SARASVATICHANDRA PART: 1

A novel of epic proportions, written in four parts from 1887 to 1901, Sarasvatichandra is both an enactment and the embodiment of the life philosophy of one man, and his sole mission. Part I, Buddhidhans Administration, narrates the story of one individuals extraordinary rise from poverty to power, to become the Karbhari of Suvarnapur. East India Companys growing presence in the Indian native states provides the setting for the rivalry between Buddhidhan and the ruling Karbhari, Shathrai, and the royal intrigue involving Bhupsinh, claimant to the throne of Suvarnapur. The parallel story threading through all four parts is of an unusual and abiding love between Sarasvatichandra and Kumud who, betrothed young, fall in love before marriage-through an exchange of letters, words and worlds. Written sixty years before Independence, the novel holds up a fascinating mirror to Gujarati society of that time, the joint family, particularly the role of women, and life in the princely states, against the backdrop of a nation in transition at the turn of the century-culturally, politically, and ideologically. Before the advent of Gandhi, arguably no other work has so profoundly influenced the ethos and imagination of Gujarat as Sarasvatichandra. Part II, III, and IV, also translated by Tridip Suhrud, an acknowledged scholar of nineteenth and twentieth century Gujarat, are forthcoming. Translators Acknowledgements Translators Introduction Preface 1 Preface 2 An Offering The Guest of Suvarnapur Buddhidhans Family Buddhidhan Buddhidhan (Continued) Buddhidhan (Conclusion) Intrigues in Rajeshwar Pleasure Garden At the Counsellors House The Consequences of Intoxication Instruments of Intrigue and the Warcraft of Karbharis In Readiness for Court King, Palace, and Administration On the Way Destiny Fulfilled Sarasvatichandra Buddhidhan and Saubhagya Devi Pramaddhan and Kumud Sundari The Karbhari and his Administration Night Life: The Rising Curtain and the Ordeal by Fire Leave Taking Walking Away Key Points This is one of the most important works of Indian literature to be made accessible in English to a wider readership, for the first time with a scholarly Introduction by the translator. Authors status as a cultural and ideological icon: Before the advent of Gandhi, no other work has had such a profound influence on the cultural life of Gujarat as Govardhanram Tripathis Sarasvatichandra. This 1901 novel has remained immensely popular and influential even after more than a century. Presence in contemporary popular culture: The novel has been made into an award-winning and popular Hindi film, Saraswatichandra (1968) directed by Govind Saraiya. It was remade as a mega television serial in Hindi of the same title, by Sanjay Leela Bhansali (2013-2014). The narrative is lucid and engaging, replete with poetry and songs beautifully translated, and rich in inter-textual references-a delight for any lover of literature. The love story: The parallel story of an unusual and abiding love between Sarasvatichandra and Kumud that runs through all four parts propels the narrative forward and holds the readers interest. Academic interest: Part I, completed 60 years before Independence, was written at a time when India and Indian polity were undergoing intense changes-socially, culturally, politically. The novel holds up an intimate mirror to Gujarati society of that time, the joint family, the role of women, and life in the princely states, against the backdrop of larger changes taking place at the national level. This makes it of interest to scholars of Indian literature, philosophy, history, society, and culture. The Translators Introduction: One of the foremost scholars of 19th and 20th century Gujarat, the Introduction by Tridip Suhrud gives a detailed account of the authors life and times, his philosophy, and his complex motivations for taking up this monumental work-which changed his own life irrevocably. It makes for an engrossing story in itself and puts the novel in context for a contemporary audience. neral readership interested in Indian writing and translated works of fiction. Departments of Comparative Literature, Indian Literature in Translation, Gujarati literature, Translation Studies, Translation Theory and Practice. It would also be of interest to scholars of Indian history, culture and gender studies.