Orphaned

by S.L. Bhyrappa, Sandeep Balakrishna (Translator)

‘What is the cow for, if not for human utility?’ yangata felt stunned by these words. He had never thought about the question of whether cattle existed merely for human utility or whether humans were born for the utility of cattle or whether one is born merely for another utility. Village headman Kalinga gowda’s grandson, also named Kalinga, studies Agriculture and cattle rearing in the US and returns to his native village with his American wife, Hilda, to pursue farming. But hilda’s modern methods of farming and cattle rearing are at odds with the native traditional beliefs of the villagers. Her inability to understand local customs, and her complete unwillingness to adapt to the life here begins a chain of conflict resulting in an explosive finale. Alone and alienated, Kalinga has to face the bitter truth of his own actions when his own infant's survival is at stake.

Genres: Fiction, India, Indian Literature, Marathi

312 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1968

About the author

Dr S.L. Bhyrappa is a litterateur par excellence. He writes in the south Indian language, Kannada, and has been the bestselling novelist for over 25 years now. His novels are widely translated to pan Indian languages. He is the bestselling novelist in Marathi over the past decade and is among the top-five bestselling authors in Hindi. He is a conscious artist that depicts fundamental human emotions in his novels. In addition to his profound knowledge of Indian philosophical and cultural traditions, Professor Bhyrappa has since his childhood had intense personal experiences in both rural and urban milieu. Consequently, his characters are deeply rooted in Indian soil. Seminars have been and are being held on his novels, and volumes of literary criticism have been published on his works.

His books have found their way to the curriculum of undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses of the universities in the state of Karnataka, and have been the subject of about 20 PhD dissertations. He has penned 24 novels and four volumes of literary criticism and books on aesthetics, social issues and culture. Most of his novels are translated into almost all the Indian languages and six into English. He has served as a Prof. of Philosophy over three decades at NCERT.

Dr Bhyrappa is an avid listener of both Indian and Western classical music and has a keen eye for Art. Travelling has been his paasion since childhood and he has travelled across the globe touching the glaciers of poles, forests of Amazon, deserts of Africa, bustling cities of Europe and the United States. He has trekked in the Alps, the Rockies, Andes and in Fujiama, but the Himalayas remain his greatest passion.

Academic Publications in English
--------------------------------------
Values in Modern Indian Educational Thought, 1968 (New Delhi: National Council of Educational Research and Training)
Truth & Beauty: A Study in Correlations, 1964 (Baroda: M. S. University Press)
20 Research Papers published in various Journals like Indian Philosophical Quarterly, Darshana International, Journal of University of Baroda

Research and Fellowship
----------------------------
National Research Professor, Government of India, 2014
One of the five members of the Indian Literary Delegation that visited China on invitation by the Government of China, 1992
Ford Foundation Award to visit the USA to study the cultural problems of Indian immigrants to the USA, 1983
British Council Fellowship tenured at the School of Education, University of London, 1977

Reviews

[Ashish Iyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another powerful story by Bhyrappa. He wrote this book when he was in Anand, Gujarat. He saw how AMUL works there. Hats off to Sandeep Balakrishna for translating this book. I think he is the brilliant translator. Previously he had translated Aavarana and I hope he translate more Kannada books into English. Translation didn't lose any of it essence. I felt i was reading original English story. Orphaned dissects the manner in which consumption has hijacked even a sense of basic compassion, ethics and morality. This book questions the very existence of human nature and how selfish we can be. Aren't we the one who take advantage of animals, in this book writer wrote about cows. And how inhuman we can be. Again this book was way ahead of its times. Now we are all into commercialization and don't even want to know what happens behind the curtains. Book also gives you glimpses of pre Independence movement.

Recommended.

[Bharath · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took up this book of Bhyrappa based on the strong endorsement of the author by my friend (and a top reviewer) Srivalli. I can now understand why readers praise his books. This story is deeply steeped in Indian tradition and culture covering complex themes and fault lines without becoming prescriptive. Also, it has great characters. The reverence of the cow in the Hindu tradition is probably felt as odd among other cultures and has also been the subject of many revolting jokes since long.

