Padmavat: An Epic Love Story

by Purushottam Agrawal, Devdutt Pattanaik (Illustrator)

More than five hundred years after the Sufi poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi wrote his epic poem Padmavat, the story of Padmavati, princess of Simhal and her lover and husband, Ratansen, the king of Chittor, continues to capture the imagination of readers everywhere. In Padmavat, we meet Padmavati’s friend, philosopher and guide—Hiraman—a parrot, as well as Nagmati—Ratansen’s first wife and the brave Rajput warriors, Gora and Badal. This tale of two women and their husband who are tormented by Alauddin Khalji is a lyrical retelling of the story of Rajasthani bards, using idioms and metaphors from both the world of Islam and the Hindu Puranas. With Purushottam Agrawal’s deeply insightful commentary and Devdutt Pattanaik’s incredible illustrations, Jayasi’s epic love story is brought to life like never before and finally seen and appreciated for what it is a remarkable ode to love, beauty and truth.

Genres: Mythology, Nonfiction, Audiobook

202 pages, Paperback

Published May 20, 2018

About the author

Purushottam Agrawal (Hindi:हिंदी पुरुषोत्तम अग्रवाल, born 25 June, 1955) is an Indian writer and academic.

He was born and brought up in the city of Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. He has an MA (Political Science, 1977) from Jiwaji University, Gwalior and one in Hindi Literature, 1979 from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. He was awarded a Ph.D degree by Jawaharlal Nehru University in 1985 on the topic of '‘The Social Meaning of Kabir’s Bhakti’' under the supervision of Namwar Singh.

His academic interests include Bhakti poetry and its social context (especially that of Kabir), indigenous (“vernacular”) modernity, non-violence and cultural & literary criticism.

He has written many books including Kabir: Sakhi aur Sabad (A collection of Kabir’s poetry with an analytical introduction), Shivdan Singh Chauhan (A monograph in “Makers of Indian Literature” series published by Sahitya Akademi, Delhi), Majbooti Ka Naam Mahtma Gandhi (published version of annual Gandhi Lecture, organized by Gandhi Peace Foundation, Delhi), ‘Nij Brahma Vichhar: Dharma, Samaj aur Dharmetar Adhyatma’ (Essays on religion, spirituality and philosophy), Vichaar ka Ananta (a collection of theoretical and cultural essays), Teesra Rukh (A collection of literary and cultural essays), Sanskriti: Varchswa aur Pratiroadh (a collection of cultural and political essays) Hindi Nai chaal mein Dhali ( edited proceedings of the international symposium organized in Patna, India on the evolution of modern Hindi), Akath Kahani Prem Ki : Kabir ki Kavita aur Unka Samay (2009) and Hindi Saray: Astrakhan via Yerevan( 2012). He is also a poet and story writer. His short story Cheng Chui published in Pragatishil Vashudha (2012). His another short story is Chaurahe Par Putala published in Naya Gyanodaya (a Bharteey Gyanpeet Magazine). ""pan Patte ki Goth"" (appeared in ""Pakhi"") is a story about a renowned scientist and academician which is fighting upper-casteist professors and other stakeholder in an Indian university system. ""Pair Ghanti"" is a story about feudal minded polity and casteist bureaucracy. ""Nacohus"" (appeared in ""Pakhi"") is a short story by Agrawal which talks about mindless communal sentimentalism and irrational approach towards art and culture.

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purusho...

http://www.purushottamagrawal.com/about/

Reviews

[Vikalp Trivedi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think one of the greatest qualities of true love is to selflessly give away whatever one possesses. If the love is true it sets one's soul free and changes a man forever. It is like a prison which librates​ a person when that person is a prisoner in it. The same thing applies with the great story of true love. They just give away everything they have in different ways and in different forms, to the people who read, hear or even introduced to these stories. Malik Mahummad Jayasi's Padmavat is one such creation. Since its inception to the present day it has given a lot to countless people. So this review will follow what this epic has given to those countless people.

First of all to it's creator Malik Mahummad Jayasi, this poem is both- the only proof of his existence and and the reason of his immortality. As said in this book Jayasi has based Padmavat on a real life experience. Padmavat also worked as an antidote to Jayasi's physical deformities and helped him to realise his higher self and to represent it through his creation. To him it was also an escape from negativity and traumas of the real world to a fable world where everything is just perfect. The characters which Jayasi created for the epic were direct metaphors for the different conditions and mind sets in different conditions of a same human being. Padmavati here represents the higher selves of a human. Through Ratansen he represented the devotion to one's higher self and the ultimate goal. Through Khilji he clearly indicates that nothing other than dust can be acquired through force. If the inspiring experience for this epic was true love then Jayasi has successfully realised​, charished, celebrated and ultimately immortalised his true love through this epic.

