ಸಾರ್ಥ [Sartha]

by S.L. Bhyrappa, Jaya Venkatraman (Translator)

Saartha, which means Caravan. Through a caravan, the novel explores the whole of India of the 8th century A.D. covering the political, economical, artistic and spiritual life of the country. It uses some historical persons like Shankaracharya, Mandanamishra, Ubhaya Bharati and Kumarila Bhatta and institutions like Nalanda. It is a unique novel translated into Sanskrit and received by Sanskrit scholars like a work originally written in Sanskrit It is translated into Hindi and in English published by Oxford University Press,Chennai.

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Mythology, Philosophy, Indian Literature, Marathi, Hinduism

292 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Dr S.L. Bhyrappa is a litterateur par excellence. He writes in the south Indian language, Kannada, and has been the bestselling novelist for over 25 years now. His novels are widely translated to pan Indian languages. He is the bestselling novelist in Marathi over the past decade and is among the top-five bestselling authors in Hindi. He is a conscious artist that depicts fundamental human emotions in his novels. In addition to his profound knowledge of Indian philosophical and cultural traditions, Professor Bhyrappa has since his childhood had intense personal experiences in both rural and urban milieu. Consequently, his characters are deeply rooted in Indian soil. Seminars have been and are being held on his novels, and volumes of literary criticism have been published on his works.

His books have found their way to the curriculum of undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses of the universities in the state of Karnataka, and have been the subject of about 20 PhD dissertations. He has penned 24 novels and four volumes of literary criticism and books on aesthetics, social issues and culture. Most of his novels are translated into almost all the Indian languages and six into English. He has served as a Prof. of Philosophy over three decades at NCERT.

Dr Bhyrappa is an avid listener of both Indian and Western classical music and has a keen eye for Art. Travelling has been his paasion since childhood and he has travelled across the globe touching the glaciers of poles, forests of Amazon, deserts of Africa, bustling cities of Europe and the United States. He has trekked in the Alps, the Rockies, Andes and in Fujiama, but the Himalayas remain his greatest passion.

Academic Publications in English
--------------------------------------
Values in Modern Indian Educational Thought, 1968 (New Delhi: National Council of Educational Research and Training)
Truth & Beauty: A Study in Correlations, 1964 (Baroda: M. S. University Press)
20 Research Papers published in various Journals like Indian Philosophical Quarterly, Darshana International, Journal of University of Baroda

Research and Fellowship
----------------------------
National Research Professor, Government of India, 2014
One of the five members of the Indian Literary Delegation that visited China on invitation by the Government of China, 1992
Ford Foundation Award to visit the USA to study the cultural problems of Indian immigrants to the USA, 1983
British Council Fellowship tenured at the School of Education, University of London, 1977

Reviews

[Ashish Iyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saartha means Caravan. Saartha is a cultural recreation of an India which stood at crossroads in the 8th century. Nagabhatta the protagonist, joins saartha (The Big caravan of merchants who travel from places to places trading in goods) under the order of the king to understand the working of saartha. He travels from place to place without any goal but with a strong intention of finding the meaning of life and religion. Through a caravan, the novel explores the whole of India of the 8th century A.D. covering the political, economical, artistic and spiritual life of the country. This journey is not just a physical journey but also a philosophical journey where the protagonist becomes a practitioner of various schools of philosophies like Mimaamsa, Yoga, Tantra and Buddhism and it also mentioned the power of mediation. It uses some historical persons like Adi Shankaracharya, Mandana Mishra, Ubhaya Bharati and Kumarila Bhatta and institutions like Nalanda. The way Nagabhatta walks into the Adi Shankara and Mandana Mishra debate scene was fantastic.

The book show how country used to work during those days. The description in the book is so vivid, you can realized the amount of research author has done. I appreciate the deluge of information that was being fed and how the plot was building.

For Indians who grew up knowing nothing about our own philosophical traditions, this would be an exciting start. A nice read not only for the knowledge of philosophy but also how ordinary and some extra ordinary individuals can use it to better their lives. Bhyrappa is clearly one of the greatest writer. I have intention to read more of his books. This Kannada book is also available in Sanskrit, Hindi, Marathi, Tamil and english.

[Ashish Iyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re read this book. I got new meaning. I got new perspective. Enjoyed reading it.

Here is my review when i read it for the first time.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[That dorky lady · Rating 5 out of 5]

ತುಂಬ ಸಮಯ ಕೊಟ್ಟು, ಕಷ್ಟಪಟ್ಟು, ಇಷ್ಟಪಟ್ಟು ಓದಿದ ಪುಸ್ತಕ. ಕಷ್ಟಪಡಲು ಕಾರಣ ಕೃತಿಯ ಶೈಲಿಯಲ್ಲ, its a masterpiece.. in fact ನನ್ನ ಇಲ್ಲಿಯವರೆಗಿನ ಓದಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಇದೊಂದು ಬೇರೆಯದೇ ಮಾದರಿಯ ಓದು‌ ಎನಿಸುತ್ತಿದೆ.
ಕೆಲವು ಘಟನೆಗಳು ವಿಪರೀತ ರಂಜನೀಯ ಗುಣ ಇರುವಂತವು ಬೇಗ ಬೇಗ ಓದಿಸ್ಕೊಳ್ಳುತ್ತವೆ. ಆದರೆ ಹೆಚ್ಚಿನ ಭಾಗ ತತ್ವ, ವಾಕ್ಯರ್ಥ ಇವುಗಳನ್ನೆಲ್ಲ ಎರಡೆರಡು ಬಾರಿ ಓದಿ ಅರ್ಥ ಮಾಡಿಕೊಳ್ಳೊ ಪ್ರಯತ್ನ ಮಾಡಬೇಕಾಯ್ತು.
ನಾಗಭಟ್ಟನ ಚಿತ್ತಚಾಂಚಲ್ಯ, ಗೊತ್ತುಗುರಿಯಿಲ್ಲದ ಅಲೆದಾಟ ಸಿಟ್ಟುಬರಿಸುತ್ತವೆ. ಚಂದ್ರಿಕೆಯ ವ್ಯಕ್ತಿತ್ವ ಔನ್ನತ್ಯಕ್ಕೇರುವ ಪರಿ ಓದಿಯೇ ಸವಿಯಬೇಕು.

