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Patan Trilogy #2
Gujrat Ke Nath
Novel
380 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1917
21 people are currently reading
416 people want to read
About the author
Kanaiyalal Maneklal Munshi
119 books223 followersK.M. Munshi is one of Gujarat's most well-known literary writers. His historical novels have contributed profoundly to the sense of past that Gujarat lives with. A multi-faceted personality, he was a prominent lawyer, freedom fighter and politician. He was also the founder of the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 14, 2019
Another great novel by Kanhaiyalal Maniklal Munshi. I am a fan of his writing. This book is a sequel of Glory of Patan. This is the second part of Patan Trilogy and this book really take journey to next level. I enjoy every bit of it. The plot and fast-moving narrative are enough to grip the reader.
The events of this story occur four years after the events of The Glory of Patan. The kingdom of Patan is under attack from the army of Avanti. Refugees flank the city. Amidst this arrives a brave warrior -Kaak. I love how Munjal, Bhatraj Kaak, or Dandnayak Tribhuvanpal characters were involved. Other characters are interspersed into the story seamlessly and the action moves at a furious pace with bits of historical facts here and there to enable the reader understand the characters, their place in the history of the region and the situation prevailing in those times better. It has an excellent and interesting story-line and has strong and well portrayed characters from both genders. The conflict between Jaydev(the king of patan) and Ra'Khengar(the king of junagadh) is the main part of the novel. But the love angle between Kaak and Manjari is beautifully protrayed. Although Jaydev's actions are not the best but his ministers and diplomats save Patan's pride. One of the finest Solanki's Gujarat has ever seen. The ruler of golden period of Gujarat when art, knowledge, language, trade and prosperity were blossomed.
The third book, which is yet to be translated into English, is called Rajadhiraj or The King of Kings.
If you can read Gujarati then don’t miss this book. If you can’t read Gujarati then at least read a translation.
The events of this story occur four years after the events of The Glory of Patan. The kingdom of Patan is under attack from the army of Avanti. Refugees flank the city. Amidst this arrives a brave warrior -Kaak. I love how Munjal, Bhatraj Kaak, or Dandnayak Tribhuvanpal characters were involved. Other characters are interspersed into the story seamlessly and the action moves at a furious pace with bits of historical facts here and there to enable the reader understand the characters, their place in the history of the region and the situation prevailing in those times better. It has an excellent and interesting story-line and has strong and well portrayed characters from both genders. The conflict between Jaydev(the king of patan) and Ra'Khengar(the king of junagadh) is the main part of the novel. But the love angle between Kaak and Manjari is beautifully protrayed. Although Jaydev's actions are not the best but his ministers and diplomats save Patan's pride. One of the finest Solanki's Gujarat has ever seen. The ruler of golden period of Gujarat when art, knowledge, language, trade and prosperity were blossomed.
The third book, which is yet to be translated into English, is called Rajadhiraj or The King of Kings.
If you can read Gujarati then don’t miss this book. If you can’t read Gujarati then at least read a translation.
July 2, 2013
When anyone asks me about the world class authors from gujarati literature I point my finger at Kanaiyalal Munshi. He actually rules the hearts of gujarati literature lovers by his amazing narration of historical stories. He excelled his writing skills in 'Gujarat no nath'. The story revolves around the solanki empire in Gujarat. The conflict between Jaydev(the king of patan) and Ra'Khengar(the king of junagadh) is the main plot of the novel. But the actual attraction of the book is two characters - Kaak(The minister of patan) and his wife Manjari. Munshi has reached at the top of the art of narration by creating these two characters. The chemistry between Kaak and Manjari is the heart of the book. When we complete the book the question arises that who is the actual Naath(Master) of Gujarat ? Is he Jaydev ? Is he Munjaal ? Is he Kaak ? Or Tribhoovanpal ? Well I havent reached at the coclusion. But yes I can clearly say that real master of Gujarati literature is K.M.Munshi. It is a must read book for all literature lovers.
February 8, 2021
This is the second book in the Gujarat Gatha trilogy by KM Munshi ji on Solanki Dynasty. It starts with a seemingly simple foot soldier like personality of Kaak which develops into one of the main characters leading the story onwards till the end of the series.
