महाभोज

by Mannu Bhandari

महाभोज – मन्नू भंडारी मन्नू भंडारी का महाभोज उपन्यास इस धारणा को तोड़ता है कि महिलाएं या तो घर-परिवार के बारे में लिखती हैं, या अपनी भावनाओं की दुनिया में ही जीती-मरती हैं! महाभोज विद्रोह का राजनैतिक उपन्यास है! जनतंत्र में साधारण जन की जगह कहाँ है? राजनीति और नौकरशाही के सूत्रधारों ने सारे ताने-बाने को इस तरह उलझा दिया है कि वह जनता को फांसने और घोटने का जाल बनकर रह गया है! इस जाल की हर कड़ी महाभोज के दा साहब की उँगलियों के इशारों पर सिमटती और कहती है! हर सूत्र के वे कुशल संचालक हैं! उनकी सरपरस्ती में राजनीति के खोटे सिक्के समाज चला रहे हैं!-खरे सिक्के एक तरफ फेंक दिए गए हैं! महाभोज एक ओर तंत्र के शिकंजे की तो दूसरी ओर जन की नियति के द्वन्द की दारुण कथा है! अनेक देशी-विदेशी भाषाओँ में इस महत्त्पूर&

Genres: Indian Literature, Fiction, Novels

168 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1979

About the author

Mannu Bhandari was born on April 3, 1931, in Bhanpura, Madhya Pradesh, India. She attended school in Ajmer and later she graduated from Calcutta University in 1949, followed by an M.A. degree in Hindi from the Banaras Hindu University in 1953.
She is wife of famous Hindi writer Rajendra Yadav, with whom she co-wrote the book, Ek Inch Muskaan (A Little Smile).

In post independent Hindi literature many new women writers emerged
and attracted the attention of readers and critics but after initial shining some
of them did not make writing of their successful career. Many women writers
have entered the arena of literary writing. Several highly talented writers have
enriched Hindi literature with their creative writings. To name a few Usha
Priyamvada, Malti Joshi, Dipti Khandelwal, Mridila Garg, Mannu Bhandari,
Shubha Verma are some of the most accomplished contemporary Hindi
women writers. Their writing reflect how modernism, contemporary social
situations and currents and cross currents at life have molded their writing and
subject matter as well as impact on them. Moreover these women writers
have written about Indian women, their pains, conflicts, predicaments against
the background of contemporary India. They have focused their attention not
only on the outer situation and conflict but also on inner turmoil of modern
women. In this reference writer like Mannu Bhandari deserves special
attention. Her contribution to the world of fiction dates to the 6os. She has
written in and experimented with varieties of genres of literature like the short
story novel, political novel, literature for children, drama, screen play, and
dialogues for film etc. Mannu Bhandari has also chaired the directorship of
Premchand Srujanpith in Vikram University, Ujjian. In 2008 Mannu Bhandari
was given for her autobiography Ek Kahani Yah Bhi the prestigious Vyas
Sanmaan for year 2008, which is instituted by the K.K. Birala Foundation and
given every year for outstanding literary work in Hindi authored by Indian citizens.

Reviews

[Gorab · Rating 4 out of 5]

After relishing 'Aapka Bunty', 'Bina Diwaro Ke Ghar' and a few short stories by Mannu ji, I picked this one while in the mood for reading some more on strained family relations.
The blurb warned of something unexpected -
"मन्नू भंडारी का महाभोज उपन्यास इस धारणा को तोड़ता है कि महिलाएं या तो घर-परिवार के बारे में लिखती हैं, या अपनी भावनाओं की दुनिया में ही जीती-मरती हैं!"

And this political thriller turned out to be such a pleasant surprise. This got me hooked from the first page and there wasn't any slack till the end.

Mahabhoj in hindi roughly translates to the feast organised after a person's death for his remembrance where the entire village is invited.

The story starts with the death of a minority person in mischievous circumstances. And the title reflects on how the politicians and media groups jump on this opportunity for building their case in the upcoming elections.