[Nachiket · Rating 5 out of 5]

ಲೌಕಿಕ ಜೀವನವನ್ನು ಅನಿಶ್ಚಿತತೆಯಿಂದ ಅನುಭವಿಸುತ್ತ, ಅಲ್ಲಿಂದ ಸೂಕ್ಷ್ಮ ಸಂವೇದನೆಗಳನ್ನು ಅರ್ಥೈಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳುವ ಮಟ್ಟಕ್ಕೆ ಬೆಳೆದು ನಂತರ ನಶ್ವರತೆಯನ್ನರಿತು ಅದ್ವೈತವಾಗುವುದರ ಅದ್ಭುತ ಚಿತ್ರಣ..... 🙏🙏

[Ajeya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book I have ever read in my life. It deserves more than 5 stars. It takes you through a journey of one man, with the most wandering mind I have ever noticed as he experiments with his life, with available options around him and then trying and analyzing all.

The story is set in 8th century India...When the Buddhist are at a peak on debating against Vedik tradition and converting Hindus; Time when Shankaracharya participated in debates to spread his Advaitha philosophy and as all this happened, the Arabs are planning an attack.

Most extensively researched and well written book which takes you in many directions and until you read the last line of the book; you will have no clue of where it is going to conclude. But the last line, gives a wider picture to understand life, and the purpose of our being.

Bhyrappa is the best writer I have ever read….

[Shwetha Shetty · Rating 4 out of 5]

ಸಾರ್ಥವನ್ನು ವಿಮರ್ಶಿಸುವ ಜ್ಞಾನ ನನಗಂತೂ ಇಲ್ಲ. ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಚರ್ಚಿಸಿರುವ ಬಹಳ ಆಧ್ಯಾತ್ಮಿಕವಾದಂತದು ಮತ್ತು ಚಿಂತನೆಗೆ ದೂಡುವಂತದ್ದು. ಇದೇ ವಿಚಾರವೆಂದು ಸ್ಪಷ್ಟವಾಗಿ ಹೇಳಲಾರೆ ಆದರೆ ಕೆಲವೊಂದು ವಿಷಯಗಳು ಕಾಡಿದ್ದಂತೂ ನಿಜ...

[Ajay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bhyrappa is one of my fav author.
What a beautiful book this was. Love the way he weave his story. Don't forget to read Aavarana and Parva of the same author. Book is available in English, Hindi, Marathi, Kannada, Tamil and Sanskrit.
Highly recommended.

[Prashanth Bhat · Rating 5 out of 5]

ನಾಲ್ಕನೆಯದೋ ಐದನೆಯದೋ ಬಾರಿ. ಅವರ ಬೇರೆ ಕಾದಂಬರಿಗಳಿಗಿಂತ ಭಿನ್ನ ಕಥಾವಸ್ತು ಹೊಂದಿರುವುದರಿಂದಲೂ , ರಸಾಸ್ವಾದನೆಯಾಗುವುದರಿಂದಲೂ ಮರು ಓದಿಗೂ ಅದೇ ಖುಷಿ

[Ram Chadalavada · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Freedom is better than and superior to God' when interrogated in a prison: Nagabhatta.
Set in 8th century India, The Caravan is the story of Nagabhatta's travels and self discovery during his journey across the breadth of India and the various philosophies, beliefs and characters he encounters during a period of religious and political upheaval in India.
It is a story that depicts how long before 'enlightenment' in Europe and western world, religious respect, intellectual debates, conversions based on logic, experience and above all choice were very much a part of India and dharmic traditions. Nagabhatta goes beyond his brahminical birth and upbringing to experiment with various other worldly and spirtual paths before discovering his true purpose of life.
Also, intertwined with his story is the politics and economics of the country of that time with the leadership unable to counter a response to the conquests and tactics of Arabs in the west.
I loved the detailing of the period and the depth of information revealed in the debates. Great read! Thanks Mr Bhyrappa. Good translation by Mr S Ramaswamy marred by proofreading mistakes though.

[Sanjeev Nv · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a book, one of the best I have read. This is my first S L Bhyrappa book and Iam a fan. I want to read all his books which has been translated to english. A great debate on vedas, religion, self righteousness and self realization in the backdrop of a fantastic plot. Simply mesmerising and Iam sure it would be even more enriching to read this book in kannada.

[Soumya · Rating 4 out of 5]

ಈ ಪುಸ್ತಕದ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಏನು ಹೇಳಬೇಕು ಅಂತ ತಿಳಿಯುತ್ತಿಲ್ಲ.

ಎಷ್ಟೊಂದು ವಿಚಾರಗಳನ್ನ ಭೈರಪ್ಪ ಅವರು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಹೇಳಿದ್ದಾರೆ.
ಪುಸ್ತಕದ ಹಲವು ಭಾಗಗಳನ್ನು ಮತ್ತೆ ಮತ್ತೆ ಓದಿದೆ. ಕೆಲವೊಮ್ಮೆ ಎಲ್ಲೋ ಕಳೆದು ಹೋದ feeling.
ಪುಸ್ತಕದ ಪ್ರತಿ ಹಂತದಲ್ಲೂ ತಲೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಓಡುತ್ತಿದ್ದ ಒಂದೇ ವಿಚಾರ, ಇಷ್ಟೆಲ್ಲಾ ವಿಷಯ ತಿಳಿಸಬೇಕು ಅಂದ್ರೆ ಭೈರಪ್ಪ ಅವ್ರು ಎಷ್ಟು ಓದಿಕೊಂಡಿರಬೇಡ?
ಪುಸ್ತಕ ಓದಿ ಮುಗಿಸಿದಾಗ, ಬೇರೆ ಯಾವುದೋ ಕಾಲ ಘಟ್ಟದಿಂದ ಮತ್ತೆ present dayಗೆ ಬಂದ ಹಾಗೆ ಆಯ್ತು.