The way his character evolves as the story progresses is sheer joy. His intelligence, diplomacy, cunning, strength of character, the author has beautifully crafted each of his traits together into a complete and compelling package. Here Tribhuvanpal and Munjal takes a back seat; and Kaak and Udaa Mehta emerges more powerful. And throughout the narration you compare and contrast the personalities of Munjal and Kaak.
Then there is Manjari whose journey starts as a proud and stubborn girl but metamorphoses into a woman capable of deep feelings, wisdom and rectitude. Here also you can't help but compare her with Prasanna and appreciate the differences in their personalities.
Reading this book, I felt that Munshi ji's greatest strength lies in describing the nature surrounding the characters, the way he writes about a sunrise, sunset, the way the rays reflects on a flowing river, etc. is absolute poetry, it gave more depth to the evolving relationship between Kaak and Manjari.
Finally, here Udaa Mehta also comes into his own as the rich powerful anti-hero, to Kaak's hero, from the first book's sniveling, calculating and cunning person. At the end of this book, I couldn't wait to get started with the final one.
The way his character evolves as the story progresses is sheer joy. His intelligence, diplomacy, cunning, strength of character, the author has beautifully crafted each of his traits together into a complete and compelling package. Here Tribhuvanpal and Munjal takes a back seat; and Kaak and Udaa Mehta emerges more powerful. And throughout the narration you compare and contrast the personalities of Munjal and Kaak.
Then there is Manjari whose journey starts as a proud and stubborn girl but metamorphoses into a woman capable of deep feelings, wisdom and rectitude. Here also you can't help but compare her with Prasanna and appreciate the differences in their personalities.
Reading this book, I felt that Munshi ji's greatest strength lies in describing the nature surrounding the characters, the way he writes about a sunrise, sunset, the way the rays reflects on a flowing river, etc. is absolute poetry, it gave more depth to the evolving relationship between Kaak and Manjari.
Finally, here Udaa Mehta also comes into his own as the rich powerful anti-hero, to Kaak's hero, from the first book's sniveling, calculating and cunning person. At the end of this book, I couldn't wait to get started with the final one.
January 16, 2021
Brilliant and an absolute page-turner! What is not to like in this book! This is the sequel of the Glory of Patan and is the second part of the Patan trilogy, written by KM Munshi. The first book 'The Glory of Patan' was bland in comparison to the book currently under discussion. KM Munshi showed his greatness only through this book. Hence, this book is regarded as KM Munshi's greatest ever book.
I read this book just after finishing the first part; the accounts of Glory of Patan remains afresh as a result. Munshi created various voids in the first part such as the absence of beautiful descriptions of palaces, princes, places and philosophy. Everything was compensated in this book under discussion. This book is well researched, although he grants himself too much of artistic liberty, the book still does not fail to amuse the reader. The description of Rani ki Vav was beautiful; wealth depiction by the means of flags was also shown in the book. The story, although fictitious, tells the position of three major religion, Hindu, Buddhism and Jainism, in Aryavarta at that time. Islam was introduced only through the cursory glimpses of attacks of Ghazni. As a result, you can easily see the then relations between these three indigenous religions often fighting like brothers but not beheading each other by treating one another only as infidels. There was a presence of orthodoxy in Jainism but that too was in a stage of infancy. Jainism and Buddhism both did not grow violent in the name of one God.
There were three or four love stories, all in contrast and independent to each other; yet every story had a common thread: the love between man and woman deviated from their uniqueness on the metrics of circumstances, pride in lineage and purity and loyalty towards their land. The platonic love between the minister of Patan and queen mother was in complete contrast with the sensual relationship between Kaak and Manjari, the poetess. It makes us certainly think of the different kind of relationships one can have in their life depending upon their loyalty, attitude, maturity and age. On further research, no matter how interesting these two love stories sound to the readers, the reader might be disappointed to know that these two love stories flourished only in the imagination of the author.
The book was fast-paced; such was the pace of the book that sometimes it did not give the latitude to the readers to observe and absorb what actually happened. I felt the author could have provided depth on the axis of time when Munal Mehta found out who his son was. Although the Munal's role was reduced to just a prime minister of Patan and his thunder was certainly stolen by the valorous warrior from Laat, Kaak bhatt. Kaak was not only nimble and a valorous warrior but the author has shown other side of the man through his relation with Manjari. Kaak was everyone's friend including the enemy of Patan, yet he managed to have good and healthy relations with all.