Padmavat through this great span of time should have inspired countless creative minds. One such person is Indian film director Sanjay Leela Bhansali. A director whose film were used to be a grand celebration of incompleteness till he directed Padmavat. It won't be wrong if the film is called as "Khiljavat" because most of the screen time was given to Allauddin Khilji played by Ranveer Singh. This film perfectly shows how to weste a talented cast and how to be obsessed with an actor giving him a rip-off of Khal Drogo and making his entry in the list of "Heath Ledger Wannabes". Nevertheless sticking​ to its nature of giving away this epic love story, as a film, proved a huge money spinner for the producers.

The film was also a victim of a huge controversy. There were protests to ban the film and the protests were very violent and coward ones. One of the act of sheer cowardice included attacking a school bus full of innocent children. Even after this and many other cowardly acts neither the ruling party nor the opposition uttered a single word against it. To both the sides vote bank politics was more important than those fanatic protests and abuse of right of freedom of expression. So Padmavat has given a huge vote bank to the future ruling party.

In the beginning of the book Dr. Purshottam Agrawal dedicated this book to "Ritambhara, Ritwik, and their generation". To him the eipc poem has given responsibility to explain and to make Padmavat accessable to the young generation. And he has done a phenomenal work in making this epic accessable to the young generation.

[Shreya Vaid · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me, mythology fiction has always been a mouth-watering genre. I randomly pick up books from this genre as and when I get a chance and never regret the choices that I make since there is always something new to learn. Last week, I got to read something new, a translated and illustrated version of Padmavat by Purushottam Agrawal. 

As we are all aware, Padmavat was a fictional poem written by Malik Muhammad Jayasi. More than five hundred years since this poem has been written, the story of Padmavat still continues to capture the imagination of readers with its unique characters. In this detailed translated book, Purushottam Agrawal introduces you to Padmavati, the Princess of Simhal, and her lover and husband, Ratansen, the king of Chittor. You also get to meet Padmavati's dearest friend and advisor, Hiraman, a parrot and Nagmati, Ratansen's first wife. The version also features the famous duo of Gora-Badal, stories of whom we used to listen from our grandparents when we were kids.

The story of Padmavat is not much different from what is shown on the silver screen, however, the book will always be better than the movie. And thanks to the master illustrator, Devdutt Pattanaik, the poem comes alive in these pages. Even the story of Padmavat is confused by many radicals, considered to be against their "pure" customs. I for one feel that it is a remarkable and timeless ode to love and truth. And nothing can beat the creativity that Jayasi showed five hundred years ago when he wrote this beautiful ode.

Now, coming back to the technicalities of Padmavat, it's a pretty short read that you can finish in even in an hour (with god reading speed) or a day. The story is detailed and the illustrations are damn impressive. Devdutt Pattanaik has always managed to keep me in awe with his beautiful work and I will never get enough of it.

Another thing I would like to clarify, the book is a detailed explanation of what Jayasi's poem stood for. It is not a fictional account of the story, converted from a poem. Also, you will love how Purushottam has managed to capture all intricate details of the poem, including the explanation behind Jayasi's thinking, and how he dedicated everything to the God first, including Padmavat.

All in all, Padmavat is a book that you simply cannot miss. It is definitely a must-read.

[Surabhi Sharma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Malik Muhammad Jayasi’s epic tale of love recently sparked interests for the scholars and historians. In these recent one year, a number of books have been published on the Rani Padmavati and her tale of love with her lover and husband Raja Ratansen and turbulence in the hands of Alauddin Khilji who wanted to possess her for her beauty.

The reason to turn the old pages of books and understand the epic tale of love by Jayasi ‘Padmavat’ is that the movie recently made based on his poem. The poem was originally written in Awadhi not widely used now. The book Padmavat is an attempt to understand the truth and myth behind the tale. The author Purushottam Agrawal has been successful in narrating and translating the Awadhi poem into English for the readers and making it simple. This also gives a fair chance to the readers to decide right and wrong of the claim and protest by the Rajput Samaj on the dignity and pride of Rani Padmavati.

