>Gazal world at 18:03, 24 August 2020

2020-08-24T18:03:55Z

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'''''Kamayani''''' (Hindi:कामायनी) (1936) is a [[Hindi]] [[Epic poetry|epic poem]] ([[Mahakavya]]) by [[Jaishankar Prasad]] (1889–1937). It is considered one of the greatest literary works written in modern times in [[Hindi literature]]. It also signifies the epitome of [[Chhayavaad|Chhayavadi]] school of Hindi poetry which gained popularity in late 19th and early 20th centuries.

==Synopsis==
Kamayani depicts the interplay of human emotions, thoughts, and actions by taking mythological metaphors. Kamayani has personalities like [[Manu (Hinduism)|Manu]], [[Ida (goddess)|Ida]] and [[Śraddhā]] who are found in the [[Vedas]]. The [[Deluge mythology#India|great deluge]] described in the poem has its origin in [[Satapatha Brahmana]]. Explaining his metaphorical presentation of Vedic characters, the poet said:

<blockquote>Ida was the sister of the gods, giving consciousness to the entire mankind. For this reason, there is an Ida Karma in the [[Yagna]]s. This erudition of Ida created a rift between Shraddha and Manu. Then with the progressive intelligence searching for unbridled pleasures, the impasse was inevitable. This story is so very ancient that metaphor has wonderfully mingled with history. Therefore Manu, Shraddha and Ida while maintaining their historical importance may also express the symbolic import. Manu represents the mind with its faculties of the head and heart and these are again symbolized as Faith (Shraddha) and Intelligence (Ida) respectively. On this data is based the story of Kamayani.</blockquote>

The plot is based on the Vedic story where [[Manu (Hinduism)|Manu]], the man surviving after the deluge ([[End of the world (mythology)#Hinduism|Pralaya]]), is emotionless (Bhavanasunya). Manu starts getting involved in various emotions, thoughts and actions. These are sequentially portrayed with Shraddha, Ida, Kilaat and other characters playing their part, contributing in them. The chapters are named after these emotions, thoughts or actions. Some people consider that the sequence of chapters denotes the change of personality in a man's life with age.

Following is the sequence:

* [[Chinta (mentation)|Chinta]] (Anxiety)
* Asha (Hope)
* Shraddha (Reverential belief, Faith, Virtue of being a woman)
* Kama (Sexual love)
* Vasna (Passion for material pleasure)
* Lajja (Shyness)
* Karma (Action)
* Irshyaa (Jealousy)
* Ida (Logic, Intellect)
* Swapna (Dream)
* Sangharsh (Internal conflict)
* Nirved (Disregard of worldly things, Renunciation)
* Darshan (Philosophy, Vision)
* Rahasya (Hidden knowledge, Mystery, chupa hua)
* Anand (Bliss, Self-realization, Shiva)

==Adaptations==
A musical play adaptation of "Kamayani" has been directed by Dr. Shakuntala Shukla and Vyomkesh Shukla. This play is produced by the banner of "Roopvani, Varanasi".<ref>http://www.patrika.com/news/varanasi/a-varanasi-girl-in-the-role-of-bhagwan-ram-1402569</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* {{wikisourcelang-inline|hi|कामायनी}}
* {{Google books|id=v6hjAAAAMAAJ}} (English translation)
* [http://www.kavitakosh.org/kk/index.php?title=%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%80_/_%E0%A4%9C%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B0_%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A6 ''Kamayani''] at Kavita Kosh (in Hindi)

==Further reading==
* ''Kamayani of [[Jai Shankar Prasad]] - As I saw It and Understood It'' by [[Dr.Girish Bihari]] 1st Edition 2006, Published by Film Institute, Lucknow (U.P.) - INDIA

[[Category:Hindi poetry]]
[[Category:Epic poems in Hindi]]

Kamayani - Revision history

>Gazal world at 18:03, 24 August 2020