The translators' analysis or accusation(given in the introduction) that KM Munshi was advocating for the Brahmanical supremacy was quite unfounded. The translators' might have come to this decision on researching upon several other references but it was evident neither in this book or the previous one. Although, there was no criticism regarding the treatment of low caste people and it was quite evident that the society was very much divided due to the pride of the lineage they carried. But, it should not be forgotten the point on the axis of time on which the author wrote the story and the story he located at around 1000 AD. Of course, Munshi was a Brahmin. Had he been a Dalit, would he have still praised and written the instances depicting Brahmanical supremacy? I think yes because it was the demand of the story. To change the reality of that time by creating a utopian undivided and just society would have been an injustice not only to readers but to the author himself and the reality of that time. It would miss the mark of being called historical fiction; instead, it would have been aptly called 'a work of futuristic fiction' but this was not completely in consonance with the intentions of creating such a beautiful work i.e to reignite the lost Asmita for the people of Gujarat. Moreover, such daring frauds could have only been carried out by today's so-called eminent historians of India.
Although analysing this book from present lens, the reader might feel reserved to appreciate the times of the past. But, if you are an arduous reader of history, one must learn to appreciate those things from the lens of those times only. If we analyse past personalities like Jesus, Rama and Mahavir, even they would not be spared from the swords of modern sociological perspectives. Hence, to appreciate an author, one should step in his shoes, recall his lifelong contribution to the society, and cherish the intent behind creating such a stupendous work. In this case, one must know that KM Munshi co-founded Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan. If you are in Chandigarh, they have a store in Sector 27.
I am so much affected with this work that I might visit Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan someday soon to explore what other jewels they have in their catalogue.
To conclude, this book is recommended to everyone. But a word of caution is that it might reignite the Asmita (pride) in you but one must always remember the disclaimer that this is the work of fiction and author has exercised a great magnitude of independence in exercising the artistic freedom and has certainly made himself free of the historical responsibility in this book under discussion.
I read this book just after finishing the first part; the accounts of Glory of Patan remains afresh as a result. Munshi created various voids in the first part such as the absence of beautiful descriptions of palaces, princes, places and philosophy. Everything was compensated in this book under discussion. This book is well researched, although he grants himself too much of artistic liberty, the book still does not fail to amuse the reader. The description of Rani ki Vav was beautiful; wealth depiction by the means of flags was also shown in the book. The story, although fictitious, tells the position of three major religion, Hindu, Buddhism and Jainism, in Aryavarta at that time. Islam was introduced only through the cursory glimpses of attacks of Ghazni. As a result, you can easily see the then relations between these three indigenous religions often fighting like brothers but not beheading each other by treating one another only as infidels. There was a presence of orthodoxy in Jainism but that too was in a stage of infancy. Jainism and Buddhism both did not grow violent in the name of one God.
There were three or four love stories, all in contrast and independent to each other; yet every story had a common thread: the love between man and woman deviated from their uniqueness on the metrics of circumstances, pride in lineage and purity and loyalty towards their land. The platonic love between the minister of Patan and queen mother was in complete contrast with the sensual relationship between Kaak and Manjari, the poetess. It makes us certainly think of the different kind of relationships one can have in their life depending upon their loyalty, attitude, maturity and age. On further research, no matter how interesting these two love stories sound to the readers, the reader might be disappointed to know that these two love stories flourished only in the imagination of the author.
The book was fast-paced; such was the pace of the book that sometimes it did not give the latitude to the readers to observe and absorb what actually happened. I felt the author could have provided depth on the axis of time when Munal Mehta found out who his son was. Although the Munal's role was reduced to just a prime minister of Patan and his thunder was certainly stolen by the valorous warrior from Laat, Kaak bhatt. Kaak was not only nimble and a valorous warrior but the author has shown other side of the man through his relation with Manjari. Kaak was everyone's friend including the enemy of Patan, yet he managed to have good and healthy relations with all.