Caution: This contains one critical conversation in "khadi boli" ranging around 5-6 pages. [I immensely enjoyed this added flavour]

Recommended? Very much!

[Payal Sachdeva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished reading this book … I loved it to the core . I must say Ms Bhandari has done a commendable job, portraying the true picture of Indian political system and chicanery . The book is inundated with sarcastic remarks , words used aptly ( vernacular ) by politicians and a showcase of India’s society . It was penned down in 70s, but still the book depicts the true picture of Our political scenario , as if it is happening today also … a bitter truth ..a good gem for Hindi literature . I would highly recommend this book to all …

[Deepak Rao · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mahabhoj by Mannu Bhandari is a must read for all those who're interested in reading meaningful Hindi literature. Replete with deep emotions,sarcasm, and symbolism this novel is a commentary on Indian politics devoid of values,principles and direction...One of the finest books I've ever read..

[Aniket Mahajani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mahabhoj is a novella based on rural politics in India. Conditions prescribed in book belongs to 80s, you will still observe a lot of relevance to this day, hence you develop interest in reading it till end. Language of the novel is also very attractive & keeps reader enticed.

[Sahir D'souza. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first sentence of this book is 'Laavaaris laash ko giddh noch-nochkar kha jaatay hain'. Awesome!!!!!!! (Translation: 'Vultures feast bit by bit on unclaimed bodies'.) This book is a 'raajnaitik upanyaas', or political novel. It centres around Da Saheb, a politician, who is, you get the impression, supposed to be the 'good guy'. His rival is Sukul Baboo, the 'bad guy'. Of course, they each have their atrocious and supremely positive sides. What I liked intensely was the way Mannu Bhandari introduces her principal characters. First, a paragraph on their physical appearance and then one one their emotional personality. For example, we are told that Sukul Baboo spends a lot of time with 'sura-sundaree', which is a very posh way of saying that he's interested in alcohol and women. A third character is Lochan Baboo, a politician who was part of Da Saheb's party, got fed up and joined Sukl Baboo's party, got fed up there, too, left, and is now planning to form his own party.
In the start of the novel, Biseser, one of the villagers, referred to affectionately as Bisoo, has been killed. The rest of the book deals with the politician's attempts at finding out the murderer, while vying for the villagers' votes.
A very well-written book, 'Mahabhoj' is very thought-provoking and makes one ponder today's political scene. Lovely.

[Ajay Nawal · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant novel. While Manu Bhandari says in opening of the book that all character, incident, plots of this novel's are imaginary yet after reading book all of it feels more real and close resemblance with Indian politics. First line of the novel " lavarish lash ko gidhh noch nochkar kha jate hai " has a very deep meaning and can be said to be summary of entire novel. Lavarish lash is a Dalit, A bonded labour ; one whose voice does not get heard and becomes powerless in the corrupt socio-political system. Gidhh is a politician, a jamindar, a policewala, newspaper-media.
Mahabhoj is a story of how a Dalit activist's murder get politicised, cheap politicians use public sentiment to drive votes ; How seasonal politicians carefully play the game of politics amidst this murder - influence media, police in order to get favourable outcome. It is the reflection of - political opportunism ,use of wealth and force in elections, police arrogance, in activism of intelligentsia, Dalit Chetna, exploit class, self- interest of opposition, No recognition of honest politics, power in one un-democratic man who preaches himself to be a follower of Gandhi.
One of the finest novel of Hindi literature I have so come across, a must read.

