The book Andha Yug is written as a poem cum drama. Dialogues are somewhere between a poem and prose. The whole book is about the scene from Mahabharata, after the 18-day war. It begins with the last scene that Sanjay narrates to the blind Dhritarashtra and Gandhari. While the final battle between Bheem and Duryodhan is still to happen, Duryodhan is yet to die.
Andha Yug by Dharamvir Bharti
It depicts the psychology of Ashwathama when he realizes that his father has been killed by misusing his name. This has led to the defeat of Kauravas. He goes mad with the thought and wants to kill Pandavas and Krishna, who he knows is the brain behind the trick. It depicts the state of all the survivors who have survived the war, no one is sure who has won the battle in the real sense of the winning, and who has lost it.
It depicts the end of Krishna, the mesh of curses that get exchanged and affect not only the one who is cursed but the one who gives the curse. For the first time, it is said that of all the Pandavas it was only the Yudhishthira who was carrying the burden of all his four brothers as they were good for nothing. Not sure if the original Mahabharata says the same, but at least the popular versions have indicated that.
The language is the best part of this book, the prose and poetry are written with a lot of meaning that conveys the emotions with equal ease. You almost go through every emotion as you read the verses, and feel what each character is going through. It is a good read for people who like to read good Hindi.
Updates
Andha Yug (Hindi), or Blind Age is a 1953 verse play written in Hindi, by renowned novelist, poet, and playwright Dharamvir Bharati (1926-1997).
The play begins with the Kauravas, the defeated side of the war, lamenting their losses. They are led by Duryodhana, a cruel and arrogant man who is blinded by his hatred for the Pandavas, the victorious side. Duryodhana is determined to avenge his defeat, even if it means destroying the entire world.
The play ends with the destruction of the world. The gods are angry with the humans for their violence, and they unleash a flood that wipes out all life.
Andha Yug is a powerful and disturbing play that explores the dark side of human nature. It is a warning against the dangers of war and violence. It calls for a new way of thinking about the world.
A classic of Indian literature, has been translated into many languages and has been performed all over the world. It continues to be relevant.
Themes explored:
- Futility of war
- The destructive power of violence
- Importance of compassion and forgiveness
- Need for a new way of thinking about the world
A powerful and thought-provoking play that has had a lasting impact on Indian literature and culture. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the human condition.
Ahsan Bhai, thanks for sending me this book.
Buy this book – Andha Yug by Dharamvir Bharti at Amazon India.
Read more:
- Yuganta The End of an Epoch by Irawati Karve
- Hidimba by Narendra Kohli
- Arjuna by Anuja Chandramouli
- Gandhari Ki Atmakatha by Manu Sharma
Dharmvir Bharti’s poems are worth reading. People know him more for his prose, esp. Gunaho ka devta. Anyone who has read Andha Yug will find it hard to resist himself from reading it againg. excellent kavya-natak.
hi anuradha,,
i havent read any of dharmvir bhartis books. can you tell me how to get them and from where ? theres one more book “yugandhar ” by shivaji sawant i cant find that too. my mail ID is raman_ttt@yahoo.com
if you can please guide me.
i wanna read “suraj ka satwan ghoda and gunahon ka devta” too. on my behalf you must read narender kohli in case you have not .hope to hear from you …
Anuradha
Any ideas if Hindi version of this is available in US? Who publishes this book in India and what is te price?
I am not aware of the availability in US, but in India it is available as a pocket book at a less than 100 Rs. Many publishers publish it.