The book starts with a context. There is a moving story of a tiger and a Punyakoti cow. When the tiger accosts the cow, the cow pleads that she be allowed to feed her young calf, and promises to return. And she does just that, but the tiger is very remorseful – spares the cow and jumps to its death. In the Hindu tradition, the cow as the giver of milk, ghee, curd, urine (used as a disinfectant) and dung (used as fuel), is revered. There are some historians who have opined that ancient Hindus did not have this reverence for the cow. Invariably this is done in the context of discussion of food choice. However, this book quotes ancient texts, tradition and provides reasons for the respect cows have. Incidentally, while many radicals quote Mahatma Gandhi where convenient, they ignore the fact that he believed this tradition was a sound one and advocated a ban on cow slaughter.

Kalinga Gowda is from a family who have had a cowshed since long and pride themselves on carrying forward the Punyakoti cow lineage. They maintain fields for cows, bulls and calves to graze and milk the cows only after the calves have had their milk. Kalinga’s son Krishne Gowda marries when young with Tayavva who is mute, but has strong values. Tragedy befalls the family when Krishne dies while saving a cow attacked by a hyena. His son Kalinga goes to the US to study agriculture, gets married to Hilda and returns to India with a young child seeking to establish a modern farm. In contrast, Venkataramana, his childhood friend, the son of a local astrologer, is constrained to give up his studies and works at a local school other than taking care of the temple built by Kalinga Gowda. Friends in childhood now come in conflict as they have vastly different values & world views.

I found the story very moving covering the conflict which ensues with a wholly economic view of farming as against the traditional indigenous view of a holistic ecosystem which should be protected. The traditional view inspired by the Hindu belief that divinity is omnipresent, while considering humans as being fortunate, considers all other life forms as deserving of love, care and respect.

The quote below from the last few sections of the book, sums up the essence of the conflict the book tackles.

“No, I need all this electricity, this scientific manure—all of this. I also need the medical science that cures animal diseases. But we need to throw to the winds the notion that animals exist solely for human utility.”

A powerful story, with very impressionable characters. There is a lot of tension & sadness in much of the story. I suspect that non-Indians unfamiliar with the cultural context may find it difficult to appreciate this story. There are some wonderful debates of contrasting viewpoints between Venkataramana and Hilda which make for delightful reading. The seemingly rational viewpoint might be an inconsiderate one, if you look carefully. Mahatma Gandhi and philosophers Joseph Campbell & S Radhakrishnan in their wisdom believed that true harmony in a multi-cultural society comes from acknowledging and respecting the sacred in traditions besides your own – something of which we see lesser and lesser every day. This book is a celebration of the continuity of civilization & value systems while at the same time sensibly adopting modern inventions and other positive influences.

I am reminded of the quote below.

I do not want my house to be walled in on all sides and my windows to be stuffed. I want the cultures of all lands to be blown about my house as freely as possible. But I refuse to be blown off my feet by any
– Mahatma Gandhi

[Srivalli (Semi-Hiatus) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

One Liner: Real, rustic, and thought-provoking

Titled ‘Tabbaliyu Neenade Magane’ in Kannada, Orphaned is the English translation by Sandeep Balakrishna, who also translated a couple of other books by Dr. S.L. Bhyrappa.

Village headman Kalinga Gowda’s grandson, also named Kalinga, studies Agriculture and Cattle rearing in the US and returns home to his little village with his wife, Hilda. The couple intends to pursue farming in his family’s lands.

Soon, it’s clear that their ideas are the opposite of what the natives hold dear. The concept that an animal is nothing more than a utility tool for humans is not something the Gowda family and dear ones subscribe to. Hilda’s insistence and Kalinga’s changed attitude alienate them from the rest. What happens when their dear one’s life is at risk? How does one balance science with cultural ethos?

My Thoughts:

Bhyrappa’s books have been on my list for a while now. I wanted to read one of his works for the challenge, and I’m happy to have selected this one. Fortunately, the paperback had a decent font size. Though the book was written in the 1960s, it reflects today’s society just as much. In fact, things have only gotten worse by 2023.