The translators' analysis or accusation(given in the introduction) that KM Munshi was advocating for the Brahmanical supremacy was quite unfounded. The translators' might have come to this decision on researching upon several other references but it was evident neither in this book or the previous one. Although, there was no criticism regarding the treatment of low caste people and it was quite evident that the society was very much divided due to the pride of the lineage they carried. But, it should not be forgotten the point on the axis of time on which the author wrote the story and the story he located at around 1000 AD. Of course, Munshi was a Brahmin. Had he been a Dalit, would he have still praised and written the instances depicting Brahmanical supremacy? I think yes because it was the demand of the story. To change the reality of that time by creating a utopian undivided and just society would have been an injustice not only to readers but to the author himself and the reality of that time. It would miss the mark of being called historical fiction; instead, it would have been aptly called 'a work of futuristic fiction' but this was not completely in consonance with the intentions of creating such a beautiful work i.e to reignite the lost Asmita for the people of Gujarat. Moreover, such daring frauds could have only been carried out by today's so-called eminent historians of India.
Although analysing this book from present lens, the reader might feel reserved to appreciate the times of the past. But, if you are an arduous reader of history, one must learn to appreciate those things from the lens of those times only. If we analyse past personalities like Jesus, Rama and Mahavir, even they would not be spared from the swords of modern sociological perspectives. Hence, to appreciate an author, one should step in his shoes, recall his lifelong contribution to the society, and cherish the intent behind creating such a stupendous work. In this case, one must know that KM Munshi co-founded Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan. If you are in Chandigarh, they have a store in Sector 27.
I am so much affected with this work that I might visit Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan someday soon to explore what other jewels they have in their catalogue.
To conclude, this book is recommended to everyone. But a word of caution is that it might reignite the Asmita (pride) in you but one must always remember the disclaimer that this is the work of fiction and author has exercised a great magnitude of independence in exercising the artistic freedom and has certainly made himself free of the historical responsibility in this book under discussion.
April 3, 2019
Reading the first part of the trilogy was a bit slow in start, but as we progress to the next part, the story strengthen's its grip and how ! The star of this book is Manjari. You immediately fall in love with this glowing pearl of the erstwhile Gujarat. The Sanskrit used in chapters makes it more engaging and effective. Story revolving around Kaak and Manjari makes you immersed in their world like anything. It doesn't feel bulky (while physically it is) to read the book because of the flow which takes you on ride, literally.
February 7, 2021
Read this just after the first sequel, " Glory of Patan". It was easy and fun to compare and unravel the depth of characters in this next part. It did answer my 'assumptions based questions' about Minaldevi and Munjal Mehta's character.
February 13, 2021
Combined review of this and the prev book in the series.
K.M. Munshi is credited with coining the notion of “asmita” (pride in Gujarati) with his historical fiction and history books. The “Patan trilogy” is set in Gujarat in the last decade of the 11th century onwards. Mahmud of Ghazni has invaded and gone and the question of province vs Aryavarta (India) is often discussed in the trilogy. Another one is whether there should be a state religion. These are fast-paced reads driven by heroes.
A fascinating thing was that one of the central characters - PM Munjal Mehta reminds eerily of PM Modi in many ways. Remember that these much-loved Gujarati books are 100 yrs old. And you realise why PM Modi is so loved and revered by ppl in Gujarat.
K.M. Munshi is credited with coining the notion of “asmita” (pride in Gujarati) with his historical fiction and history books. The “Patan trilogy” is set in Gujarat in the last decade of the 11th century onwards. Mahmud of Ghazni has invaded and gone and the question of province vs Aryavarta (India) is often discussed in the trilogy. Another one is whether there should be a state religion. These are fast-paced reads driven by heroes.
A fascinating thing was that one of the central characters - PM Munjal Mehta reminds eerily of PM Modi in many ways. Remember that these much-loved Gujarati books are 100 yrs old. And you realise why PM Modi is so loved and revered by ppl in Gujarat.
August 22, 2012
It is one of the best book of Gujarati Literature. The way it is written is just mesmerizing, a wholes in front of your eyes. Characters of kak and Manjari attract you in there world. Best scene is when Kak goes in Smasan, it just gives you goose bumps. History never became so interesting. They say Munshi copied Duma, but i think he excelled him. His every novel has the love for Gujarat that he carried till his death. His historical novels are just masterpieces to be explored.