Jayasi’s Padmavat was a tale of timeless love and beauty and is fictionally born out of an imaginative mind. I think the protestors misunderstood the poem and that it is fictional and nothing to do with the history. I think they were lazy and quick to come to a conclusion. They might not have created such a havoc if took time to understand and read Jayasi’s Padmavat. A much-needed book after the recent controversy over the movie. A must read for every reader. The book has beautiful illustrations making reading a pleasure.

https://thereviewauthor.com/

[Harshita Gupta · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Rating: 4.5 stars
Do you know what is Padmavat? Are you the one who thinks that it is a new formed word just removing “i” from the name ‘Padmavati’. Well, I was one such person who thought it until I read this book.
Honestly, I wondered earlier why the most hyped Bollywood movie on this same concept chose to title as Padmavat instead of Padmavati? And I did believe it to be just withdrawal of vowel “i” and I was weary enough to research about it. Such books are really need to be written for people like me!
Well, before starting with the review, I would like to define Padmavat in author’s context. ‘Padmavat’ is an epic poem written by medieval age Sufi Malik Muhammad Jayasi named after Queen Padmavati of Chittor.
“love turns humans into the divine”
In this book, the author brings in the real story of Queen Padmavati by translating and interpreting the epic poem ‘Padmavat’. The book holds the expositions and commentary of the poem and its stanzas.
The author has transcribed Jayasi’s Padmavat and has also compared interpretations of another authors’ version of Padmavat. For instance, in chapter ‘A glimpse of Padmini’, the author recounts two versions of the Padmini which were written after Jayasi’s Padmavat. Chupai by Hemratan in 1588 and Baat by Jatmal in 1627.
In the Introduction part, the author has admired the man behind the poem, Malik Muhammad Jayasi and his substantial work. Jayasi was a Muslim, a Sufi in his belief, but Padmavat is not a Sufi discourse or manual in the guise of an epic poem.
“A devout Muslim, a knowledgeable ‘Indian seeker of Truth’. – author”
The book holds comments, comparisons and connotations retelling its readers what was real Padmavat in context of Jayasi’s narrative, portrayal of beautiful Padmavati, lover and valiant rajput Ratansen and obsessed Alauddin Khilji.
Moreover, the book has been embellished by alluring illustrations which has been done by Devdutt Pattanaik.
The author has deftly translated Jayasi’s Padmavat and it was delightful reading his profound narration.

Why to read this book
The moment the book came into my hand, I was eager to read what’s there in store in this mesmeric book and equally excited to read Padmavati and Ratansen’s epic love story.
Well! I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to everyone to get an insight of Jayasi’s Padmavat.

[Aakanksha Mishra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book's name: Padmavat
Author's name: Purushottam Agarwal
Publisher: Rupa publications
My rating: 4/5

It's been almost 500 years since Malik Mohammed Jyasai has written his famous poem Padmavat and still after all these years some people are still interested in the legend of beautiful princess Padmavati and her love story. This book written by Purushottam Agarwal, illustrated by Devdutt Pattanaik is a beautiful and detailed interpretation of the poem.

It was a great experience reading about heroics of Gora and Badal, divine love of Raja Rawal Ratansingh and Simhal princess Padmavati, jealousy of his first wife Nagmati and unending lust of Allauddin for the princess. The beautiful illustrations were cherry on the cake. This book was not what I expected, another fiction novel on Padmavati but an interpretation of the original poem written by Jayasi. Jayasi has beautifully portrayed in this poem the perfect amalgamation of fiction and reality. He has described some events and places as divine while on the other hand, he has described all the human and effects in as much detail as possible. From delicious cuisines to feasts, from the long route of Chittor to Simhal to simple catfights between two wives of Ratansingh everything has been given the utmost detailed explanation in his poem.

As the original poem's is language is quite difficult to understand so I found this book really useful in understanding the content of the poem. The cover page of the book is simple and decorated with an illustration of Padmavati holding her dear parrot Hiraman in her hand who played a vital role in the mating of Ratansen and Padmavati. This book is a really good catch for those who are interested in the history of Padmavati.

[Abhilash Ruhela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almost all of us have seen the movie “Padmavat” starring Deepika Padukone playing the character of Queen Padmavati. The debate has always been about the existence of any such queen in the past and regarding her association with Alauddin Khilji. Many people believe even the existence of queen as a myth as multiple authors/poets have written about this story in their own version and each one of them have their perspective defining the characters of the story. I never knew that I would end up reading a book on the same after watching such a grandeur movie on the subject and knowing everything in detailing. I am just done reading the book named “Padmavat” which calls the story as “An Epic Love Story” on its cover page. It is written by an already renowned author, Purushottam Agrawal. The book is introduced and illustrated by none other than the legendary, Devdutt Pattanaik.