The pacing is slow throughout, though it is necessary. There’s a lot of conflict, internal and external, which will be lost if the narration rushes through.

The book can be divided into two parts. The first 100 pages establish the foundation for what’s to follow. They also create the necessary contrast that aligns with the changes in the country (progress, in a way).

None of the characters in the book are bad or villainous. They just have different perspectives and reactions to things. This makes them so real and flawed. Even if the blurb makes Hilda sound like someone to hate, her characterization isn’t limited to that. At times, the reader cannot help but consider her viewpoint or acknowledge her pain.

While the cow is central to the plot, Tayavva is the one who stands out. Her entire arc aligns and runs in parallel to what happens to the cows. Being born mute means she has no dialogue but has all the emotions overwhelming and gushing out of her without coherent means of expression.

Kalinga Jr. is not the main character. Or maybe he is, as things do happen around him. The layers peel off, and we see a man so unsure, prone to influence, vulnerable, and lacking the steel to follow his decisions.

The translation is quite good, though it reads a bit off in some places. But what I love is how the narration retains the native rustic touch in the dialogues and thoughts. The grammar and sentence structure are deliberately tweaked to suit the setting.

There are many references to our Hindu Scriptures. Slokas and phrases are directly quoted (with the translation provided). Venkataramana and his father get these dialogues given their jati (yep, jati and not caste). Another thing I love is the retention of terms native terms for seasons, celebrations, etc.

There’s much to say, but I don’t know where to start. So, I’ll end it here. This isn’t a book to read and forget. It’s a book that makes you think. The open ending (I almost screamed, so unfair!) leaves you in the same state as Kalinga. Also, I don’t think the book will work for Western audiences. It is an Indian book, through and through.

TW: Animal abuse (non-sexual), birthing, death (human and animal), racism.

[Kanarese · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can a writer deliver these many good contents in just one lifetime? #Orphaned or ತಬ್ಬಲಿಯು ನೀನಾದೆ ಮಗನೆ is yet another masterpiece by Saraswathi Samman Dr. SLB & it is a very apt & highly important read for these disturbing times.

Traversing three generations of the Gowda family, who are cowherds, this novel is an exploration of the clash between Western scientific knowledge and the ethical and moral worldview that underpins it and the timeless custom of cow worship, which is central to the Indian ethos.

The Kannada folk song 'Govina Haadu', which celebrates the truth-abiding Punyakoti cow, provides the backdrop to this compelling story.

[Ritu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked my 2nd book of SLB. And I call him my "favorite writer" already. The style of his writing is just too vivid, and even small, random detail can feel so relatable.

Orphaned is a translation of a Kannada novel: Tabbaliyu Neenade Magane. What a spectacular journey on its own this book is. It takes you to Kalenhalli and Agrahra to Arundari hill. The breeze of Arundari hill and the process of building the Punyakoti temple feels like something that's in front of our bare eyes. And we are the witnesses of it.

It familiarises with a lot of different facets of transition to the world that only cares about "science". How cruel one can get to prove they are logical and modern while fulfilling their own selfish needs. While it was extremely difficult to digest that in the book, it gets even more difficult when you realize all of this is as real as it can get. It also gives a glimpse of western propaganda. Not even once does it feel like it was written around 50 years ago.

I have personally learned a lot from this book. It quotes a lot of shlokas from the shastras, and the great sages. It answered a lot of the questions I didn't know I had in my mind until I came across it in this book. It doesn't only put forward contrary opinions and doubts, but they are also powerful and logical doubts. One will not feel they are too dumb and can be dismissed without giving it a thought. Also, how well the character of a Jois's son, Venkatramana patiently handles them.

The conscience that was passed down to a person for generations, the spiritual refinement that they received from their lineage; what can it cost one to ignore such convictions? That too you will find that out in this book.

While I wished it had another 50 pages, maybe I expected too much from the ending. And it's complete in its ways. I ended up adding it to my re-read list.

I would recommend reading this book. It's easily available everywhere online, unlike many other translated works of Bhyrappa ji.

__
My favorite lines that capture the essence of this book:

I
Yangata had never thought about the question of whether cattle existed merely for a human utility or whether humans were born for the utility of cattle or whether one is born merely for another's utility.