[Sayan Mukherjee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first experience of Byrappa's writing(obviously in translation) and I must say I am impressed. The theme of the book- that of aimless travel towards self discovery has been seen in books which has preceded it. SHrikanta by Sarat CHandra or Sidhartha by Hesse were modelled on this concept. However the greatness of this book lies in the fact that in spite of taking a theme which is not new the authour manages to add substantially to the theme and build a fiercely independent story ut of it.

THe research on medeival India and its history is commendable. By placing the book at a time when the socio-political history was on the verge of an explosion, Byrappa entices and thrills the reader through his social commentary where the struggle of an India moving from a single religion country to a multi-religion state and the ensuing social implcaitons of the same comes through. AT the same time this novel is fiercely and doggedly a personal journey of the 2 main characters.

In the end a story hinges on the characters and that is where Byrappa excels. His main characters, even the ones who are there for a small time impact and leave their marks. The heroine of this novel will go down as one of the strongest ladies in Indian post modern fiction.

FInally this is a story with spirituality and religion at its core. It is an inspection and inrospection on the concepts of religion and its outcomes. Here too the authour deftly paints his pictures in short and sure strokes.

All in all this is a scintillating read. Again I am going for only 4 stars as that lingering thought of an used theme does tap in the background....

[Vasanth · Rating 5 out of 5]

"ಸಾರ್ಥ" ಈ ವರ್ಷದ ನನ್ನ ಕೊನೆಯ ಓದು. ಸಾರ್ಥಕತೆಯ ಭಾವ ಹೊಮ್ಮಿಸಿದ ಓದು.

ವಾಣಿಜ್ಯ ಪದಾರ್ಥಗಳನ್ನು ಆನೆ, ಕುದುರೆ, ಕತ್ತೆ ಹಾಗೂ ನೂರಾರು ಗಾಡಿಗಳ ಮೇಲೆ ಹೇರಿಕೊಂಡು ವ್ಯಾಪಾರ ಮಾಡುತ್ತಾ ದೇಶದುದ್ದಗಲಕ್ಕೂ ಸಂಚರಿಸುವುದನ್ನು ಆ ಕಾಲದಲ್ಲಿ "ಸಾರ್ಥ" ಎನ್ನುತ್ತಿದ್ದರು. "ಸಾರ್ಥ" ಕ್ರಿ.ಶ. ಎಂಟನೆಯ ಶತಮಾನದ ಭರತಖಂಡದಲ್ಲಿ ನಡೆಯಿತೆಂದು ಕಲ್ಪಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳಬೇಕಾದ ಸಂಗತಿಗಳನ್ನಾಧರಿಸಿದ ಕಾದಂಬರಿ. ಅತ್ತ ಉತ್ತರದ ಗೂರ್ಜರ ಪ್ರತೀಹಾರರ ಸಾಮ್ರಾಜ್ಯ, ಇತ್ತ ದಕ್ಷಿಣದಲ್ಲಿ ರಾಷ್ಟಕೂಟರ ಸಾಮ್ರಾಜ್ಯ. ಉತ್ತರ ದಕ್ಷಿಣದ ಸಾಮ್ರ್ಯಾಜ್ಯಗಳ ಅಧೀನಕ್ಕೊಳಪಡ ಬಯಸದ ಸಣ್ಣ ರಾಜ್ಯವಾದ ತಾರಾವತಿಯ ಅಮರುಕ ರಾಜ ತನ್ನ ಪರಮಾಪ್ತ ಗೆಳೆಯನೂ ಆದ ಪಂಡಿತ ನಾಗಭಟ್ಟನನ್ನು ಸಾರ್ಥದ ಒಳಮರ್ಮವನ್ನರಿಯಲು ನಿಯೋಜಿಸುತ್ತಾನೆ, ತನ್ನ ರಾಜ್ಯದ್ದೇ ಒಂದು ಸಾರ್ಥವನ್ನಾರಂಭಿಸಿ ವಾಣಿಜ್ಯ ಚಟುವಟಿಕೆಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಸ್ವಾತಂತ್ರ್ಯ ಹೊಂದಿ ತನ್ನ ಸೈನ್ಯವನ್ನು ಬಲಪಡಿಸಿಕೊಂಡು ಬೇರೆ ಯಾರಿಗೂ ಸಾಮಂತನಾಗದಿರುವುದು ಅವನ ಯೋಜನೆ.

ಕಾಶಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಉನ್ನತ ಅಧ್ಯಯನಕ್ಕೆಂಬ ಸೋಗಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಒಂದು ಸಾರ್ಥವನ್ನು ಸೇರಿಕೊಂಡ ನಾಗಭಟ್ಟನು ಗುರಿಯಿಲ್ಲದ ಸಂಚಾರಪರಿಕ್ರಮದಲ್ಲಿ ಭರತಖಂಡದ ಹತ್ತಾರು ಧಾರ್ಮಿಕ, ಸಾಮಾಜಿಕ ಮತ್ತು ಸಾಂಸ್ಕೃತಿಕ ಪ್ರವೃತ್ತಿಗಳ ಪ್ರಭಾವಕ್ಕೊಳಗಾಗಿ ಅಚ್ಚರಿಯ ಜೀವನದರ್ಶನಕ್ಕೊಳಪಡುತ್ತಾನೆ, ಇದು "ಸಾರ್ಥ"ದ ವಸ್ತು.

"ಸಾರ್ಥ" ಒಂದು ಐತಿಹಾಸಿಕ ಕಾದಂಬರಿ ಎನ್ನುವ ಪರಿಕಲ್ಪನೆ ಓದುವ ಮೊದಲು ನನ್ನಲ್ಲೂ ಇತ್ತು. ವಿಸ್ತಾರವೂ ಆಳವೂ ಆದ ಈ ಕಾದಂಬರಿಯನ್ನು ಓದಿದ ಮೇಲೆ ತಿಳಿದಿದ್ದು ಇದೊಂದು ಬರೀ ಐತಿಹಾಸಿಕ ಅಧ್ಯಯನದ ಅಡಿಪಾಯದ ಮೇಲೆ ರಚನೆಯಾದ ಕೃತಿಯಲ್ಲ ಬದಲಾಗಿ ವೇದ, ಉಪನಿಷತ್ತು, ಯೋಗ, ಧ್ಯಾನ, ತಂತ್ರ ಮತ್ತು ವಿವಿಧ ಧರ್ಮಗಳ ಧಾರ್ಮಿಕ ಸಂಘರ್ಷಗಳ ತಾತ್ತ್ವಿಕ ಬೇರುಗಳನ್ನು ಸೃಜನಶೀಲವಾಗಿ ಅನ್ವೇಷಿಸಿ, ಕಥಾನಾಯಕ ನಾಗಭಟ್ಟ ಕಂಡ ಜೀವನದರ್ಶನಕ್ಕೆ ನಮ್ಮನ್ನೂ ಸಾಕ್ಷಿಯಾಗಿಸುವ ಕನ್ನಡದ ಮಹೋನ್ನತ ಕೃತಿ "ಸಾರ್ಥ".

