TELUGU
Historial novel
HAMSAGEETAM: Vivina Murthy; Vahini Book Trust, 1-9-286/3, Vidyanagar, Hyderabad-500044. Rs. 100.
THIS IS a historical novel of 25 chapters depicting the colourful and conflicting life struggle of Kavi Sarva Bhouma (emperor among poets) Srinatha, who mesmerised proud kings and defeated worthy rivals with his spontaneous brilliance in Telugu poetry.
Adavi Bapiraju and Nori Narasimhasastry are two respected writers who enriched this literary genre, which now receives a new thrust from the author. He succeeds in projecting history from a societal angle through a series of lively scenarios with a novel technique.
The story is narrated by Chidananda to his companian Pothana, the celebrated author of the Bhagavata. Pothana, after marrying Srinatha's sister, joined the mainstream; the former worshipped Deva (God) and the latter Devadasi (dancing girl). Popular poems of these two great poets interspersed contextually are yet another highlight of this masterpiece.
Srinatha, the education minister of Pedakomati Vemareddy of Kondaveedu, became a peripatetic ambassador to win friends. He managed to get his king released from captivity of the Lingamaneni rulers of Devarakanda in return for his spellbound literary feats.
He travelled to Kanchipuram to convert Tippaiah Chetty, a leading trader to his side. Although Srinatha produced and dedicated a host of books to kings and enjoyed a luxurious life, penury struck him at the end.
Pothana, who displeased kings and believed only in Lord Rama, had to hide his magnum opus underground, which saw the light of the day much later. This novel profusely illustrated and written in neo-classical style, is obviously the outcome of painstaking research by the author, who deserves praise.
The cover design by Srikar is attractive. It has a fitting introduction by Kalipatnum Ramarao, the master storywriter. A valuable addition to the corpus of traditional literature.
P. V. L. N. RAO
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