Just as how a male child born in a home works in the field, so does the young bull work in the field. Just as how a mother gives milk to her infant, so does the cow give milk to humans. Just as how the male child and mother eat food, so do the ox and cow eat grass. In all this, who benefits from whom?

II
Q: All the science you learned, the education you got in America, will you Chuck it all into the whirlwind of your emotional frenzy?

A: No, I need all this electricity, this scientific manure- all of this. I also need the medical science that cures the animal disease. But we need to throw to the winds the notion that animals exist solely for human utility.

[Veda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I definitely did not expect to relate to this book.
And then I did.
Some of it was quite agonising, and hence why I stayed away from writing about the experience.
Down below, I will attempt to list down the pointers that made this book personal.
.
1) The loss of a family member

2) the bond between an aavu (gomata/cow) and her caretaker.

There’s one at home, she is Gauri/Gauramma, and amumma (maternal grandmother) is her primary caretaker. To us, Gauri is Goddess herself. She is worshipped and pampered like no other. Where do I even start and end regarding the fuss that is made over her, and how Gauri gets her way with us.

I mean she doesn’t drink plain water, she only has water when it is mixed with tavudu (mixture of bran and few other things). She turns her head away and keeps grunting at us when she is given plain water 😅

Recently in our village, Srivari kalyanam was conducted (Mahadeva/Shivudu’s wedding); we were all like how can Gauri not be fed Shivudu kalyanam’s prasadam. So, of course she was fed a little extra that day.

For Varalakshmi Vratham (a Hindu festival), Gauri was worshipped (in such a beautiful and wholesome manner, if I may add) - puja was done, she was given prasadam, there were circumambulations, harati was offered (how do I translate this? well, harathi is a ritual where a divine flame - with the help of camphor - is offered to the deity), and there were a few other rituals centered around her. She was very patient throughout.

3) The differences that arise in a community over the way a cow is treated by the non-Hindu community members.

All in all, the book has captured the reverence for cows that is commonplace in many Hindu households, and is at the same time ridiculed, scorned, derided, demeaned, and made fun of by anti-Hindu bigots.
Bhyrappa garu has penned it all down so vividly, and while I haven’t read the original to comment about the translation, it does look like Sandeep Balakrishna has as usual done a phenomenal job with the translation.

While this book is so much more, to me it is primarily a beautiful rendition of what it is like between a gomata and her caretaker, and it will always remind me of Gauri and amumma.

[Chaitra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tabbaliyu Neenade Magane is a heart throbbing book by Sri S L Bhyrappa which focuses on cows and the perception around them. The narration beautifully depicts the contradictory perceptions of two different generations in the same family which takes pride in their lineage of Kalinga, the original (as per the novel) cowherd whose dearest cow emerged as Punyakoti herself.

Bhyrappa creates his characters with diverse perceptions and collaborates them all in a single direction towards cow. Is she just an animal? A divine being whose holy body symbolically represents million facets of Parabrahma? Or is she just another medium to satisfy one's appetite? What is she? Who is she?

The descendant Kalinga's principles he carried carefully from ancestors get snatched and lost the moment the 'urbanization' decides to sneak into the little pathways into his village. How does his grandson, another namesake of the legendary Kalinga respond to the newness he's exposed to? Bhyrappa beautifully places the question and his slightest indication through his parallel characterization of a mute mother and gau mata, both can't speak but both are neglected in a similar way.

As the reader proceeds with the novel one would realise Bhyrappa does not just talks of paradigm shift happens when it comes about the view towards cow, he also sheds light on such factors that would influence one's perspective. Personally, I found the book not just about a gau mata but on beautiful sanatana dharma, one could even take liberty enough to place other non existing and almost extinct civilisations that were succumbed under the blunt accusations of being too superstitious/dumb and too uncivilized enough to see divine in everything. This book talks of gau mata on surface but in depth I found it talking about one's existence that gets meaningless the moment they fail to see their roots. It also made me realise sometimes such dissociation just happens, the grandson sees no difference in his mother and cow since both were mute however the grandfather sees mother in both because the maternal status both the mute daughter in law and his cows share. The end point is same but the view is so different. Bhyrappa creates an amazing narration where he touches upon the spot where this perspective shift occurs. I found it quite important.

