चंद्रकांता

Chandrakanta Santati #1-7

by Babu Devakinandan Khatri

चंद्रकांता संतति लोक विश्रुत साहित्यकार बाबू देवकीनंदन खत्री का विश्वप्रसिद्ध ऐय्यारी उपन्यास है। खत्री जी ने पहले चन्द्रकान्ता लिखा फिर उसकी लोकप्रियता और सफलता को देख कर उन्होंने कहानी को आगे बढ़ाया और 'चन्द्रकान्ता संतति' की रचना की। हिन्दी के प्रचार प्रसार में यह उपन्यास मील का पत्थर है। कहते हैं कि लाखों लोगों ने चन्द्रकान्ता संतति को पढ़ने के लिए ही हिन्दी सीखी। घटना प्रधान, तिलिस्म, जादूगरी, रहस्यलोक, एय्यारी की पृष्ठभूमि वाला हिन्दी का यह उपन्यास आज भी लोकप्रियता के शीर्ष पर है।

Hardcover

Published January 1, 2012

About the author

After his earlier education, Devkinandan Khatri moved to Tekari Estate in Gaya. He became an employee of the Raja of Benares. He started a printing press called "Lahari" and started a Hindi monthly, "Sudarshan", in 1898. The various works of Khatri and his son Durga Prasad were republished by Lahari Press in the early 21st century. Lahari Press is still in existence in Ramkatora (Pisnahariya Kuwan)very close to area called Lahurabeer in Varanasi.

Khatri made a strong contribution to the learning of the Hindi language by the people of the times. People were so mesmerised by the works Chandrakanta, Chandrakanta Santati and Bhootnath that they started to learn Hindi just to be able to read the works. Khatri did not write any work at one go and then publish the same. He used to write "bayaans" - chapters - on the run from the British and these were published and distributed widely. People would await the new "bayaans" and congregate around those who could read Hindi to hear the latest exploits in the continuing saga.

Reviews

[Book Ecke · Rating 2 out of 5]

Today's coffee was served with the book "Chandrakanta Santati" which is a classic work of Hindi literature by Babu Devkinandan Khatri. This book is a seven-volume epic that tells the story of the kingdom of Vijaygarh and its royal family. The story is set in a mystical and magical world where sorcerers, princesses, and heroes battle for power and love.

The plot revolves around the love story of Princess Chandrakanta and Prince Virendra Singh. The two are from rival kingdoms and their love is forbidden. The story follows their adventures as they try to overcome obstacles and unite.

What makes this book stand out is its intricate plot and the colourful characters that Khatri creates. The characters are well-developed and the world-building is immersive. The author's use of language and descriptive writing makes the reader feel as if they are in the midst of the action.

However, the book is quite lengthy and at times can become slow-paced. The plot can also be confusing at times, especially with the introduction of new characters and plot twists.

Overall, Chandrakanta Santati is a must-read for fans of Hindi literature and those who enjoy epic fantasy stories. The third edition, released in 2011, is well-translated and well-presented. Despite its flaws, this book is a classic work of Hindi literature that has stood the test of time.

[Sowmya K A Mysore · Rating 5 out of 5]

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