Satirical works of Kshemendra (study)
by Arpana Devi | 2017 | 60,954 words
This page relates ‘Summary of the Ramnavami (1857)’ part of the study on the Satirical works of Kshemendra: an 11th century poet from Kashmir, who composed three satirical works. Kshemendra himself says that in composing the satirical works his only motive is to reform the mindset of the people.—He exposes all the vices and follies prevailing in the society with the intention to reform it.
9.1. Summary of the Rāmnavamī (1857)
The Rāmnavamī is a social play composed by Gunabhiram Barua (1837-94). Barua occupies a distinct place in the literary history of Assam. He is the first Assamese dramatist and first modern Assamese historian. He is also a biographer and a humorist. He composed the play Rāmnavamī on western model, which is a first in the modern Assamese literature. The play was serially published in the Orunodoi, later on it was published in the form of a complete drama in 1870.
The Rāmnavamī is a socio-tragic play having five Acts. Widow marriage is the main subject of the play. It narrates a sad story of a young widow named Navamī who was in love with Rām. In the play, both of them are compelled to commit suicide because their relationship was not approved by the members of the society.
In the play, satire is mild. In the play, the dramatist satirizes superstitious beliefs of Assamese people, their orthodoxy and also prejudices prevailing in the society. Barua also satirizes the exploitations of the Mahājana[1] upon the common people in the name of religion. In the play, Barua exposes all the frailties, hypocrisy of the society. Barua’s intention for social reform is observed here. The dramatist condemns manners and customs of the society for the untimely death of Rām and Navamī. He not only advises to cure the ailments of the society, but himself becomes example by marrying a widow woman after the death of his first wife.