ಧನ್ಯವಾದ.

[mahesh · Rating 3 out of 5]

As I was reading this book, I used to wonder how much research and effort must have taken to write this book. The book covers from Advaith Tatva to tantra tradition with eloquent narration through the protagonist. It's not an easy task.....
Is it just a journey of the protagonist?
No, It's a journey of every one of us who is in search of unshakable truth not contaminated by the discriminatory nature of Human existence.Most of us pick Byrappa works to understand our heritage, Sanskriti and Samaskar which lost their colors in the face of colonizers, Muslim rulers, Vote minded politicians, and narrow-minded intellectuals. This book also creates a platform for you to pursue the journey of knowing your real self.

His indisputable skill in maintaining the exact atmosphere of the 8th century through his creative and precise narration shows his mastery of knowledge over Indian history, Philosophy, and writing.

Book mainly covers the evolution of religious beliefs and practices in Santana dharma and its openness to contemporary spirituality practices. And another main highlight in the book is, how buddha's philosophy decayed and modified for convenience from his successors in the process of rapid conversion throughout India.

Though the book throws us light on different philosophical sects with openness in heart, the Story becomes shallow as the book nears the end.it feels like the author rushed to end the book and failed to maintain the same rigorousness of characters and narration as it is in the beginning.

[Adarsh ಆದರ್ಶ · Rating 5 out of 5]

ಎಂಟನೇ ಶತಮಾನದ ಕಾಲಘಟ್ಟ ಭರತಖಂಡದ ಆಯಾಮಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ತುಂಬಾ ವಿಶೇಷವಾದದ್ದು.
ಆ ಶತಮಾನದಲ್ಲಿ ನಡೆದಂತಹ ಸಂಗತಿಗಳನ್ನು ಒಳಗೊಂಡ ಕಾದಂಬರಿ. ನಾಗಭಟ್ಟ ಎಂಬ ಮಾಹಿಷ್ಮತಿಯ ಪಂಡಿತನು ತನ್ನ ಮಿತ್ರ ಹಾಗೂ ಆ ದೇಶದ ರಾಜ ಅಮರುಕ ನ ಸಲಹೆ ಮೇರೆಗೆ ಸಾರ್ಥಾಗಳ ವಾಣಿಜ್ಯ, ಕಷ್ಟನಷ್ಟಗಳ, ಬೇರೆ ರಾಜ್ಯಗಳ ಹೊರಗುಗಳನ್ನು ಪ್ರತಿಯೊಂದು ಸೂಕ್ಷ್ಮಗಳನ್ನು ಗ್ರಹಿಸಿ ತರಲು ಆದೇಶಿಸುತ್ತಾನೆ ಅದರ ಸುತ್ತ ನಡೆಯುವ ಕಥೆ.
ಗುರಿಯಿಲ್ಲದ ಸಂಚಾರಿ ಜೀವನದಲ್ಲಿ, ಧಾರ್ಮಿಕ, ,ಜಾನಪದ ಸಾಮಾಜಿಕ ಮತ್ತು ಸಾಂಸ್ಕೃತಿಕ ಪ್ರವೃತ್ತಿಗಳ ಪ್ರಭಾವಕ್ಕೆ ಒಳಗಾಗಿ ಹಲವು ಅಚ್ಚರಿಯ ಜೀವನ ದರ್ಶನಕ್ಕೆ ಒಳಗಾಗುತ್ತಾನೆ. ಅಷ್ಟೆ ಅಲ್ಲದೆ ಇತಿಹಾಸದ ತುಂಬಾ ವಿಶೇಷವಾದ ವ್ಯಕ್ತಿಗಳಾದ ಶ್ರೀಮದ್ ಶಂಕರರು, ಮಂಡನ ಮಿಶ್ರ, ಕುಮಾರಿಲ ಭಟ್ಟರು. ಶಂಕರರ ಮತ್ತು ಮಿಶ್ರರ ನಡುವೆ ನಡೆಯುವ ವಕ್ಯಾರ್ಥ ಅಂತೂ ಅದ್ಭುತ. ಬೌದ್ಧಧರ್ಮದ ಮತ ಅಸಹಿಷ್ಣುತೆ. ಮ್ಲೇಚರ ಸಂಗಟಿತ ದಾಳಿಗಳು ಅತ್ಯಾಚಾರಗಳು ಹೀಗೆ ತುಂಬಾ ವಿಷಯಗಳನ್ನು ಒಳಗೊಂಡ ಕೃತಿ. ಇತಿಹಾಸದ ಆಸಕ್ತರು ಒಮ್ಮೆ ಓದಲೇ ಬೇಕಾದ ಪುಸ್ತಕ.ನಾನು ಈ ವರ್ಷ ಓದಿದ ಅದ್ಭುತ ಪುಸ್ತಕ..

[Ramya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Initially it was very tough to move forward in 1st chapter may be cos of the tough Kannada words :), pushed myself and started again as SLB simply cant right crap. I was right, yet another amazing book of Bhyrappa I could have read.
The story is narrated keeping 8th century in mind and the writer is successful in showing the difference in the religion yet proving Hinduism has a strong base.
The taantrika maarga was lil disturbing .
And the debate bet Shankaracharya, Manadana Mishra & Bharathi was icing on the cake.
Thoroughly enjoyed the Carvan.

[Madhav Pathak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read the English version, 'The Caravan'.