[Neha Sharma · Rating 3 out of 5]

राजनीति के हर दाँव-पेंच को मन्नू भंडारी ने पूरी तरह सामने लाया है,अपनी इस कहानी के ज़रिए..इस किताब का पहला संस्करण 1979 में आया था..लेकिन अब भी ये समसामयिक लगती है..क्योंकि शायद ना तो अब तक राजनीति का माहौल बदला है और ना ही देश में ग़रीबों का।
गाँव सरोहा में बिसेसर की हत्या जो रोज़मर्रा की एक मामूली और अनजानी घटना होकर रह सकती थी..विधानसभा के उपचुनाव के कारण एक राजनीतिक घटना बन जाती है,जिसका हर पक्ष अपनी तरह से इस्तेमाल करता है।
मन्नू भंडारी को पढ़ने का ये पहला मौक़ा है लेकिन आख़िरी बिलकुल भी नहीं है..ये कह सकती हूँ..पात्र का चरित्र,घटनाएँ,स्थान ये सारी बातें मन्नू भंडारी बहुत अच्छी तरह लिखती हैं।

[Jayesh agarwal · Rating 4 out of 5]

मन्नू भण्डारी कृत महाभोज पढी.. कहानी उसी राजनैतिक उठा पटक पर आधारित है.. जिसकी तासीर समय बदलने के साथ शायद आज भी नहीं बदली है.. पुस्तक पठनीय है एवं सिर्फ १६५ पन्नों में सिमटी है... ऐक लेखिका द्वारा इस प्रकार के विषय का चयन हिंदी साहित्य जगत में कम ही देखने मिलता है...

[Haseen Khushminda · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was shorter than I expected. It did a decent job at conveying the plot though. I love how subtle Da Sahab's character was. Recommended for those who don't understand how unjust our systems are to the unprivileged.

[Sukant Jain · Rating 5 out of 5]

इसको पढते समय सहसा राग दरवारी की याद दिमाग मे कौंध जाती हैं।

[Sunny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Superb

A black truth of Indian politics and society which is still relevant and alive in our so called social life

[Sarita Shukla · Rating 5 out of 5]

सशक्त लेखन


सशक्त लेखनी का अनोखा उदाहरण।शुरू से अंत तक बांधे रखने वाला उपन्यास।राजनीति का ऐसा चित्रण जो हर समय में सत्य प्रतीत होता है।

[A Rahul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Manu Bhandari has captured Indian politics and how common man is used for political ends by shrewd politicians. It seems politics has only worsened in India.
A book worth a read.

[Punit · Rating 4 out of 5]

राजनीतिक पार्टियों के आंतरिक दावपेंच में पिसती जनता।

[Abhishekh Kushwaha · Rating 5 out of 5]

हिंदी के सजग पाठक के लिए अनिवार्य उपन्यास

[Shekhar Kumar · Rating 5 out of 5]

मन्नू भंडारी का महाभोज अपराध और राजनीति के गठजोड़ का एक यथार्थवादी उपन्यास है। महाभोज का कथानक सरोहा नामक गांव के इर्द गिर्द घूमता है। कहानी की शुरुआत बिसेसर उर्फ़ बीसू की मौत की ख़बर से होती है, मन्नू भंडारी ने बिसेसर की मौत के बाद का दृश्य प्रस्तुत किया है जो आज के राजनीतिक और पुलिसिया कार्यशैली की ओर ध्यान खींचती है। लाशों पर होती राजनीति, विपक्षी पार्टियों द्वारा विरोध प्रदर्शन और पैसे देकर रैलियां करवाना आदि को भंडारी जी ने बहुत ही सहज ढंग से प्रस्तुत किया है साथ ही मीडिया किस तरह सरकार की गोद में बैठकर उनके इशारों पर जनता को बेवकूफ़ बनाती है, से मन्नू भंडारी ने अच्छी तरह पाठकों को परिचित कराया है। कहानी की बात करें तो अत्यंत रोचक है जो पाठकों को बांध के रखती है। भाषा पात्रानुकूल तथा विषयानुकूल है तथा भंडारी जी ने कई स्थानों पर व्यंग्य भी किया है, जो भाषा को और भी प्रभावशाली बना देती है। अतः मन्नू भंडारी का यह उपन्यास न सिर्फ रोचक है बल्कि आज के राजनीतिक परिदृश्य को समझने में सहायक भी है।

धन्यवाद

[Anurag Mishra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is one for the ages.
The sociopolitical condition of the country is depicted profoundly. This book tells that there is no binary game in politics where one is right and the other is wrong; instead, everything is grey. The anger of Bindra, the helplessness of SP, Muder of Bisu, and the cry and pain of heera explain that truth and righteousness have lost their glory.
The excellent articulation in Hindi and subtle changes to the local dialect, certain hard-hitting statements, and the SP interrogation has made the book a compelling read.

