Satirical works of Kshemendra (study)
by Arpana Devi | 2017 | 60,954 words
This page relates ‘Summary of the Kaniya Kirtan (1861)’ 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.
9.2. Summary of the Kānīyā Kīrtan (1861)
The Kānīyā Kīrtan is a satirical play of Hemchandra Barua. The play is his first attempt. Kānīyā Kīrtan is a social play with a strong concern for social reformation. The play is composed in the form of dialogue with a few dramatic actions. The work comprises of humour, wit as well as satire. The title of the play itself is satiric.
In the play, Barua depicts the character of Kirtikanta, who was son of a Mouzādāra[1]. Kirtikanta joins the opium club and forsakes all his duties. Finally, he becomes penniless and fails to pay his dues to the government as a Mouzādāra. To pay his dues, Kirtikanta starts thieving and at last dies in the jail being regretful.
Barua composes the play primarily to expose the evils of opium consumption which was prevalent in the contemporary society. Barua compares opium with poison. Moreover, in the work, Barua exposes immoral activities occurred in the name of religion. Barua also satirizes the Mahājana named Padmapani, who was a follower of doctrines of Sankardeva, but he himself was addicted to opium. The Mahājana himself violated all the codes of conducts but instructed the knowledge of it to his disciples. One, born in the family of a Brāhmaṇa also commits evil deeds, still gets respect in the society-all these are satirically depicted in the work. Arrogance of the gentle folk, superstitious beliefs of the aristocratic families is also satirized in the work. Barua also makes a satirical comment in the words of Kirtikanta for whom opium consumption cannot be condemned as it is created from the mouth of Anantaviṣṇu. In the work, religious hypocrisy is bitterly ridiculed.
Barua also satirizes prejudices prevailing in the society.
Through the following dialog uttered by Bhadreswar Barua, the dramatist rightly expresses his objective-
ājikāli santa, mahanta, eko ciniba nowārā hol. Kāni sāt surār lagare ek surā,
tāko-āmār mahantasakale khābalai dharile, aibor mahājane aru śiṣak ki tariba?
(now, it is difficult to find out a saintly person. Opium is one of the seven types of intoxicant. This is also now consumed by our so called saints, how these great sources will be of help the disciples).
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
A person entrusted with the responsibilities of collecting revenues, ibid. p.808