The author talks about the poet, Jayasi’s version of Padmavat written in the 16th century. I have for the first time in my life read such a book where an author is describing a story from another author’s point of view. Rather than just narrating the story, author also keeps discussing about the author’s point of view of the story. This is very incredibly handled by the author, Purushottam, where he never bores you with the history or myth or quotations but keeps you engrossed so wonderfully throughout the book that you want to understand Jayasi’s point of view on every scene of the love story. The introduction of the characters is nicely crafted which gives a good momentum to the story later on where the author gets a mileage to complete the whole love story in few pages itself.

The good thing is that author has not tried to portray any character as good or bad but only talks about the nature of each one of them which defines what kind of choices and decisions they take later on which changes the whole course of their life. Author has also shared the original stanzas from Jayasi’s poem which also gives soul to the book as reading those original lines gives us more perspective in the language itself. The best about the author’s style of writing is that he does not stretches any part of the story and keeps everything short and crisp. Hence a book on historical, mythological and spiritual context- all embedded in one, gets over within 200 pages itself. I give this read 4* out of 5. This book is definitely recommended and has re-reading value. Kudos to the author for handling this form of writing so nuancedly.

Thanks.

ABHILASH RUHELA!!!

[Vineela Goteti · Rating 2 out of 5]

Beginning of the book itself was like reading an academic text book. It was really difficult to continue further. When story has started it was an interesting love story. It was not as expected. There is too much in introduction and Author's note. Apart from that, the illustrations were really appealing.

[dunkdaft · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sense of history implies recognizing the pastness of the past, and draw lessons from it for the future. In the absence of this sense of future, and a proper ethical perspective, the sense of history does not take long in turning into nonsense of history !

Tricky sentence, but 'to-the-point', when we see things around today. The propaganda and brittle pride is around us and often it gets hurt. Be it a bollywood movie based on this epic poem, or a simple reference of some sensitive figure in a movie dialogue. This book, written after the issue raised during Bhansali's movie release, talks in a sharp manner about how futile the egos and sentiments are when we see 'history'.

Having visited Chittorgarh recently, I thought I must pick up this book and it indeed helped me read about the epic poem by Mallik Muhammad Jaysi. Never knew Padmavat was an epic of this huge level. Though I thought this little book was a translation (blame it on blurb which is misleading) but in actuality, this is a summary/commentary on the book, which may prepare you to read the monumental work by Jayasi.

Devdutt's introduction is, as always, alluring. Additionally, his artworks are charming. The author takes stage with his commentary and at places - literal translation of 'chopais' (stanzas) of the poem, is easy on the senses. Makes you wonder whether you are reading history or fiction. Of course there are conflicts about the story/historicity of queen Padmavati, but Agarwal never goes on to comment about it. He stays to tell you the tale as told by Jayasi and at that, he excels. Makes you wonder about the prowess of Jayasi's power of words. Beautifully written for such a storyline where characters are only a handful. Yes, at places, this book reads like a thesis, submitted for review, but in totality, the book is a great start to understand why 'today' is not 'modern' while we claim it. Modern, was the time when amalgamation of new ideas from the world around, was in practice without hiccups or raising eyebrows of so called saviors of communities.

Would leave you with this wonderful stanza from the tale.

Muhammad has composed this poem in blood and tears. One who listens to it will himself/herself be able to sing the torments of love; I created glue of my blood, and soaked it into my tears. I created this poem, thinking of leaving some sign behind.Where is now the king like Ratansen, where is Hiraman the parrot, who generated intelligence, where is Sultan Alauddin, and where is Raghav Chetan who described Padmavati to Alauddin, and where is the beautiful Queen Padmavati herself? Nothing but the story survives in the world. Blessed are those who earn renown, as the fragrance persists even after the flower has perished.

[CA Ram Melam · Rating 4 out of 5]

We don't know whether or not Padmavati and Ratan Singh lived in the past. However, it is an epic love story, "Padmavat."

[Antony Dayal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clearing the cobwebs

This is not the actual poem, it is a book about the poem which explores not only the poem but the poet and puts everything into context. It deals with the controversy stirred up by the film and the claims made about whether it is based on history or if the story is a folk tale.

A great book to read and get a greater understanding of some of the concepts explored by the poet.

[Animesh Priyadarshi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A befitting commentary on the Epic "Padmavat"

I have gone through both the versions of this Book, "Padmavat - An Epic Love Story" and in Hindi "पद्मावत - मानुष प्रेम भए बैकुंठी". I have listened to many commentaries of the author Dr. Purushottam Agrawal over the last five years over YouTube. The author is not just an author of some random book rather he is a teacher par excellence who teaches you the vagaries of love, life, history, present times and future times alike taking backdrop of sometimes an epic and another time a novel (Like his own NaCoHuS, a Novel of its own type).