[Aditya · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful book that talks through fiction about the truths of village life, about being a proletariat, about fiefdom, about how governments at their core only twist the truth to get re-elected. When you read his in a news article it didn’t affect the mind. But the beautiful way that the author has portrayed the innermost workings of those most affected, if makes you suddenly feel strongly for something like this even if you’re reading it far away from indianin anotehr country like I did.

[Aparna Khare · Rating 5 out of 5]

कम ही पुस्तकें ऐसी होती हैं जो आपके अंतर्मन को विचलित कर दें, सही और गलत के विषय में सोचने पर मजबूर कर दें और आपको समाज का आइना दिखाने से भी न चुके!
कुछ ऐसा ही लगा इसको पढ़ कर!
सरल भाषा और अंत तक बांधकर रखने वाली कहानी– कि खत्म करने के पश्चात कुछ क्षण के लिए ऐसा लगा जैसे सब मेरी आंखों के सामने ही सब घटित हो रहा हो। भले इसे सन 70 के दशक में लिखा गया हो, सत्ता का प्रलोभन और उसका दुरुपयोग अभी भी समाज में बरकरार है और इसलिए शायद आज भी यह पढ़कर ऐसा लगा है जैसे इतने वर्षों बाद भी कुछ ना बदला हो।

[Sameer Mehra · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 stars

लेखिका ने भारतवर्ष के गांव की विभिन्न जातियों को लेकर एक अच्छी राजनीतिक किताब लिखी है. पोलिटिकल और सामाजिक किताब पढ़ने वालों के लिए पहली पसंद है लेकिन मुझे लेखन शैली जटिल लगी, 2-3 बार तो पूरा पैराग्राफ पढ़ने के बाद भी समझ नहीं आया.... कठिन भाषा शैली मुझे पसंद नहीं पर यें किताब की डिमांड भी थी 👍🏾👍🏾

[Swati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bhut he khubsurti se likha hai Mannu ji ne.Aisa lgta hai mano sb kuch apki aankho k samne he chl rha.Rajniti or humanity ka combination,bhlai k naam pr apni rotiyan senkne wale neta...sb kuch aisa lgta hai jaise apki zindagi m chl rha hai.
Laazwab👏👏

[Navneet Mishra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice

[Gurpreet Singh · Rating 4 out of 5]

निकृष्ट राजनीति का असली चेहरा दिखाता एक उपन्यास।

[Sagar · Rating 5 out of 5]

सच्चाई कुरेदता शानदार उपन्यास!

[अभय कुमार · Rating 4 out of 5]

जिन्होंने ने भी 'आपका बंटी' पढ़ा है वे लोग मन्नू भंडारी जी के लेखनशैली से बखूबी परिचित होंगे। अपनी इस कृति के साथ वे महिलाओं की राजनैतिक समझ का एक उत्कृष्ट उदाहरण भी प्रस्तुत करती हैं।

[Nishit Sanghvi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok. Ok

Not so good.. Plot is not well crafted also End is also not interesting.. Writing is good.. One time read..

[Ashok Bhargava · Rating 5 out of 5]

राजनीति की हकीकत को उजागर करता उपन्यास

सामाजिक समस्याओं व राजनीतिक दांव पेंच का बखूबी चित्रण करता उपन्यास। हर काल के लिए शाश्वत। सभी को जरूर पढ़ना चाहिए।

[seema tadwal · Rating 5 out of 5]

महत्ता हो आदमी में त��� दिखानी नहीं पड़ती, अपने आप दिख जाती है- महाभोज, मन्नू भंडारी

[Kamal Sharma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Typical political story. I would have loved it if it's ending had taken a different turn. Moreover, it shows the reflection of how rotten our system is.

[Nisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read, the book is still relevant to now a days social/political environment.