I love historical fictions written in first person and this is just that kind.

A lot of research would have gone behind this book, which is clearly reflected. In a story form, one understands different Indian philosophical paths. Especially inclusion of famous Shankracharya-Mandan Mishra debate in the book was the best part according to me. Also a complete other side picture of buddhism is painted in this book.

Must read.

[Shashank Naik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best one. I never knew it had real incidents of past. It is set in the time at Shankara's presence. It gives detail account of lifestyle at that time. The plot having a traveler who moves along Sartha or Caravan has served purpose. Very good read.

[Nayaz Riyazulla · Rating 4 out of 5]

ಐತಿಹಾಸಿಕ ಹಿನ್ನೆಲೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಸಾಮಾಜಿಕ ಬದುಕಿನ ಚಿತ್ರಣ ಕೊಡುವ ಕೃತಿಗಳು ನನಗೆ ಆಪ್ತ. ಅದರಲ್ಲೂ ಭೈರಪ್ಪರಂತ ಗಟ್ಟಿ ಲೇಖಕರು ಬರೆದರೆ ಹೆಚ್ಚು ಆಪ್ತ. ಇದು 8ನೇ ಶತಮಾನದ ಕಾಲಘಟ್ಟದ ಕೃತಿ, ವೈದಿಕ ಪರಂಪರೆ ಮತ್ತು ಭಾರತದಲ್ಲೇ ಜನಿಸಿದ ಬೌದ್ಧ ಧರ್ಮದ ನಡುವೆ ವೈಚಾರಿಕ ತಾಕಲಾಟಗಳು ಪರಾಕಾಷ್ಠೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಇದ್ದ ಕಾಲಮಾನ. ಈ ಸಂಧರ್ಭದಲ್ಲಿ ಅಲ್ಲಿನ ಸಾಮಾನ್ಯ ಜನರ ಮನಸ್ಥಿತಿ ಹೇಗಿದ್ದೀರಬೇಡ, ಅದರಲ್ಲೂ ವೈದಿಕ ಪರಂಪರೆಯ ಶ್ರೇಷ್ಠರು ಬೌದ್ಧ ಧರ್ಮವನ್ನು ತಿಳಿದುಕೊಳ್ಳುವ ಪ್ರಯತ್ನದಲ್ಲಿದ್ದಾಗ.

ನಾಗಭಟ್ಟ ಎಂಬ ಓದುಗನ ಸಾರ್ಥದೊಂದಿಗೆ ಸಾಗುವ ಓದು ಎರಡು ರೀತಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಪಯಣಿಸುತ್ತದೆ, ನಾಗಭಟ್ಟನ ಆಂತರಿಕ ಪಯಣ ಮತ್ತು ಭಾರತ ದೇಶದ ಪರ್ಯಟನೆ. ನಾಲಾಂದ (ನಳಂದ), ತಾರಾವತಿ, ಮಹಿಷ್ಮತಿ, ಪಾಟಲಿಪುತ್ರ, ತಕ್ಷಶಿಲೆ, ಮಥುರ, ಗಯೆ, ಪ್ರಯಾಗ ಹೀಗೆ ಸಾಗುವ ಪಯಣ ಅಲ್ಲಿನ ಸಾಂಸ್ಕೃತಿಕ ಮತ್ತು ವೈಚಾರಿಕ ಇತಿಹಾಸವನ್ನು ಹೇಳುತ್ತಾ ಹೋಗುತ್ತದೆ. ಈ ಭಾಗ ಈ ಕೃತಿಯ ಶ್ರೇಷ್ಠ ಭಾಗ ಮತ್ತು ಗೆಲುವಿನ ಭಾಗ.

ನಾಗಭಟ್ಟನ ವ್ಯಯಕ್ತಿಕ ಪಯಣ, ಅವನ ಸಂಸಾರದ ಪಲ್ಲಟಗಳು, ಅವನ ಮತ್ತು ಚಂದ್ರಿಕೆಯ ಭಾಗಗಳು ತೀರಾ ಕೃತಕ ಎನಿಸುತ್ತದೆ. ಅದರಲ್ಲೂ ಆತ ತಂತ್ರವಿದ್ಯೆ ಕಲಿಯುವ ಭಾಗವಂತೂ ತುಚ್ಚ. ಇವರ ಭಾಗವನ್ನು ಸ್ವಲ್ಪ ಮೊಟಕುಗೊಳಿಸಿ ನಳಂದದ ಭಾಗ, ಶಂಕರಾಚಾರ್ಯರು ಮತ್ತು ಮಂಡನಮಿಶ್ರರ ಸಂವಾದ ಹೆಚ್ಚಿಸಿದ್ದರೇ ಇನ್ನೂ ರಸಮಯವಾಗಿರುತ್ತಿತ್ತು.

ಇನ್ನೂ ಸಿದ್ಧಾಂತಗಳ ವಿಶ್ಲೇಷಣೆಗೆ ಬಂದರೆ ಮಂಡನಮಿಶ್ರರು ಮತ್ತು ಕುಮಾರಿಲಭಟ್ಟರು ನಂಬಿದ ಸಿದ್ಧಾಂತ ಮತ್ತು ಆದಿ ಶಂಕರಾಚಾರ್ಯರ ಸಿದ್ಧಾಂತದ ನಡುವೆ ಇರುವ conflict ಅನ್ನು ತುಂಬಾ ಅದ್ಭುತವಾಗಿ ಬರೆದಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಮಂಡನ ಮಿಶ್ರರು ಸಂವಾದದಲ್ಲಿ ಸೋತಾಗ, ಮಿಶ್ರರ ಮಡದಿ ಭಾರತಿದೇವಿ ಕೇಳುವ ಪ್ರಶ್ನೆ ನಿಜಕ್ಕೂ ಅಮೋಘ, ಹಾಗಾದರೆ ಶಂಕರಾಚಾರ್ಯರು ಗೆದ್ದು ಸೋತರ? ಈ ಪ್ರಶ್ನೆಗೆ ಕೃತಿಯ ಅಂತ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಉತ್ತರವಿದೆ. ಇದನ್ನು ನಾಗಭಟ್ಟನ ಶೂನ್ಯತೆಯ ಪ್ರಶ್ನೆಗೆ ಪೂರಕವಾಗಿ ಭೈರಪ್ಪರು ಉಪಯೋಗಿಸಿರುವುದು ಮೆಚ್ಚುವಂತ ತಂತ್ರ.

