Madhavi

Madhavi

Based On The Popular Kannada Novel By Dr. Anupama Niranjana

Indian Illustrated Classics is an innovative literary project under which well known novels in seven Indian regional languages will be published in a simple and colorfully illustrated format. The idea is to introduce well known Indian literature and their writers to the reading masses. Each Indian Illustrated Classics book contains six well known novels which are individually summarized in just 32 pages and the entire story unfolds in a colorfully illustrated format. This way the reading process is simplified and the story is easily understood in a matter of minutes. The hallmark of Indian Illustrated Classics is all about inspiring readers towards fostering Indian literature, thus creating many more readers and admirers of the profound legacy of Indian writers and their best known books. It's also a matter of pride that Indian Illustrated Classics is the first and the only effort of its kind towards adapting and globalizing Indian literature in the graphical form of illustrations. Thus Indian Illustrated Classics is a dedication of our glowing tribute to the rich literary heritage of India. This Pictorial Book under this category is being based on Popular Kannada Novel By Dr. Anupama Niranjana.

Synopsis
Madhavi, the first woman to revolt against slavery of women in this subcontinent, is a tragic heroine appearing in one of the substories of the Mahabharata. To understand the story of Madhavi, said to be older than the epic by about 300 years, it is essential to know the social set up prevailing then. Women enjoyed no freedom and were at the absolute mercy of men. A husband could sell his wife; give her in charity or gift her to others. According to the 'Niyoga' system, which existed then, she could be considered as 'Earth' (fertile land) and begetting a son from another male was common. No human values existed then and men never felt they were exploiting women. She just did not have any rights and revolting against such exploitation was unheard of. In fact an ideal woman was one who had totally surrendered herself to men! Madhavi is a princess and yet she is exploited like any other commoner. Her father Yayathi gifts her away as if she is a domestic animal. She is forced to live with an elderly king. Finally, after several such bitter episodes, when the time comes to select a husband of her choice freedom looks meaningless to Madhavi. By then a frustrated Madhavi will have developed contempt towards men and their exploitation behaviour. A dejected Madhavi walks away, revolting against an unjust system. In this story, reconstructed by Dr. Anupama Niranjana, there are no ideal characters. All characters are human - prone to natural weakness- es and complexes- and behave like true representatives of the prevailing social system. Madhavi thus needs to be read in that background. Anupama Niranjana derived the inspiration to pen Madhavi from Yugantha, a Marathi novel, written by Mrs. Iravati Karve, a well known social activist of Maharashtra.

About The Author

Dr. Anupama Niranjana (1934-1991) was one of the most popular writers in Kannada. A doctor by profession she became a household name through her novels, short stories and her books on medical issues concerning women. Born Venkatalakshmi, Anupama started her career in Dharwad and later moved to Bangalore. She took to writing early in life and wrote several novels and stories dealing with social issues, particularly women's issues. She presented a woman's per- spective of the issues that confronted society. She brought into focus the exploitation of women and gave voice to this suppressed section of society. Anupama was married to Niranjana, another noted figure in Kannada literary field. Some of the well known works authored by her include Anantageete, Shwetambari, Seve, Odalu, Kanmani. Her novel Runamuktalu has been made into a successful film by Puttanna Kanagal. Anu- pama died of cancer. An award has been instituted in her name for woman writers.

• Indya Comics
• Title : Madhavi
• Category : Classics
• Volume/Serial : 01
• Total Pages : 36
• Script : English
• First Published : .............
• Publisher : Raghu Ram for Indya Comics, Bangalore, India