Coming to this book and its content, I'd claim that as the book opens it opens your eyes to various questions you might have in your mind from your erstwhile quests for knowledge of or about 'life' (unless you have a quest for knowledge you won't read a book!!). The foreword, by Mr. Devdutt Pattanaik, itself is a great eye opener and I'd urge readers not to miss it. It talks about What 'love and beauty is for lazy minds'! Thereafter comes the excellent teaching skills of the author who doesn't leave your hands till you start the Epic and reach its ends and even after that when he comments on the hullabaloo around a movie that was the namesake of this Epic itself called Padmavat.

As far as my experience is concerned the concluding lines are pieces of pearls of wisdom, "Are we willing to face the increasing deformities of our souls and minds? Are we blessed with any moral and aesthetic antidote, or just condemned to rush towards a fractured social psyche, an imbecile intellect and a violent society?" For me the answer to this question is as clear as daylight, don't you think you should also search for your answer?

Go for the book, it's highly recommended!

[Nitika Tiwari · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a commentary on the original work of Jayasi.
Initially I felt the book sang praises of the work and the elements of criticality was lost, however , in the later half of the book, the writer does critique certain elements while also being gentle and considerate and making us, as readers, understand the reasons for these inconsistencies/plots.
I particularly liked the last three pages where the writer highlights how objecting and inciting violence in the name of past honour is never helpful. Past is meant to be revisited to learn lessons from it , and only then history makes sense.

[Garima Gupta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reminded me of high-school Hindi course - which included writing sandarbh, prasang and vyakhya of a poem 😄

Being a love story, it definitely focuses on the kind of love which liberates the person captivated by it. Both Jayasi and Dr. Purushottam have emphasized the stark difference between Rawal's and Allauddin's love for Padmavati.

But beyond love, they have also shared the influence of knowledge over one's life, impact of blindly following the history, and most importantly - love trumps power.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

audiobook review

Bit of a mixed experience. The choice of narrator left me missing the change from introduction to the actual text, it felt a bit like listening to a study guide of Padmavat. However, I can appreciate the story and the additional commentary. It's a good choice if you've read the poem, or intend to and don't know the historical or cultural context. Just keep in mind that it's not the poem or adaptation.

[Kshitij Itkare · Rating 3 out of 5]

It explains the story, but it doesn't feel like a story. I read it with the purpose of reading a story, but it was a mere explanation. The book is about love, but it didn't feel like it came from a space of love rather the author wanted to just make people aware that this exists and, in dome parts, criticize Bhansali's mobie.

[Pallavi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Malik Muhamud Jayasi is a wonderful insightful poet and Padmavat his poem par excellence. The writer does a beautiful job of comenting on the poem and trying to get to the real core of this beautiful piece of literature and Jayasi's thought train.

[Sharad Jain · Rating 3 out of 5]

I somehow felt the book was incomplete considering so much historical and cultural context it relates to. Although the author did mention that he will stick to Jayasi's version of the story but that too felt incomplete.

[Jiten Upadhyay (Team ThinkerViews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will give it around 8.5 stars out of 10, the stars above are rounded off.
[Detailed #BookReview is available at: https://thinkerviews.com/books/englis... ]

[Sai Krishna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Giving a perspective of the time, the event has or may have happened. Correlating many events that are in popular culture during those times. May not be exciting for many, it is slow-paced. The reader may feel boring at times, and in the end it seems abrupt.

[Savita Ramsumair · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very poorly written

Whilst this is one of my favorite love stories, this novel was very poorly narrated. The focus was more on the writer than on the story which made it boring and took away from the story.

[Shriya Dasgupta · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can read my review of this amazing book here: https://blogsvageradot.wordpress.com/...

[Meera Radhakrishnan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty good book if you are interested in the history of India and its literature works.

[Oindri Kundu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read my full review of this awesome book at: https://youarethewholegalaxy.wordpres...

[Shashank Bharatiya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pertinent. One thing I learnt from it was while handling issues of myths and things rooted in tradition and memory one needs to be very sensitive to the public sentiment and not ludicrously rational.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An extensive commentary on Padmavat.

[Ashok Krishna · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars!

Will share the reasons (review) soon.

[Sreehari · Rating 4 out of 5]

The real story of Padmavat is completely different from what is potrayed in the movie. Jayasi's narration of Padmavat doesn't glorify Jauhar or Sati contrary to what is shown in the movie.

[Anuradha Sarup · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well intended book written to address a recent controversy. A bit repetitive at times. Doesn't make in want to read the original epic but i'd love to know more about it's author and his times.

[Wania · Rating 3 out of 5]

Goosebumps!!