[Praveen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second best book I read after Parva by same author. Usually SLB's works are near to the truth which is why he is broadly accepted by huge fans. Saartha also continues to be in same path except Shankara yati's soul getting into King Amaruka's body to find out the real experience while debating with Kumarila bhatta's sister. Leaving this one incidence everything else you can visualize it as truth. Overall this book is an exceptional work by SLB after Parva.

[Adithya Shashidhara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very underrated. I felt this is on par with SLB’s other masterpieces like Parva or Mandra. The reader is transported to 8th century India with real world characters like Adi Shankara (albeit in a cameo). Incredible research and SLB again constructs a complex lyrical web elaborating the layers of dhyana, tantra and many such psychological experiences. Must read !

[Chathur · Rating 4 out of 5]

A man's life journey where he keep influenced by divinity,love,lust,black magic etc. usual bhyrappa's recipe.

[Pavitra · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the must read books!!

[Yashawanth Ramaswamy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sartha meaning 'The Caravan' is the fictional story of a character called Nagabhatta set in and around 8th century India. Sartha means The line of trading vehicles carring the necessary goods around the world. Same as Sartha protagonist Nagabhatta's life takes lot of turns and curves before coming to a settlement with the meaning of life.

Sartha explores the Political, Economic, Artistic Cultural, Religious, Spiritual, Architectural and Philosophical aspects and changes happening in 8-9th century India through fictional characters. It depicts the richness of India in those days in the field of philosophy. Philosophies like Memanse, Yoga, Tantrik, Buddhism, Vedic, Vaidika and Advaitha are discussed.

At the period, Buddhism was trying to spread across India and Islam was just started to enter the doors of India while Hindu philosophies was defending the attacks of other religions.

The best part of Book is the Shankaracharya's philosophical discussion with Mandana Mishra. Lot of philosophical terms of veda were discussed here, one who has knowledge about vedas will get it easily than others.

Sartha as the name says travels around India, starting from Taravathi, it travels through Mahishmathi, Matura, Pataliputra, Nalanda, Takshashila, Gaya, Prayaga and many other historical places.

A must read Historical fiction. Other than tantrik part, this book can be read with fondness.

"Freedom is greater than Life and God"

[Karthikeya Bhat · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ಸಾರ್ಥ*
ಇತ್ತೀಚಿಗೆ ಓದಿದ ಭೈರಪ್ಪನವರ ಸಾರ್ಥ ಕಾದಂಬರಿಯ ಕುರಿತು:

ಭೈರಪ್ಪನವರ ಎರೆಡು ಐತಿಹಾಸಿಕ ಕಾದಂಬರಿಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಆವರಣವು ಒಂದು,ಸಾರ್ಥವು ಮತ್ತೂಂದು.
ಸಾರ್ಥ ಕ್ರಿ.ಶ. ೮ನೆಯ ಶತಮಾನದ ಭರತಖಂಡದಲ್ಲಿ ನಡೆಯಿತೆಂದು ಕಲ್ಪಿಸಿಕೂಳ್ಳಬೇಕಾದ ಸಂಗತಿಗಳನ್ನಾದರಿಸಿದ ಕಾದಂಬರಿ. ಆನೆ,ಕುದುರೆ,ಹೇಸರುಗತ್ತೆ ನೊರಾರು ಗಾಡಿಗಳ ಮೇಲೆ ವಾಣಿಜ್ಯ ಪದಾರ್ಥಗಳನ್ನು ಹೇರಿಕೊಂಡು ವ್ಯಾಪಾರ ಮಾಡುತ್ತ ದೂರ ದೂರ ದೇಶಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಸಂಚರಿಸುವುದನ್ನು ಆ ಕಾಲದಲ್ಲಿ ಸಾರ್ಥ ಎನ್ನುತ್ತಿದ್ದರು.

ಬೌಧ್ಧ ಧರ್ಮದ ಪ್ರಭಾವವು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ತಿಳಿಯಬಹುದು.
ಅಮರುಕ ಮಹಾರಾಜನು ಸಾರ್ಥದ ಮರ್ಮವನ್ನು ತಿಳಿಯಲು ಮಾಹಿಷ್ಮತಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಮಂಡನ ಮಿಶ್ರರ ಶಿಷ್ಯನಾದ ನಾಗಭಟ್ನನನ್ನು ಕಳುಹಿಸುತ್ತಾನೆ.ನಾಗಭಟ್ಟನು ಅವನ ಆಜ್ಞೆಯಂತೆ ಮನೆ,ಹೆಂಡತಿ ಮತ್ತು ತಾಯಿಯನ್ನು ತನ್ನ ಊರಾದ ತಾರತಮ್ಯವನ್ನು ಬಿಟ್ಟು ಮಥುರೆಗೆ ತಲಪುತ್ತಾನೆ. ಅಮರುಕನು ನಾಗಭಟ್ಟನ ಹೆಂಡತಿ ಶಾಲಿನಿಯನ್ನು ವಶಪಡಿಸಿಕೂಳ್ಳುತ್ತಾನೆ ಇದನ್ನು ತಿಳಿದು ದುಃಖ ಪಡುತ್ತಾನೆ, ಮಥುರೆಯನ್ನು ತಲುಪುವ ಮುಂಚೆ ಮಣಿಭದ್ರ ಯಕ್ಷನ ಬಗ್ಗೆ, ಬೋಧಿಸತ್ವದ ಬಗ್ಗೆ,ಬೌದ್ಧ ಧರ್ಮವು ಸಿಂಹಳ ದೇಶಕ್ಕೆ,ಉತ್ತರದ ತ್ರಿವಿಷ್ಟು,ಅತ್ತ ಚೀನಾ, ಪೂರ್ವದ ಸುವರ್ಣ ದ್ವೀಪಗಳಿಗೆ ಹೇಗೆ ಹರಡಿದೆ ಎಂಬುದನ್ನು ತಿಳಿಯುತ್ತಾನೆ.ನಂತರ ನಾಗಭಟ್ಟನು ಮಥುರೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ನೆಲೆಸುತ್ತಾನೆ. ಮಥುರೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಜಯಸಿಂಹರ ಪರಿಚಯ ಅವರ ಮೂಲಕ ನಾಟಕಮಂಡಳಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ನಟನಾಗುತ್ತಾನೆ. ನಾಟಕಮಂಡಳಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ನಾಟಕವಾಡುವಾಗ ಚಂದ್ರಿಕೆಯ ಪರಿಚಯ, ಅದೇ ಅವರ ಪ್ರೇಮಕ್ಕೆ ನಾಂದಿಯಾಗುತ್ತದೆ.ಅವನು ನಾಟಕವಾಡುತ್ತಾ ಕೃಷ್ಣಾನಂದನಾಗುತ್ತಾನೆ,ಕೃಷ್ಣಾನಂದರೆಂದರೆ ಕೃಷ್ಣನ ಅವತಾರಪುರುಷರು ಎಂಬಂತೆ ಪ್ರಸಿಧ್ಧನಾಗುತ್ತಾನೆ. ಹೀಗೆ ಕೃಷ್ಣಾನಂದನು ನಾಟಕದ ನಟನಾಗಿ, ಅದಾದನಂತರ ಯೋಗಸಾಧನೆಯಲ್ಲಿ,ನಂತರ ಎರಡು ವರ್ಷ ತಂತ್ರ ಸಾಧನೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ತೂಡಗುತ್ತಾನೆ.