October 7, 2018
Master piece from K M Munshi. Finished in only two sittings.
The rising of Kaak, from a mere sepoy of Laat to an important personality in the politics of Patan along with evolution of love between him and Manjari is breathtaking.
There is no match for Munshi in characterising glorious politicians and kings of ancient Gujarat.
The rising of Kaak, from a mere sepoy of Laat to an important personality in the politics of Patan along with evolution of love between him and Manjari is breathtaking.
There is no match for Munshi in characterising glorious politicians and kings of ancient Gujarat.
March 10, 2016
Good book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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February 8, 2020This book is a gem in Gujarati novel literature, with tits bits from the history of gujarat during 1000-1200 AD. This book being a sequel to the first book Patan Ni Prabhuta, should be read after completing the first. This account mainly revolves around Kāk Bhatt, a soldier who rose from ground up to the apex of polity in gujarat and Manjri, a woman who is as pure as white is and who is as stubborn as rock, when it comes to ideals.
Both the characters, over the course of the book, go through a journey of events that bring them together and apart. The incidents are woven round the historical events of gujarat, which is very informative as well as intellectually rewarding to read.
Both the characters, over the course of the book, go through a journey of events that bring them together and apart. The incidents are woven round the historical events of gujarat, which is very informative as well as intellectually rewarding to read.
December 27, 2019
Second book in the Patan series. The younger years of Siddhraj Jaisingh. The aging yet lethal Munjaal. The powerful minister Tribhuvanpal. The military generals and the ever loved Kaak Bhatt. Truly K.M.Munshi knows how to captivate the readers.
January 21, 2020
Sequel of Patan Ni Prabhuta and awesome. Munshi had inserted the characters Kak and Manjari in such a way that reader may feel that they were really really historical character but alas, they are not.
If Munshi was Bengali then he would have been treated as Tagore but he was Gujarati and his literature has not being read widely even. There are only few people who are doing it.
If Munshi was Bengali then he would have been treated as Tagore but he was Gujarati and his literature has not being read widely even. There are only few people who are doing it.
September 6, 2021
આ ક્લાસિક નવલકથા અડસઠ વર્ષની ઉંમરે પહેલી વખત વાંચતા કોઈ ગુજરાતીને જે ક્ષોભ થવો જોઈએ તે ક્ષોભ મને પણ થયો જ. વાર્તા તો ખૂબ જાણીતી છે અને નાનપણમાં કદાચ વાંચી પણ હોય. ગમે તેમ પણ અત્યારે વાંચતા તો નવી જ લાગે છે.
કોઈ વિખ્યાત કૃતિ પાકટ વયે વાંચવાનો એક ફાયદો છે. તેને સાચી રીતે માણી શકાય અને, તેને સાચી રીતે મૂલવી શકાય તેટલી સમજ વાચક પાસે હોય, તેની શક્યતા વધારે હોય છે. કમનસીબે આ ઐતિહાસિક નવલકથાને સરખી રીતે સમજવા જેટલા ઊંડાણથી ગુજરાતનો ઇતિહાસ નથી તો હું શાળામાં ભણ્યો કે નથી મેં તેનો અનૌપચારિક અભ્યાસ કર્યો. મને લાગે છે કે મારા જેવા વાચકને ધ્યાનમાં લઈને જ લેખકે કાલ્પનિક પ્રસંગો સાથે ઘણી જગાએ ઠોસ ઇતિહાસને કથામાં વણી લીધો છે. વાર્તા જકડી રાખે તેવી રસપ્રદ અને ગતિશીલ છે. ડુમાની “થ્રી મસ્કેટયર્સ” ની છાંટ અલબત્ત વર્તાય છે, જયદેવની સામે લુઇ ૧૪, કાકની સામે દી આર્તેનો અને મિનલદેવી- મુંજાલની સામે રાણી એન – માર્ઝારે. પરંતુ તે છાંટ માત્ર રહી જાય છે, નકલ નથી બનતી,
નવલકથાની ભાષા આધુનિક મૂલ્યો પ્રમાણે અસ્વીકાર્ય એવા લૈંગિક, જાતીય અને ધાર્મિક શબ્દોથી ખીચોખીચ ભરેલી છે. પ્રશ્ન છે, ૨૦મી સદીની શરૂઆતમાં લખાયેલી, ૧૧મી સદીની પૃષ્ઠભૂમિ વાળી ઐતિહાસિક નવલકથા માટે શું આ મૂલવણી યોગ્ય છે?
