Fulo Ka Guccha

"Phoolon ka Guccha" (A Bunch of Flowers) is a collection of eleven stories edited by Nathuram Premi and published by Hindi Granthratna Karyalaya in September 1918. This is the fourth book in the Hindi Granthratna Series.

The book features a diverse range of stories, with most being translations from Bengali. Two stories are translated from Gujarati ("Veer Pariksha") and Marathi ("Shishya Pariksha"). The collection includes stories by renowned authors from their respective literary traditions. Six of these stories had previously been published in "Jain Hiteshi," with three of them ("Kanchuka," "Jaimala," and "Rin Shodh") being translations by Premi's friend, Pt. Shivsahay Chaube.

Here's a summary of the individual stories as presented in the text:

1. Aparajita (The Unvanquished) This story tells of Vasanta, a handsome new gardener at the King of Kashi's palace. His beauty captivates the king, the ministers, and the young women of the court. Vasanta skillfully uses flowers to express his affections and weave relationships with the princesses, though he feels an inner emptiness. Princess Indira rejects his advances scornfully, leading to Vasanta's despair. The other princesses, Shukla and Anandita, also dismiss him. Only Yamuna, who is considered plain, shows him kindness, but Vasanta, blinded by his desire for outward beauty, overlooks her true worth. Later, Vasanta is imprisoned for his perceived insolence. Inside the dark prison, he is touched by the kindness of Subhadra, who secretly provides him with food and expresses her love. Subhadra reveals she is acting on behalf of Yamuna, who is deeply devoted to Vasanta despite his initial disregard. Vasanta, realizing the true nature of love and beauty, desires Subhadra. Meanwhile, the King of Kashi plans to marry off his daughters to foreign kings. Subhadra is betrothed to a minister from Avant country, and Yamuna is also part of this marital arrangement. Subhadra helps Vasanta write a letter that leads to his release. Upon his release, Vasanta reunites with Yamuna, recognizing her true beauty and worth. He rejects the other princesses and chooses Yamuna, recognizing her unwavering love and the true meaning of beauty beyond physical appearance.

2. Kanchuka (The Bodice) This story comprises three parts: "Rajneeti" (Politics), "Pragalbha" (The Bold One), and "Yuddhakakshetra Mein" (On the Battlefield).

• Rajneeti: Set in the 10th century, it describes the fragmented state of India with numerous small, self-interested kingdoms. Chandela King Harshdev of Bundelkhand desires to unite India against foreign invaders but receives little support from other rulers.
• Pragalbha: Princess Kanchuka, sister of King Chandan of Ajmer, is described as beautiful and spirited. She visits a temple and encounters a young ascetic. Despite her initial boldness, a mutual attraction develops. The ascetic is later revealed to be a priest who proposes Kanchuka's marriage to Harshdev.
• On the Battlefield: Harshdev marries Kanchuka. During a battle against the Chedi king Balhars, Harshdev is mortally wounded. Kanchuka, defying his wishes to stay behind, joins him on the battlefield, exhibiting great bravery. After Harshdev's death, Kanchuka pledges to live by the principles of righteous living and dedicates herself to raising their son, Yashovarma, who later becomes a great conqueror.

3. Jaimala (The Wedding Garland) This story revolves around Chhavinath, a talented and humble painter, admired by all for his skill. However, other painters are jealous of his talent and try to prevent his work from being presented at a royal competition for the best painter. Chhavinath, unaware of this plot, paints a lifelike portrait of a young boy named Manohar. The boy's father, impressed by the painting, presents it as his son's likeness. The king declares Chhavinath the greatest painter. Later, during a second competition, Chhavinath is falsely accused of stealing Manohar's portrait. The king recognizes him as the true artist and publicly honors him.

4. Madhusrava (The Flowing Honey) King Bandhuhit of Kusumppur in Gujarat enjoys a prosperous reign, supported by his beautiful attendant Madhusrava, valiant general Balak, and eloquent court poet Kshemshree. Both Balak and Kshemshree are in love with Madhusrava. The king decides to hold a contest of strength and wit to determine who will marry her. Balak's physical prowess is evident, but Kshemshree, through his poetic skill and devotion, impresses Madhusrava. The contest involves lifting heavy weights. Balak fails, while Kshemshree miraculously lifts the heaviest stone. However, in his ecstasy, he collapses and dies, a victim of his love and the extraordinary effort. Madhusrava mourns his death.

5. Vichitra Swayamvar (The Peculiar Wedding Ceremony) King Satyasen of Anga kingdom is a tyrannical ruler, and his daughter, Mandra, is fierce and independent, skilled in archery and warfare. A Buddhist monk arrives in Anga and preaches against animal sacrifice. Mandra, initially dismissive and angered by his critique of her kingdom's traditions, is captivated by his teachings and his disguised identity as Prince Sharan Singh. Meanwhile, Minister Kishan Prasad, who desires Mandra, plots to separate her from the monk. After various intrigues and a staged capture, Sharan Singh reveals his true identity and Mandra's love for him. Sharan Singh, who had posed as a monk to understand the people and gain Mandra's heart, agrees to marry her. Mandra, in turn, renounces her aggressive nature and embraces Buddhist teachings.