ನಂತರ ನಾಲಂದ ವಿಶ್ವವಿದ್ಯಾಲಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಬೌದ್ಧ ಧರ್ಮದ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ತಿಳಿಯಲು ಜಯಸಿಂಹರ ಮೂಲಕ ಸೇರುತ್ತಾನೆ. ಬೌದ್ಧ ಧರ್ಮವನ್ನು ಬೋಧಿಸುವ ನಾಲಂದ ವಿಶ್ವವಿದ್ಯಾಲಯದ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ತಿಳಿಯುತ್ತಾನೆ. ಅಲ್ಲಿ *ಕುಮಾರಿಲ ಭಟ್ಟರ* ಭೇಟಿ, ಕುಮಾರಿಲ ಭಟ್ಟರು ಬೌದ್ಧ ಧರ್ಮವನ್ನು ಹಲವಾರು ಗ್ರಂಥಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಖಂಡಿಸಿದ್ದಾರೆ,ಅವರ ಶಿಷ್ಯರೇ ಮಂಡನ ಮಿಶ್ರರು. ನಂತರ ಗಯಾಕ್ಕೆ ತಲುಪಿ ಬುದ್ಧನಿಗೆ ಜ್ಞಾನೋದಯವಾದ ಬೋಧಿ ವೃಕ್ಷದ ಮಹತ್ವವನ್ನು ಮತ್ತೆ ಗಯಾಗೆ ಬಂದು ವಿಷ್ಣುಪಾದದಲ್ಲಿ ಪಿಂಡಪ್ರದಾನ ಮಾಡಿದರೆ ಸತ್ತ ಆತ್ಮಕ್ಕೆ ಸದ್ಗತಿ ದೂರಕುತ್ತ ವೆಂಬದನ್ನು ತಿಳಿಯುತ್ತಾನೆ.

ಇದೇ ಸಮಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಆದಿ ಶ್ರೀ ಶಂಕರಾಚಾರ್ಯರ ದರ್ಶನ,ಅವರ ಅದ್ವೈತ ಸಿದ್ಧಾಂತದ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ತಿಳಿಯುತ್ತಾನೆ.ಶಂಕರಾಚಾರ್ಯರು ಇಡೀ ದೇಶವನ್ನು ಸುತ್ತಿ ಅದ್ವೈತ ಸಿದ್ಧಾಂತದ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಎಲ್ಲರಿಗೂ ಬೋಧಿಸಿದನ್ನು ತಿಳಿದುಕೂಳ್ಳುತ್ತಾನೆ.ಶಂಕರಾಚಾರ್ಯರನ್ನು ವಾಕ್ಯಾರ್ಥಲ್ಲಿ ಸೋಲಿಸಲು ಯಾರಿಗೂ ಸಾಧ್ಯವಾಗುತ್ತಿರಲಿಲ್ಲ, ಮಂಡನ ಮಿಶ್ರರು ವಾಕ್ಯಾರ್ಥದಲ್ಲಿ ಶಂಕರಾಚಾರ್ಯರ ಜೂತೆ ಸೋತು ಅವರ ಶಿಷ್ಯರಾಗಿ ಸುರೇಶ್ವರ ಎಂದು ಪ್ರಸಿದ್ಧಿ ಹೂಂದುತ್ತಾರೆ. ಹೀಗೆ ಶಂಕರಾಚಾರ್ಯರ ಮಹಿಮೆಯನ್ನು ತಿಳಿಯಬಹುದು.

ನಂತರ ಅರಬ್ಬರ ಆಕ್ರಮಣ,ಅವರ ಆಕ್ರಮಿತ‌ ಪ್ರದೇಶದಲ್ಲಿ ವೈಧಿಕ ಧರ್ಮ ಪ್ರಚೋದನೆಗಾಗಿ ನಾಟಕ ಮಾಡುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾಗ ಕೃಷ್ಣಾನಂದ ಮತ್ತು ಚಂದ್ರಿಕೆ ಇಬ್ಬರೂ ಅರಬ್ಬರ ಕೈಯಲ್ಲಿ ಸಿಕ್ಕಿಬಿದ್ಧು ಪಡುವ ಸಂಕಷ್ಟಗಳು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ತಿಳಿಯಬಹುದು.

