Rajasthani Sahitya Sangraha 03

The book "Rajasthani Sahitya Sangraha, Part 3" is part of the "Rajasthan Puratan Granthamala" series, published by Rajasthan Prachyavidya Pratishthan, Jodhpur, in 1966. The series aims to publish representative and excellent works of Rajasthani language and literature. This particular volume, the 53rd in the Granthamala series, is a compilation of five Rajasthani love stories (Premakhyan).

Key details about the book:

• Title: Rajastani Sahitya Sangraha, Bhag 3 (राजस्थानी साहित्य-संग्रह, भाग ३)
• Subtitle: Five Rajasthani Love Stories (पांच राजस्थानी प्रेमवार्ताओं का सङ्कलन)
• Author/Editor: Lakshminarayan Dixit (गोस्वामी लक्ष्मीनारायण दीक्षित)
• Publisher: Rajasthan Prachyavidya Pratishthan, Jodhpur (राजस्थान प्राच्यविद्या प्रतिष्ठान, जोधपुर)
• Year of Publication: 1966 CE (1966 ई.) / Vikram Samvat 2022 (विक्रमाब्द २०२२)
• Series: Rajasthan Puratan Granthamala, Granthank 53 (राजस्थान पुरातन ग्रन्थमाला, ग्रन्थाङ्क ५३)
• Foreword Author: Dr. Narayan Singh Bhati (डॉ. नारायणसिंह भाटी), Director, Rajasthani Shodh Sansthan, Jodhpur.
• General Editor of the Series: Padmashri Muni Jin Vijay, Puratatvacharya (पद्मश्री मुनि जिन विजय, पुरातत्त्वाचार्य)

Content Summary:

The book is a collection of five distinct love stories, each representing a different facet of Rajasthani folk literature and storytelling traditions. The stories are presented with extensive introductions, annotations, and appendices to enhance their value for readers and researchers.

The foreword by Dr. Narayan Singh Bhati provides a comprehensive overview of:

• The antiquity and various forms of Rajasthani prose: Highlighting the contributions of Jain scholars and the evolution of prose styles.
• The classification of narrative tales (Varta): Categorizing them into historical, semi-historical, mythological, religious, and social themes.
• The development and propagation of tales: Emphasizing the roles of Jain scholars, royal patrons, and Charan/Bhat poets.
• General characteristics of love romances (Premagathan): Discussing themes like the description of beauty, emotions, nature, romantic settings, and the use of messengers and confidantes.
• The specific themes of the five compiled stories: Briefly introducing each story and its significance.

The five love stories included are:

1. Baat Bagasiram Purohit ki Hira ki (बात बगसीराम प्रोहित-हीरांकी): This story appears to focus on the love between Bagasiram Purohit and Hira. The preface mentions it highlights the ill-effects of mismatched marriages and features beautiful descriptions of Udaipur, Hira's beauty, and the romantic encounters of the couple. The narrative style is poetic, blending prose and verse.
2. Risalu ki Vaat (रीसालूरी वारता): This tale revolves around Prince Risalu, possibly an historical figure. It mentions his birth through divine intervention (Gorakhnath's boon) and a curse that separates him from his parents for twelve years. The story likely deals with his adventures, marriages (including one with a child princess), and encounters with various characters, including demons and kings. The foreword notes its focus on the diverse roles of women and their sexual desires, and how circumstances shape character.
3. Nagji - Nagvantori ki Vaat (नागजी - नागवन्तीरी वात): This story describes the love between Nagji and Nagvanti, set against the backdrop of a famine in Kachh. The narrative likely explores themes of love, compassion, social obstacles, and human limitations. Their secret marriage and the societal pressures they face are likely central to the plot.
4. Baat Darji Mayaram ki (बात दरजी मयारामकी): This story centers on Mayaram, a tailor. The narrative starts with a divine origin for the protagonists, Mayaram and Jasa. It likely depicts their love, the king's intervention, and the protagonist's prowess. The foreword mentions its focus on exaggerated descriptions of luxury and sensuality, and its narrative style is attributed to the poet Modji Pasiya.
5. Raja Chand - Premalchhi ki Vaat (राजा चंद-प्रेमलालछीरी वात): This story appears to be a tale of enchantment and perhaps deception, involving Raja Chand and Premalchhi. The foreword suggests the story uses magic and supernatural powers to drive the narrative, which delves into themes of female cunning and lust, and the resulting consequences. It criticizes the lack of character development in such magical tales.

The book also includes detailed appendices, listing various poetic meters used, proverbs, and idioms, making it a valuable resource for scholars studying Rajasthani language and literature. The editor, Lakshminarayan Dixit, expresses his gratitude to Muni Jin Vijay for the opportunity and to Dr. Narayan Singh Bhati for the insightful foreword. The publication was partially supported by the "Modern Indian Languages Development Scheme (Rajasthani)" from the Ministry of Education, Government of India.