Author: K V Puttappa Kuvempu
Translator(s): Shankar Mokashi Punekar
Publisher: Sahitya Akademi
Year: 2004
Language: English
Pages: 684
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8126017287
Description
If the tradition of the mahakavya has been re-established in 20th century Kannada literature much of the credit should go to Kuvempu’s (1904-1994) Shri Ramayana-darshanam which exploded the popular belief that the age of the epic is over. Shri Ramayana-darshanam has been followed by a few more epic poems.
Kuvempu’s literary achievement is not limited to the mahakavya. He was a novelist of the first order and his two novels Kanuru Heggaditi and Malegalalli Madumagalu are rated among the bet in this genre. He also produced works of lasting value in the fields of drama, biography, autobiography and literary criticism. But, like Milton whom he greatly admired, his whole life was a preparation for the creation of an epic which included a devoted study of the poetic tradition of the East and West and profound meditation on subjects like sublimity, experiences of divine; the primacy of vision and the form of the epic. His early experiments with blank verse and exploration of the philosophical thought of Sri Aurobindo and others were all part of the same preparation. It would be no exaggeration to say that Shri Ramayana-darshanam is at the center of his vast literary output.
The translator S M PUNEKAR (b 1928) is a well-known writer in Kannada and English. He received Sahitya Akademi Award in 1988.
Contents
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
INTRODUCTION BY G S AMUR
DEDICATORY VERSES
VOLUME ONE: AYODHYA SAMPUTAM
The Sacral Vision of the Poet
The Penitent Petrified
Maelstrom of Love-Manthara
Urmila
Bharata’s Mother
Fire Pilgrimage
To Chitrakoota
Danced the Fire Nymph
Clog Crown
From Atri to Agastya
The Leaf Cottage at Panchavati
VOLUME TWO: KISHKINDHA SAMPUTAM
Lanka’s Ruler Enlists Maricha’s Help
O Laxmana!
Shabari’s Honoured Guest
There-In Kishkindha
I Swear! May Fire Be My Witness!
True in Word and Deed
Lanka of Refinements
Sister, I’m Your Elder!
Sugriva Orders Stern Mass Mobilisation
A Mountain named Mahendra
Vaulting the Sea
Ravana’s Gold Goddess
VOLUME THREE: LANKA SAMPUTAM
Ransacking of Lanka
Entering Ashokavana
He Sees the Chastest of the Chaste
Lacrima Rerum
Rama Hears the Tale
Vahni and Ramha Vow for Battle
There in the Demon’s Council
Anala, Not Your Daughter, But Mine
I Die Or Cross The Ocean
Shuka and Sarana Jointly
Diplomacy Succeeds
Deployment of Troops
Lady Penance Speaks to Dream Elf
The Second Day without a Second
VOLUME FOUR: SHREE SAMPUTAM
Awaken Kumbhakarna!
Is Not Tragedy a Rasa for the Tragedienne?
Happy Days are not far
Indrajitu is Killed by Indrastra
You are a Great Architect Indeed!
Glory of Shri Rama’s and Shri Ravana’s psychic Penance
Ravana’s Dream Vision
Either No Ravana or No Rama, True!
The Enemy is Under Arrest
The Demon is Ensconced on Sacral Throne
O Fire! Lead On To Glory!
Penance Harvested
Vision of Supernal Coronation