Patang Puran Yane Kanakvani Katha Sachitra - Book Summary

This document is the book "Patang Puran Yane Kanakvani Katha Sachitra" (The Kite Purana or The Story of the Kite), authored by Hiralal Rasikdas Kapadia, published in 1938. It is a comprehensive guide to kite flying, delving into its history, types, construction, flying techniques, and cultural significance, particularly in the context of Surat, Gujarat, India.

Here's a summary of the key sections and themes:

1. Introduction and Author's Motivation:

The author, Hiralal Rasikdas Kapadia, was a mathematics professor who became fascinated by kite flying from a scientific and historical perspective.
His motivation was to educate his children and other curious individuals about this enjoyable activity, presenting it in an accessible and engaging manner.
He acknowledges the influence of other works and individuals who provided information and inspiration for this book.

2. Structure of the Book: The book is divided into seven chapters, along with appendices, covering various aspects of kite flying:

Chapter 1: Introduction to the Kite (Kanakva):
- Defines what a kite is, its purpose (amusement), and its general construction.
- Explains the various names for kites in different regions of India (Kanakvo, Patang, Bedal, Padai, Kinna, Nilangi) and in English (kite).
- Details numerous types of kites named based on their color, design (e.g., Adhipatedar, Adar, Aankhdar, Aadasisi, Kagli, Khadbachu, Gilander, Chandadar, Patadar, Pawaalidar, Baajdar, Bawtadar, Mathedar, Lavedar, Shiledar), size, and materials. It provides visual descriptions and sometimes illustrations of these designs.
Chapter 2: Kite Construction and Examination:
- Lists the tools and materials needed for making kites (paper, bamboo, glue, scissors, knife, cutting board, thread).
- Explains the main parts of a kite: paper, the frame (dadhho - vertical spar, and kaman - horizontal spar), and sometimes the tail (chamchak) or decorations.
- Details the process of making a kite, including preparing the bamboo spars, shaping the frame, and adhering the paper.
- Discusses different kite sizes and their measurements.
- Highlights the skills of kite makers from Surat and mentions historical kite makers.
- Provides advice on how to select a good quality kite, checking for structural integrity, and avoiding flawed designs.
- Discusses the pricing of kites, noting the difference between imported and local materials.
Chapter 3: Thread (Deri), Spool (Pindu), and Winder (Parati):
- Focuses on the crucial element of the thread used for flying kites, discussing different types of spools and winding mechanisms.
- Explains the preparation of "manja" (a special abrasive thread coated with glass powder and glue) and its types (e.g., Lugdi-no-manja, Ragda-no-manja).
- Details how to tie knots securely, especially for manja thread, to prevent slippage and breakage.
- Describes different methods of winding the thread onto spools (guchhali, kado, bhagetu, pindu, naariyeri pindu, shan-nu-pindu) and the tools used for winding (parati, firki).
- Discusses the quality of the thread and spools, and their respective prices.
Chapter 4: Kite Flying and Retrieval Techniques:
- Explains how to tie the "kannas" (bridle lines) to the kite frame, detailing the placement of holes and the process of measuring and tying the bridle for optimal flight.
- Discusses different types of bridle setups (e.g., ekavda, bevda, Suno Shono kanna, Ek ne Shono kanna, Bev ne Ek kanna) and how they affect the kite's flight.
- Provides tips on how to make a kite fly straight, mend a torn kite, and adjust its balance.
- Describes various ways to launch a kite (from hand, with assistance).
- Emphasizes the importance of wind conditions for successful kite flying.
- Explains how to fly a kite from rooftops and open spaces.
- Details the process of retrieving a kite, including safe practices to avoid damage.
- Offers guidance on teaching kite flying to beginners.
Chapter 5: Engaging in Kite Fights (Pech Ladavna) and Recovering Cut Kites:
- Defines "Pech" (kite fight) and different techniques like "Hath Marva" (making a sharp maneuver to cut the opponent's kite), "Sarti Mookvi" (allowing the opponent's kite to move freely to set up a cut), and "Katraav" (angling the kite to cut another).
- Discusses the importance of thread quality and length for kite fights.
- Explains how to win a kite fight and the strategies involved.
- Describes methods to escape a losing kite fight or to recover a kite that has been cut.
- Mentions the practice of writing names and addresses on kites for identification.
- Includes a historical anecdote about kite fights representing the Germany-England war.
- Advises on choosing the right kite and thread for competitive flying.
- Discusses the role of the person holding the spool (parati pakadnaro) in a kite fight.
- Explains how to "catch" or "entangle" a falling opponent's kite.
Chapter 6: Kite Flying Season and Atmosphere:
- Discusses the typical kite-flying season in Gujarat and other parts of India (from Makar Sankranti onwards).
- Describes the festive atmosphere, especially during Makar Sankranti, with people of all ages participating.
- Mentions kite-flying competitions and wagers.
- Details the practice of preparing kites and threads the day before Makar Sankranti ("Khatu Vadhu").
- Captures the vibrant scene of Surat during kite season, with numerous kites in the sky and the sounds of shouts and calls.
- Describes the tradition of flying lanterns, balloons, and even chairs tied to kites.
- Highlights instances of mischievous behavior during kite season.
- Explains the unwritten rules of kite flying and catching fallen kites within neighborhoods.
- Discusses the "Vasi Utaran" (the day after Makar Sankranti) and other kite-flying gatherings.
- Mentions the "Surti" kite and the special kite-flying culture in Surat, noting its influence on other cities.
Chapter 7: Miscellaneous (Prakirnak):
- Explores the origins of kite flying, suggesting possible religious and historical roots in various cultures (Maori, Korean, Indian).
- Discusses kite flying as a national sport in some Asian countries but less so in Europe.
- Highlights the celebration of kite festivals in China and other East Asian countries.
- Describes various types of kites from other countries (China, Japan, Malay) including animal and dragon shapes.
- Mentions musical kites and their use in warding off evil spirits.
- Discusses the practical uses of kites beyond recreation, such as in warfare (carrying banners, lanterns), lifting humans, and meteorological experiments (mentioning Benjamin Franklin's experiment).
- Explains the use of kites for advertising.
- Discusses the height and speed of kites.
- Analyzes the benefits (enjoyment, eye health, fresh air) and drawbacks (eye strain, finger injuries from manja, loss of property, time wastage, financial ruin) of kite flying.
- Includes a section on Gujarati literature related to kites, featuring poems and satirical verses.

Appendices:

Appendix 1: Langariyas and Ghasarkatta:
- Explains "Langariyas" (a weight tied to the end of a kite string for fighting) and the game of "Ghasarkatta" (rubbing strings to cut each other).
- Discusses the rules and techniques of these games, including what constitutes fair play and cheating.
Appendix 2: Glossary (Paribhasha):
- Provides a list of terms related to kite flying, with page numbers indicating where they are first explained in the book.
Appendix 3: Questionnaire (Prashnavali):
- Presents a series of questions for further scientific and mathematical investigation into kite flying, hinting at the author's background and the book's depth.

Overall Impression: "Patang Puran" is a detailed and scholarly work that elevates kite flying from a mere pastime to a subject of historical, cultural, scientific, and artistic study. The author's meticulous approach, evident in the detailed descriptions, regional comparisons, and historical anecdotes, makes it a valuable resource for anyone interested in the art and science of kite flying. The inclusion of illustrations (mentioned in the text and visible in the page previews) further enhances its comprehensiveness.