ಈ ಕಾದಂಬರಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಶಂಕರಾಚಾರ್ಯರ ಬಗ್ಗೆ, ಬುದ್ಧ,ಮಂಡನ ಮಿಶ್ರ,ಕುಮಾರಿಲ ಭಟ್ಟ,ನಾಲಂದ ವಿಶ್ವವಿದ್ಯಾಲಯ,ಬೋಧಿ ವೃಕ್ಷ,ಗಯಾ ಕ್ಷೇತ್ರ,ಅದ್ವೈತದ ಸಿದ್ಧಾಂತದ ಬಗ್ಗೆ,ಯೋಗಸಾಧನೆ ಮತ್ತು ತಂತ್ರ ಸಾಧನೆ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಆಗಿನ ಕಾಲದಲ್ಲಿ ಅರಬ್ಬರ ದಬ್ಬಾಳಿಕೆ‌ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಇನ್ನೂ ಹಲವು ಈ *ಸಾರ್ಥ* ದಲ್ಲಿ ಓದಿ ತಿಳಿಯಬಹುದು.

[Tanvi Agarwal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came across the author while I was searching for a Mahabharatha translation and read about his book, Parva. Parva wasn't available anywhere online at that time so I ordered Sartha to read some thing else by the same author.

Sartha has been an extremely new book for me, not just the topic but even the content and the writing style. The translation is in a very simplistic language so it's not a great experience for someone looking for artistic language but the book is still a great literary experience.

The story is that of a scholar, Nagabhatta who is traveling across the country and sharing his thoughts and observations as time passes by. He is a vedic scholar and as part of a 'caravan' goes far away from his home to experience life beyond what he knows. He experiences life out of his comfort zone and thus ends up questioning his ideas of right and wrong and begins to experiment with varieties of ideologies that go beyond what his vedic background prescribed. As part of his journey, he becomes a part of a caravan, acts on stage, falls in love with an actress who turns out to be an ascetic, learns meditation, adopts the tantric way of life, watches his guru sacrifice himself on fire, experiences the famous debate between Shankaracharya and Mandana Misra and finally experiences physical and mental pain on being kidnapped by Arab invaders. His experiences are set in the backdrop of the decline of the vedic age, the rise of buddhism and hints of islamic invasion in India.

We usually refer to history as that of the pre independence era - but there is a whole lot of history back in first few centuries and this book does a really good job of introducing those ideas. This was an eye opening read as it introduces the reader to Hinduism which is a collection of various philosophies of which only one bleak one is that of an idol worshipping saffron wearing preacher which is the only thing we see around today.

[Harshada Sowani · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is totally at a different level, its the story about travel journey, about love, about human psychology, about spirituality, about religions, about conflicts, about mind, about knowledge, about growth and everything. The story happens in ancient India in the time-frame when India had Vaidik and sanatan dharmas, big caste-system, and rules and lifestyle accordingly. It was the time, when Buddha dharma started rising, also many Hindu-Buddha temples were being created, when people were speaking Sanskrit, when Gurukula was the part of education, and when arab and muslims started encroaching the north-west border (sindh region).
This book highlights the conflicts that happened in the era due so many religions, their different traditions, castes and rules. Genius people were debating and discussing on which religion or tradition is the best. So this book is quite thought provoking.
It has glimpse of buddha bikkhu, yogis, tantriks, sankrit gurus, vaidik gurus and their thoughts, livings styles.
The book also has a beautiful love story in the midst of these conflicts.
It also tells how kings and his kingdom were at different parts of India. how people use to travel across to do business (which is also called Sartha), how people had small plays of gods as one of the entertainment, how ahimsa and himsa were acting in the same region, how people were being asked/forced for religion conversion, how there were big universities acting in India (Nalanda University) etc.
The book touches different topics and makes you think and wonder about many of them. You can make your own conclusions. The book is "Sartha".

[Rajath · Rating 4 out of 5]

An amazing journey through the eyes of a traveler in pre-modern India.

Some of the points to think about:
- Conversion of Vedic Brahmins like Nāgārjuna, Nāgasena, Dharmakīrti etc. to Buddhism either due to presence of caste system, animal sacrifices or lack of śraddhā in Veda in spite of being paṇḍits.
- Difference in the style of architecture between Hindu temples and Bauddha chaityas: In Hindu temples, the structure from outer prākāra to inner garbhagṛha becomes smaller and smaller while in chaitya, Buddha is seated in a huge hall.
- Buddhist borrowing of ideas/stories/concepts from Hindu/Vedic itihāsa/purāṇa and "creating" Jātaka tales while Buddha's teaching itself was pretty simple.
- Buddha being "appropriated" as ninth avatāra of Bhagavān Viṣṇu.
- Presence of caste system in Vedic religion, people of different caste cooking differently etc., and its absence in Buddhism
- Absence of conversion in Vedic religion and its presence in Buddhism
- Episodes of Kumārila Bhaṭṭa, Maṇḍana Miśra and lack of unity among Kings

[Hemant · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author has brilliantly used the backdrop of eighth century when Buddhism is thriving, debates between Vaidik and Buddhist traditions are at their peak, and Indian subcontinent is encountering Islam for the first time. The philosophical intricacies of Bhuddism (discussions of Nagabhatta and Sathapati (sculptor)), Sanyas marg and Karma kand (Shankar & Mandan Mishra, Shankar & Kumaril Bhatt), and Grihasth ashram (Bharati Devi) have been beautifully weaved into the story by the author. The emotional weakness and deep-seated distrust has been shown by the failure of Nagbhatta to resist the temptation of looking into his wife’s mind. Also we see the King (lover of Nagabhatta’s wife) enslaved by the sensual pleasures and Shankar on the other hand is following Sanyas Marg (path of renunciation) since a young age.
Full review at https://hemantkmr.wordpress.com/2017/...

[Vishwanath Koushik · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Aavarana, this is my second book by Sri S.L Bhyrappa. This historical fiction set at the time when Buddhism was at its peak and when Arabs started invading Sindh. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It gives the reader an introduction to different philosophies of India. The book clearly explains the debate culture that has been existing in India. I loved the second half of the book, starting from chapter 8, where the protagonist Nagabhatta enters Nalanda University and the interaction with different scholars. The classic debate that happened between Sri Adi Shankaracharya and Mandana Mishra is well-turned. Looking forward to reading more books of S.L. Bhyrappa. Truly a great writer. Respect!