I really loved the character Venkataramana, he doesn't have much strength in his characterisation however when the need comes he starts getting assertive over the protection of cows from the claws of the grandson on same proud cowherd. He exhibits his inner hero, narrowing his life dedication to the principles he had grown up with. The same generation contradictions between Venkataramana and Kalinga (jr) puts the reader in wonder about what exactly plays the role in terms of one's affiliations towards the dharma?

Just like Avarana, this novel ends in a cliffhanger which is rather painful and if you're like me you'd shift from reader's point of view not only to the distressed Kalinga but also towards the hundreds of cows who can't speak for their rights with their acceptance of daunting future under the sharp knives.

A painstakingly beautiful book. Highly recommended.

Vande Gau Mātaram

[Anand.R ನೇರಳಕಟ್ಟೆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

ಭೈರಪ್ಪನವರಿಂದ ಮಾತ್ರ ಈ ರೀತಿ ಬರೆಯಲು ಸಾಧ್ಯ .1968 ರಲ್ಲಿ ಬರೆದ ಪುಸ್ತಕ ಈಗ ಇನ್ನೂ ಪ್ರಸ್ತುತ, ಕಾಲ ಕಳೆದಂತೆ ಇನ್ನೂ ಹೆಚ್ಚು ಪ್ರಸ್ತುತವಾಗುತ್ತ ಹೋಗಲಿದೆ. ವಯಸ್ಸಾದ ತಂದೆ ತಾಯಿಯರನ್ನು ಹಳ್ಳಿಗಳಲ್ಲೇ ಬಿಟ್ಟು, ಹೆಂಡತಿ ಮಕ್ಕಳೊಂದಿಗೆ ಬೇರೆ ಊರುಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಇರುವವರಿಗೆ ನಾವೆಷ್ಟು ಕ್ರೂರಿಗಳು ಅಂತ ಮನಸಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಗೊಂದಲ, ಮುಗಿಸಿದಾಗ ಒಂದು ದೀರ್ಘ ನಿಟ್ಟುಸಿರು ಮೂಡಿಸುವುದಂತು ಸತ್ಯ ..

[Mamatha Venkatesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

ಈ ಕಾದಂಬರಿಗೀಗ ಐವತ್ತೊಂದನೇ ವರ್ಷದ ಸಂಭ್ರಮ. ಆದರೂ ಇವಳು ಮುಪ್ಪಿನ ಹಾದಿಯವಳಲ್ಲ.ಚಿರ ಯೌವ್ವನೆ.

ಬೈರಪ್ಪನವರ ಕಾದಂಬರಿಗಳ ಕಥಾವಸ್ತುಗಳು ಬಹುತೇಕ
ವಿವಾದಾತ್ಮಕ .ಹಾಗಿದ್ದರೂ ಅವರು ಅತಿಹೆಚ್ಚು ಓದುಗರನ್ನು ತಲುಪಿದ ಅತಿ ಜನಪ್ರಿಯ ಲೇಖಕರು ಎಂಬ ಹೆಗ್ಗಳಿಕೆಯೂ ಉಂಟು. ಈ ಕಾದಂಬರಿಯು ಅದಕ್ಕೆ ಹೊರತಾಗದೆ ಗೋಹತ್ಯೆಯ ಕಥಾವಸ್ತುವನ್ನು ತೆಗೆದುಕೊಂಡು ತಮ್ಮ ಎಂದಿನ ನಿರಾಳ ಸರಾಗವಾದ ತಣ್ಣನೆಯ ಶೈಲಿಯಲ್ಲಿನಿರೂಪಿಸುತ್ತಾ ಹೋಗಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಆದರೆ ಎಂದಿನಂತೆ ಅಭಿಪ್ರಾಯಗಳನ್ನು ಮಾತ್ರ ಹೇಳದೆ, ಅವಕ್ಕೆ ಅವಶ್ಯಕತೆಗಿಂತ ಹೆಚ್ಚಿನ ಒತ್ತು ಕೊಟ್ಟಿದ್ದಾರೇನೋ ಎನಿಸುತ್ತದೆ.