6. Veer Pariksha (The Test of a Hero) King Dronayan of Mahendravihar covets the prosperous kingdom of Gajendragarh. After the king of Gajendragarh dies, his young son ascends the throne. Dronayan attacks the weakened kingdom. His son, Bhadramukh, and daughter, Bhadrasama, participate in the war. Bhadrasama, impressed by the skill of Gajendragarh's minister, Jhalkanth, sends him a letter confessing her admiration. Jhalkanth, initially caught between duty and love, is further swayed by a peace treaty offered by Dronayan, which includes marrying Bhadrasama. However, Bhadrasama, after initially accepting Jhalkanth, rejects him, causing him immense heartbreak. Jhalkanth, seeking to regain his honor and recover his kingdom, wages war against Dronayan. Bhadrasama, realizing her mistake and Jhalkanth's true devotion, sends him a passionate letter, but by then, Jhalkanth is mortally wounded. He dies in her arms, clutching her first love letter.

7. Jaymati (The Glorious Queen) This story recounts the tale of Queen Jaymati of Assam in the 17th century. Her husband, Gadapani, is forced to flee from the tyrannical King Lora Raja. Jaymati, despite enduring immense torture and suffering at the hands of the king to reveal Gadapani's whereabouts, remains steadfast and loyal, refusing to betray her husband. Her sacrifice and unwavering devotion become a legendary example of wifely fidelity. Upon learning of Jaymati's martyrdom, Gadapani returns, defeats Lora Raja, and ascends the throne. He institutes measures to commemorate Jaymati's sacrifice.

8. Rin Shodh (The Repayment of a Debt) Kamala Prasad is forced to work due to his elder brother, Bihari Lal, squandering their inheritance. Kamala Prasad promises his mother that he will find Bihari Lal. While working diligently, he saves money to reclaim their ancestral property. On his way home with the savings, he gets lost in a forest and encounters a bandit and his wife. The bandit robs Kamala Prasad, but his wife, showing kindness, hides him. Later, Kamala Prasad returns to the bandit's house to repay the kindness shown to him, only to discover that the bandit is his long-lost elder brother, Bihari Lal, reformed by his wife's influence. They reconcile and return home, fulfilling Kamala Prasad's promise to his mother.

9. Chapala (The Fickle One) Set in the 4th century CE, this story begins with a young girl named Chapala, an orphan, playing near the swift-flowing Saraswati River. She drifts away in a boat and is rescued by a young man, Prince Chandragupta. He brings her to his camp and arranges for her care. Chandragupta is impressed by Chapala's intelligence and artistic talent, particularly her drawing. He is also intrigued by a locket she possesses, which contains a picture of Vishwamitra. Meanwhile, Vishwamitra, a scholar and friend of Chandragupta, is set to embark on a mission to Gandhara. Chandragupta is torn between his duty and his growing affection for Chapala. Vishwamitra also struggles with his feelings for Chapala, knowing it would jeopardize his friendship with Chandragupta and his mission. The story highlights the complexities of duty, desire, and hidden affections in a historical context.

10. Kunal (The Prince with Beautiful Eyes) This story is based on the life of Prince Kunal, son of Emperor Ashoka. Kunal is married to Kanchan. Ashoka's second queen, Tishya Raksha, becomes infatuated with the handsome Kunal. She attempts to seduce him, but Kunal, devoted to his wife and principles, rejects her. Enraged, Tishya Raksha manipulates Ashoka, who is ailing, into believing Kunal has committed a grave offense. Ashoka, weakened and influenced by Tishya Raksha, orders Kunal to be blinded and exiled. Kunal and Kanchan endure hardship, wandering as minstrels. Eventually, their music reaches Ashoka's ears, and he recognizes his son. Kunal is restored to his rightful place, and Tishya Raksha is punished. The story emphasizes themes of devotion, temptation, deception, and eventual justice.

11. Shishya Pariksha (The Disciple's Test) Prince Jaitrasimha of Kadamba kingdom seeks spiritual guidance from Lord Buddha. Buddha tests him by asking him to "search." After six months of rigorous self-discipline and enduring hardships, Jaitrasimha returns, believing he has passed the test. However, Buddha reveals that Jaitrasimha failed to overcome his attachment to worldly pleasures and his ego. Buddha explains that true spiritual understanding comes from inner transformation, not just external asceticism. Jaitrasimha realizes his flaw and vows to return when truly ready. The story highlights the difference between superficial adherence to practices and genuine inner change required for spiritual enlightenment.

"Phoolon ka Guccha" is presented as a collection of stories that offer moral lessons, insights into human emotions, and glimpses into historical and cultural contexts, all within an accessible and engaging narrative style.