Rustic Love Expressions Of Maharashtra

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "The Rustic Love-Expressions of Maharashtra" by Dr. Nalini Joshi:

This article, written by Dr. Nalini Joshi for "Heritage India" magazine, introduces and celebrates the Gaathaa-sapta-shatee, a significant anthology of 700 verses compiled by Haala, the 17th ruler of the Saatavaahana dynasty in the 1st century AD. Contrary to initial assumptions, the work is not religious but rather a documentation of the poetic love-expressions of contemporary Maharashtra.

Dr. Joshi highlights the historical context, stating that Haala, a lover of Mahaaraashtree Prakrit, encouraged his subjects to write in their colloquial language. He received numerous "muktakas" (two-liners, or gaathaas) from hundreds of poets and poetesses, rewarding each with a gold coin. From this vast collection, Haala meticulously selected the 700 best verses, dividing them into seven "shatakas" (chapters). This anthology, therefore, showcases the poetic competence and intellectual abilities of the common people, particularly those from rural areas, and is considered a world-class classic, representing the "Gangotri" of Marathi Lokasaahitya (folk literature).

The article details the anthology's widespread influence, noting its translations into German, English, French, and various Indian languages, as well as its imitations in Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Apabhramsha literature, citing Bihari Lal's "Sata-sai" as a notable example.

While the Gaathaa-sapta-shatee covers a range of subjects including good sayings, ethical teachings, and descriptions of nature, Dr. Joshi emphasizes that its soul is the spontaneous, natural, and unrestricted expression of erotic sentiment (singaara-rasa). The verses are rich with vivid imagery and often employ "dhvani" or suggestiveness, inviting deep interpretation from commentators. The text explores various facets of love, including union, separation, and even illicit love, reflecting the universal human experience.

The article provides several illustrative examples from the anthology to demonstrate its essence:

• Benedictory Verse: The anthology begins with a verse dedicated to the intense love between Lord Shiva and Parvati, depicting their divine union with striking imagery.
• Nature as Suggestion: A verse describing a crane on a lotus leaf is interpreted by commentators as a subtle suggestion from a "naayikaa" (heroine) to her lover about a safe meeting place.
• Nuances of Love: Examples showcase the contrasting moods of a newly-wed wife (romantic at night, obedient by day), the playful interactions between a woman and her brother-in-law (devara), and a woman's plea to the night to lengthen itself to delay her beloved's departure.
• Marital Dynamics: A verse describes love that is "estranged and then composed" as losing its flavor, akin to water that is heated and then cooled.
• Ephemeral Emotions: The fleeting nature of feigned anger in a love-sport is captured, with the emotion slipping away like fine sand.
• Rustic Language: The article stresses the importance of "deshi" (native) words that carry the flavor of village life, listing numerous examples that contribute to the poetry's authenticity.
• Love and Loss: The anthology reflects on how losing a loved one can make the deceased immortal in memory, while the survivor feels as if they themselves have died.
• Humor and Satire: The article highlights the amusing portrayal of a flirtatious youth and the subtle, almost comical, description of a middle-aged woman's unsatisfied desires.
• Unrequited Love and Anticipation: The psychological thoughts of a younger girl with unfulfilled love and the poignant countdown of a fiancée are presented.
• Friendship and Deception: The article notes clever observations about friendship and the act of giving "ill-luck" to co-wives.
• The Godavari River: The river Godavari is frequently mentioned, often serving as a witness to love affairs.
• Exaggerated Beauty and Love Letters: The text includes descriptions of damsels whose beauty is so overwhelming that one's gaze gets stuck on a single limb, and a humorous account of a lover unable to write a love letter due to trembling hands.
• Nostalgia and Shamelessness: The article touches upon the sweet nostalgic memories of the elderly and the artistic depiction of a wanton woman's behavior, even influencing a dog to bark at its owner.

In conclusion, Dr. Joshi positions the Gaathaa-sapta-shatee as an unparalleled work in Indian literature. It starts with divine love and ends with a salute to the same divine pair, with the "singaara-rasa" (erotic sentiment) as its central and most brilliant element, surrounded by other themes like ethical teachings and philosophical reflections. The anthology is a rich tapestry of poetry, wisdom, socio-cultural data, and the aspirations of common, rural people, making it a timeless and invaluable cultural treasure.