch the details regarding the spying from Hyder Ali’s men. To his astonishment, Madakari Nayaka finds out greater details than he was expected, which he questioned his Minister Kalli Narasappayya in the open court, that lead to the resignation of Kalli Narasappayya on the grounds of treason. But, Madakari Nayaka, didn’t take any action on his Minister, rather, Kalli Narasappayya himself resigned from his post and left the city along with his wife to some pilgrimage. 

Days become tough for Madakari Nayaka. After collecting enough information about Hyder Ali, Madakari Nayaka decides to break his friendship with Hyder Ali, which made Hyder Ali furious and decides to go for a war. In these times, Madakari Nayaka writes to Maratha Kings asking their support to fight against the Hyder Ali and his lakhs of man force. But, Maratha’s kings keeps Madakari Nayaka in wait as they were not able to resolve their own internal conflict. The rest of the details are explained brilliantly in the book. 

The final war sequence which covers almost half of the book is what this book is all about. As per this book, the war between Hyder Ali and Madakari Nayaka that went on for almost 8 months to an year is a battle that was never seen before and never after. The intensity of the battle was imagined brilliantly by the author, supported by his strong words and anecdotes. As expected, even in Chitradurga, the Muslim warriors from the Chitradurga’s side will betray Madakari Nayaka at the last stage. They secretly tied up with Hyder Ali and took a vow on Quran to never fight against the infidels. This betrayal cost Madakari Nayaka a great deal. Apart from this, the few leftover Maratha warriors argued about payment issues and never took part in the war whole heartedly. All these events led Madakari Nayaka to face the mighty force of Hyder Ali with his few thousand warriors, with a least hope of saving his kingdom. The results need not be mentioned here, as everyone knows what might have happened. The sun of Chitradurga a.k.a. Durga has set. That is “DURGASTAMANA”. 

Even after these many hundred years. The life story of Madakari Nayaka inspires everyone. His fearless attitude, his untainted charisma, his able administration, is a true testimonial of how great the Chitradurga during his time. A true classic hero of Indian history. Till today, several forts of Madakari Nayaka has been preserved in Chitradurga and made as a tourist place which attracts thousands of tourists every year. A must visit place for everyone. If you have read the book before visiting this place, you might long for those tiny details that you have read in the book. A great compilation by the great author. I recommend this book for everyone. 

My Rating:

5/5