Rajasthani Bato Me Patra Aur Charitra Chitran

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Rajasthani Bato me Patra aur Charitra Chitran" by Manohar Sharma, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Rajasthani Bato me Patra aur Charitra Chitran (Characters and Characterization in Rajasthani Tales) Author: Dr. Manohar Sharma

This study delves into the portrayal of characters and their development within Rajasthani 'Batas' (traditional tales or narratives). The author, Dr. Manohar Sharma, explores various aspects of characterization, emphasizing their significance in making the stories engaging and relatable.

Key Themes and Observations:

• The Nature of Effective Characters: The text begins by stressing that characters in stories must be lifelike and natural. They should not possess supernatural or extraordinary powers that alienate the reader. Instead, they should reflect universal human emotions and sentiments, allowing readers to connect with them and feel empathy.
• The Problem of Excessive Characters: While acknowledging the presence of numerous characters in some Rajasthani Batas, the author notes that an excess of characters is undesirable. This often occurs when historical figures are detailed, as seen in tales like 'Amarsingh Rathore Gajsingh Ghoriteri Bat' or 'Maharaj Shripadamsinghri Bat'.
• Dominance of Historical Characters: Rajasthani Batas are heavily populated by historical figures, giving the impression that their world is built around them. Furthermore, there's a tendency to present fictional characters in a historical context, often elevating them to heroic roles within folk tales.
• Categorization of Characters: Characters in Rajasthani Batas can be broadly divided into three categories:
  1. Human: These are the primary characters.
  2. Deities and Demons (Dev-Danav): These characters appear sporadically and are linked to contemporary folk beliefs.
  3. Animals and Birds (Pashu-Pakshi): These are found in tales meant for children and are often skillfully anthropomorphized, imbued with human life and qualities.
• Two Forms of Characterization: Characterization in Rajasthani Batas is presented in two main ways:
  • Class-Based Characteristics: Characters often represent their social roles or professions. For instance, characters like 'Pradhan' (chief), 'Mohta' (minister), 'Purohit' (priest), 'Kotwal' (guard), and 'Dangi' (a specific community) are frequently referred to by their titles rather than personal names. This highlights their societal function. Similarly, characters like 'Dum' (a specific community), 'Das' (servant), 'Dasi' (maidservant), 'Rambari' (specific role), 'Gohari' (cattle herder), and 'Ewal' (specific role) also embody their class traits.
  • Individual Characteristics: When characters gain prominence, their personal names and unique traits are revealed. Examples include 'Bijadiyo Khawas' (in the 'Bat Viramde Sonagra Ri') and 'Fogsi Ewal' (in 'Bal Fogsi Ewal Ri').
• Title and Character Prominence: The title of many Rajasthani Batas is often based on a character's name, indicating the story's primary focus on that character and their life or character.
• Methods of Revealing Character Traits:
  • Authorial Revelation: The author directly discloses a character's virtues or flaws, often at the beginning of the story, and the character then acts accordingly.
  • Action and Dialogue Revelation: The preferred and more effective method involves revealing character traits through their actions and words, without direct authorial intervention. Most Rajasthani Batas employ this technique.
• The Dichotomy of Idealism and Realism: The study highlights the significant interplay between ideal and realistic portrayals. Both aspects have their unique artistic value, contributing to the overall purpose of the narrative. Human life itself is a blend of the ideal and the real, and successful artistic material reflects this balance.
• Idealistic Characters: Indian literature traditionally leans towards presenting idealized characters. Rajasthani Batas are rich in such figures who are endowed with remarkable virtues, serving to strengthen society. Examples include:
  • Jagdev Panwar: Exemplifies devotion to his master and extreme generosity, even sacrificing his head for charity.
  • Pabuji Rathore: Represents the ideal of keeping vows, even at the cost of his life, for a promise made to a charani.
  • Rao Ranmall: Embodies loyalty and empathy towards his subordinates, avenging his follower's death.
  • Patai Rawal: Represents patriotism and complete sacrifice for his motherland.
  • Sayani Charani: An example of ultimate love, sacrificing her life for her beloved.
  • Arjan Hamir Bhimot: A warrior who embodies bravery and righteousness, fighting even after decapitation.
  • Kavalji Sankhal and Bharmal: Kavalji is an example of truthfulness and courage, while Bharmal demonstrates virtue that brings enlightenment.
  • Jasma Odani: An ideal of steadfastness and chastity, resisting royal temptation.
  • Uda Munjavat's Mother (in Viramde Salakhavat's Bat): A paragon of courage and maternal duty, protecting a refugee at great risk.
  • Hansu Kunkra Kothi: An ideal of a brave daughter, fighting in disguise to protect her family's honor.
  • Mommal (in Mahendra Sodha's Bat): An ideal of a devoted lover, who sacrifices her life upon hearing a false report of her beloved's death.
  • Rani Dehad (in Raja Narsingh's Bat): Embodies valor, endurance, intelligence, and devotion to her husband, leading her son to victory.
• Superhuman Physical Strength: Some characters display exceptional physical prowess, such as Kuagra Baloch and a certain queen, whose strength far exceeds that of ordinary people.
• Realistic Characters: Rajasthani Batas also feature realistic characters whose portrayals capture the true complexities of human nature. Examples include:
  • Kesa Upadhyay: Driven by petty selfishness and vengeance, he betrays his master and conspires for personal gain.
  • Sodho (in Kachvaho's Bat): A refugee who ultimately betrays his benefactor for personal power and ascendancy.
  • Blonchani Rani and Dhara (in Maru Sughari's Bat): They engage in a conspiracy involving betrayal and deception, highlighting the darker aspects of human relationships.
  • Thakur Saha: His story involves deceit and manipulation, where a merchant abandons his son, who later seeks revenge.
• The Blend of Idealism and Realism: Many characters exhibit a combination of ideal traits and human weaknesses. For example:
  • Rakhayach (in Raj Beej's Bat): Initially betrays his uncle but ultimately fights and dies loyally by his side.
  • Hara (in Raja Narsingh's Bat): Deceives his master with information but dies fighting for him.
  • Depal's Wife (in Depal Ghangh's Bat): Initially betrays her husband but later demonstrates devotion by immolating herself on his pyre.
• Character Development: While most characters in Rajasthani Batas tend to have static traits, some exhibit significant changes in their mental state due to circumstances, signifying character development. Examples:
  • Umade Bhatiyani ('Ruthi Rani'): Initially proud and stubborn, she later regrets her insistence on pride, renouncing it as she immolates herself with her deceased husband.
  • Sodhi Rani (in Lakha Phoolani's Bat): Initially succumbs to passion but later, remorseful, takes her own life rather than accept a lesser fate.
  • Tidi Kharal (in Kamblo Joiya and Tidi Kharal's Bat): Initially leaves her simple husband due to his foolishness but returns to him, risking danger, after realizing his devotion.
• Mental Conflict: Rajasthani Batas often depict situations of mental conflict. However, the psychological portrayal is generally straightforward, focusing on the event rather than the subtle nuances of emotion. Examples include:
  • Rao Amarsingh's intense anger and despair upon hearing about the defeat of his territory.
  • Vijadiyo's suppressed anguish as a loyal servant whose father was wronged.
  • Umanji Jhima's helplessness and sorrow at her blind husband's plight.
  • Supaarde's restless anxiety and resentment when her husband unjustly accuses her.
  • Jatani Saharan's defiant pride and self-respect when unjustly treated.

In conclusion, the study asserts that Rajasthani Batas present a diverse world populated by characters of all kinds – good and bad, great and small, strong and weak. Exploring these narratives offers a fascinating and enriching study of human nature and character.