Kavi Shamal Bhatt - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Kavi Shamal Bhatt" by Ramanlal P. Soni, focusing on the life and work of the poet Shaml Bhatt:

This book, part of the "Vidyarthi Vachanamala" series, introduces the Gujarati poet Shaml Bhatt. The author, Ramanlal P. Soni, aims to provide an understanding of this prominent poet who was once considered a contender for the title of the foremost ancient Gujarati poet, alongside Narasinh Mehta and Premanand.

Biographical Information:

Early Life and Family: Shaml Bhatt was born in the Veghanpur locality of Ahmedabad (now Gomtipur) around 1700 AD (Samvat 1756). He belonged to the Shri Geda Malvi Brahmin caste. His father's name was Vireśvar, and his mother's was Ānandabāī. He had a sister named Lilībā. His son was named Purushottam, whom he mentions fondly in his poems. His father's guru was named Nanā Bhatt, about whom little is known.
Time Period: While precise dates are difficult to ascertain due to the lack of systematic biographical record-keeping in India, scholars estimate Shaml Bhatt's active writing period to be between Samvat 1774 and 1821. Some place his birth around 1640 AD and death after 1730 AD.

Historical Context:

A Tumultuous Era: Shaml Bhatt lived during the 18th century, a period of upheaval and darkness in Gujarat. The region's trade and industry suffered, art and craftsmanship stagnated, and the central Mughal power weakened. The Marathas gained influence, and neighboring states cast covetous eyes on Gujarat. Small independent states emerged, with cities like Junagadh, Khambhat, and Palanpur engaging in internal conflicts and plundering villages. The East India Company established a presence in Surat in 1758. Despite this general chaos, Shaml's poetry spread throughout Gujarat.

Patronage and Recognition:

The Legend of Not Seeking Patronage: A legend suggests Shaml Bhatt vowed not to seek patronage until invited with respect. For 34 years, this did not happen, yet his fame grew. Eventually, Rakhidas, a learned Leuva Kanbi Patel from Suhuja village in Kheda district, recognized his talent.
Rakhidas's Patronage: Rakhidas, who had previously patronized the poet Gumān, invited Shaml Bhatt to his home. Gumān had memorized many of Shaml's works and would recite them. Shaml was pleased with Rakhidas's hospitality and was provided with land for his livelihood. In return, Shaml immortalized Rakhidas, comparing him to the famous King Bhoj and even writing his biography.

Literary Contributions and Style:

Pioneer of New Forms: Shaml Bhatt was instrumental in introducing and popularizing certain poetic forms in Gujarati. While Narasinh Mehta is considered the first poet and Premanand the best of the ancient poets, Shaml was a strong contender.
Language and Influence: He had a good command of Persian, as evident from his use of Persian words in his works. He studied Vrajbhasha's prosody and also had a strong knowledge of Sanskrit and Hindi. He was among the first poets to use forms like dāhrā, chāpārk, and chhappā (six-line compositions), moving away from purely musical forms.
The Power of Chhappā: His chhappā poems are considered his most significant contribution, earning him immortality and making the form famous. A popular saying highlights his mastery: "Chandra Chandan Padma Sur Ke, Ho Bihāridās, Chāpāī Tulsīdāsnī, Chhappay Shāmal Dās!" This suggests that while others excelled in their respective forms, Shaml was the master of the chhappā.
Use of Proverbs and Riddles (Samasyā): Shaml excelled at incorporating proverbs and riddles (samasyā) into his poetry, demonstrating shrewdness and effective communication. His riddles served as mental exercises and stimulated public thought.
Narrative Style: He wrote social stories, drawing inspiration from tales of King Bhoj and Vikramaditya, as well as Sanskrit and Persian narratives. He skillfully blended known tales with his own imaginative details to create engaging stories for the common people. His narratives often interweave multiple stories within a primary plot.
Themes and Focus: His works focused on practical wisdom, the ups and downs of life, and provided moral guidance alongside entertainment. He depicted the human condition and societal dynamics, though not necessarily a direct reflection of his own time's immediate social life. His stories are described as imaginative and thrilling, akin to "Arabian Nights."
Breaking Traditional Norms: Shaml was a trendsetter by writing poems on social themes, challenging the prevalent belief that poetry should only be about religious subjects. He drew inspiration from earlier Jain poets, bards, and Hindi writers.
Works: His numerous works include Nandbatrishī, Panchadand, Angadvishti, Ravanamandodari Samvad, Padmavati ni Varta, Bhadra Bhāminī, Shamal Ratnamal, Vetal Pachchīsī, Battīs Putalī nī Varta, Bhoj Katha, and Rakhidas Charitra, among many others. Angadvishti is considered his best work, showcasing his passion and poetic skill. Madanmohana, Nandbatrishī, Padmavati, and Vidyā-Vilāsinī are also highly regarded.
Comparison with Premanand: While Premanand is praised for his seriousness, linguistic purity, and detailed descriptions of human nature and natural beauty, Shaml is noted for his wordplay and a more engaging style in terms of word and अर्थ (meaning) ornamentation. Shaml's poetry is generally simpler and more accessible to the common man, offering practical wisdom.

Critique and Legacy:

Strengths: Shaml's ability to tell stories, his unique narrative style, and his use of proverbs and riddles are highlighted as key strengths. He possessed a mastery of exaggeration and the wondrous. His poems are characterized by practical wisdom and an exploration of both the good and bad aspects of society.
Weaknesses: The book notes that Shaml sometimes forced rhymes, leading to grammatical errors and obscure meanings. His ambition to create rhyme could make his language clunky. While he used embellishments, his attempt at erotic sentiment sometimes became vulgar and unrestrained. The use of magic and sorcery also somewhat lowered the caliber of his poetry. He lacked Premanand's depth in depicting human emotions and natural beauty.
Social Reform Aspect: While some interpret his portrayal of women who defied social norms (like marrying against parental wishes or remaining unmarried) as social reform, the book suggests this was not a deliberate attempt to introduce new practices. Instead, he likely drew upon existing folk tales and legends that already contained such elements.
Rivalry with Premanand: The text mentions a notable rivalry between Shaml Bhatt and Premanand, with evidence found in their respective works and in the writings of Premanand's son, Vallabh. Shaml subtly criticized Premanand for relying on Puranic themes, while Premanand's son vociferously attacked Shaml. This rivalry indicates Shaml's significant standing as a contemporary rival to Premanand.

In essence, "Kavi Shaml Bhatt" presents Shaml Bhatt as a significant and innovative poet in Gujarati literature, known for his accessible language, his popularization of the chhappā form, his skillful use of proverbs, and his engaging narratives that, while drawing from tradition, offered a unique voice to the common people of Gujarat.