કોઈ વિખ્યાત કૃતિ પાકટ વયે વાંચવાનો એક ફાયદો છે. તેને સાચી રીતે માણી શકાય અને, તેને સાચી રીતે મૂલવી શકાય તેટલી સમજ વાચક પાસે હોય, તેની શક્યતા વધારે હોય છે. કમનસીબે આ ઐતિહાસિક નવલકથાને સરખી રીતે સમજવા જેટલા ઊંડાણથી ગુજરાતનો ઇતિહાસ નથી તો હું શાળામાં ભણ્યો કે નથી મેં તેનો અનૌપચારિક અભ્યાસ કર્યો. મને લાગે છે કે મારા જેવા વાચકને ધ્યાનમાં લઈને જ લેખકે કાલ્પનિક પ્રસંગો સાથે ઘણી જગાએ ઠોસ ઇતિહાસને કથામાં વણી લીધો છે. વાર્તા જકડી રાખે તેવી રસપ્રદ અને ગતિશીલ છે. ડુમાની “થ્રી મસ્કેટયર્સ” ની છાંટ અલબત્ત વર્તાય છે, જયદેવની સામે લુઇ ૧૪, કાકની સામે દી આર્તેનો અને મિનલદેવી- મુંજાલની સામે રાણી એન – માર્ઝારે. પરંતુ તે છાંટ માત્ર રહી જાય છે, નકલ નથી બનતી,
નવલકથાની ભાષા આધુનિક મૂલ્યો પ્રમાણે અસ્વીકાર્ય એવા લૈંગિક, જાતીય અને ધાર્મિક શબ્દોથી ખીચોખીચ ભરેલી છે. પ્રશ્ન છે, ૨૦મી સદીની શરૂઆતમાં લખાયેલી, ૧૧મી સદીની પૃષ્ઠભૂમિ વાળી ઐતિહાસિક નવલકથા માટે શું આ મૂલવણી યોગ્ય છે?
August 5, 2021
This is a good solid follow-up to the first part of the Patan Trilogy. The story moves at a fast pace with the new characters adding to the excitement. Though it did make me wonder why the book was titled as Lord & Master of Gujarat. I say this as towards the end of this book, the action isn't complete. It leaves you with the question as to who will actually be the lord of Gujarat? Hopefully the answer lies in part three.
I have always maintained that it is difficult to replicate the beauty of the local language in English. Though, the authors of this one have done a good and efficient job. However, I wish they had put their introduction and other notes towards the end of the book. There are many spoilers in there. It really affects the reading experience. I strongly recommend readers to hit the story directly and then visit the note from the English translators.
I recommend this series to fans of Indian historical fiction
I have always maintained that it is difficult to replicate the beauty of the local language in English. Though, the authors of this one have done a good and efficient job. However, I wish they had put their introduction and other notes towards the end of the book. There are many spoilers in there. It really affects the reading experience. I strongly recommend readers to hit the story directly and then visit the note from the English translators.
I recommend this series to fans of Indian historical fiction
April 25, 2021
This is actually second part of patan ni prabhuta by Munshi. In this new characters come and they are hero of the story.
To read review in detail (Gujarati) - http://www.ankitsadariya.in/2021/02/g...
To read review in detail (Gujarati) - http://www.ankitsadariya.in/2021/02/g...
February 22, 2020
Can compete with international works in similar style. Even after around 100 years it is still fresh, thrilling, unputable, moving and majestic.
June 7, 2020
Best book in Triology of Patan ni prabhuta.
Lovely characters. Must read. Amazing story.
Available in Gujarati (original) Hindi and English
Lovely characters. Must read. Amazing story.
Available in Gujarati (original) Hindi and English
December 14, 2021
This book will take you through the journey of Love, Betrayal, Honesty, Friendship, and many different aspects of human life.
October 7, 2021
ભાગ એકનાં જ સંદર્ભમાં ગુજરાતના ઈતિહાસની ગાથા આગળ ચાલે છે. પાટણનું પ્રભુત્વ ગુજરાત પર વ્યાપી ગયું છે ત્યારે ચોમેરથી તેને પછાડવા શામ-દામ-દંડ-ભેદ પ્રયોજવામાં આવી રહ્યા છે. એવામાં ફક્ત ગુજરાતનું જ ન વિચારીને સમગ્ર આર્યવર્તની એક્તામાં રૂચિ ધરાવતા, દીર્ઘદ્રષ્ટા, જુવાન કીર્તિદેવનુ આગમન, વર્ણન, વિચારશક્તિ અપ્રતિમ અને અદ્ભુત છે.
પરંતુ નવલકથાનું મુખ્યપાત્ર ન તો મુંજાલ મેહ્તા , ન તો કીર્તિદેવ પરંતુ બન્નેને ભોઠાં પાડી જાણે એવા " કાક ભટ્ટ" બની રહે છે. તેની છટા, કૌશલ્ય, રાજનીતિની સૂઝબુઝના કિસ્સાઓ વાંચતા વારે વારે મનમાં એક જ પ્રશ્ન ઉદ્ભવે છે કે "કોઇ વ્યક્તિ આ હદે ચતુર કેમ કરીને હોય શકે છે ?"
અને હજુ તો કાક ભટ્ટ આપણા મનમાં વસે જ છ ત્યાં "મંજરી" નામક પાત્ર ઊથલપાથલ કરી નાંખે છે.અત્યંત સ્વાભિમાની, જ્ઞાની અને નારીવાદી મંજરી આજના યુગની સ્ત્રીઓનું પ્રતિબિંબ ૧૨મી સદીના પોતાના વ્યક્તિત્વમાં બતાવી જાણે છે.
કીર્તિદેવ-મુંજાલનો સંવાદ, કાક-મંજરીની તકરારથી લઈ સહયાત્રા, ઊદા મહેતાની ચાલાકી, રા. ખેંગારની બહાદુરી વગેરે કિસ્સાઓથી ભરપૂર આ નવલકથા ગુજરાત અને ગુજરાતી સાહિત્યના ભવ્ય વારસાની પ્રતીતિ કરાવી જાણે છે.
ભવ્ય ગુજરાત, ભવ્ય ગુજરાતી સાહિત્ય!☀️
પરંતુ નવલકથાનું મુખ્યપાત્ર ન તો મુંજાલ મેહ્તા , ન તો કીર્તિદેવ પરંતુ બન્નેને ભોઠાં પાડી જાણે એવા " કાક ભટ્ટ" બની રહે છે. તેની છટા, કૌશલ્ય, રાજનીતિની સૂઝબુઝના કિસ્સાઓ વાંચતા વારે વારે મનમાં એક જ પ્રશ્ન ઉદ્ભવે છે કે "કોઇ વ્યક્તિ આ હદે ચતુર કેમ કરીને હોય શકે છે ?"
અને હજુ તો કાક ભટ્ટ આપણા મનમાં વસે જ છ ત્યાં "મંજરી" નામક પાત્ર ઊથલપાથલ કરી નાંખે છે.અત્યંત સ્વાભિમાની, જ્ઞાની અને નારીવાદી મંજરી આજના યુગની સ્ત્રીઓનું પ્રતિબિંબ ૧૨મી સદીના પોતાના વ્યક્તિત્વમાં બતાવી જાણે છે.
કીર્તિદેવ-મુંજાલનો સંવાદ, કાક-મંજરીની તકરારથી લઈ સહયાત્રા, ઊદા મહેતાની ચાલાકી, રા. ખેંગારની બહાદુરી વગેરે કિસ્સાઓથી ભરપૂર આ નવલકથા ગુજરાત અને ગુજરાતી સાહિત્યના ભવ્ય વારસાની પ્રતીતિ કરાવી જાણે છે.
ભવ્ય ગુજરાત, ભવ્ય ગુજરાતી સાહિત્ય!☀️
August 21, 2018
Review will come soon
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