ಕಾದಂಬರಿಯು ನಮಗೆಲ್ಲಾ ಚಿರಪರಿಚಿತವಾದ ಪುಣ್ಯಕೋಟಿ ಎಂಬ
ಗೋವಿನ ಕಥೆಯೊಂದಿಗೆ ಮೊದಲಾಗುತ್ತದೆ .ಚಿಕ್ಕಂದಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಗೋವಿನ ಕಥೆಯನ್ನು ಕೇಳಿ ತುಂಬಾ ಅಳುತ್ತಿದ್ದುದರಿಂದಲೋ ಏನೋ ಕಥೆ ಶುರುವಿಗೆ ನನ್ನನ್ನು ಹಿಡಿದಿಟ್ಟುಕೊಂಡಿತ್ತು.

ಗೋವು ನಮ್ಮ ಸಂಸ್ಕೃತಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಅತ್ಯಂತ ಮಹತ್ವದ ಸ್ಥಾನ ಪಡೆದಿದ್ದು ನಾವು ಕಾಮಧೇನು ಎಂದೂ, ಗೋಮಾತಾ ಎಂದೂ ಪೂಜಿಸುತ್ತೇವೆ.ಸಕಲ ದೇವತೆಗಳು ಗೋವಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಆವಾಸವಾಗಿರುತ್ತಾರೆ ಎನ್ನುತ್ತಾರೆ.ಗೋವಿನ ತ್ಯಾಜ್ಯಗಳು ಕೂಡ ನಮಗೆ ನಿಷಿದ್ಧವಲ್ಲ .ಬದಲಾಗಿ ಬಹು ಪೂಜನೀಯ. ಮೈಲಿಗೆ ಕಳೆಯಲು ಪಂಚಗವ್ಯ ಶುದ್ದಿ ನಮ್ಮಲ್ಲಿ ಬಹಳ ಸಾಮಾನ್ಯ. ಇವೆಲ್ಲವೂ ಈ ಕೃತಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಹಾಸುಹೊಕ್ಕಾಗಿ ಹೋಗಿದೆ.

ಅವರ 1968ನೇ ಇಸ್ವಿಯ ಈ ಕಾದಂಬರಿ ಇಂದಿಗೂ ಪ್ರಸ್ತುತ. ಇಂದಿನ ವಿವಾದದ ಕೇಂದ್ರಬಿಂದುವಾಗಿರುವ ಗೋಹತ್ಯೆ ಈ ಕಾದಂಬರಿಯ ಪ್ರಧಾನ ವಸ್ತು. ಭೈರಪ್ಪನವರು ಗೋಹತ್ಯೆಯ ವಿರೋಧವಾಗಿ ನಿಂತಿದ್ದು ವಿವಾದದ ಮೂಲವಾಗಿ ಬಿಟ್ಟಿತ್ತು. ಹಿಂದೂ ಮೂಲಭೂತವಾದಿ ಎಂಬ ಹಣೆಪಟ್ಟಿ ಹಚ್ಚಿಸಿಕೊಂಡು ಸಹ ಹಿಂದೂ ಧರ್ಮದ ಶ್ರೇಷ್ಠ ಗುಣಗಳನ್ನು ಎತ್ತಿಹಿಡಿಯುತ್ತಾರೆ .ಮಾಂಸಾಹಾರ ಸೇವಿಸಬಹುದಾದರೆ ಗೋಮಾಂಸ ಏಕೆ ಬೇಡ ಎನ್ನುವವರಿಗೆ ಈ ಕಾದಂಬರಿ ಉತ್ತರ ಕೊಟ್ಟೀತು. ಗೋವನ್ನು ಪ್ರಾಣಿಯಂತೆ ಈ ಮನೆ ಹೆಣ್ಣುಮಗಳಾಗಿ ಭಾವಿಸುವ ಭಾರತೀಯರಿಗೆ ಇದೊಂದು ಬುಕ್ ಮಾರ್ಕ್ ಎನ್ನಬಹುದು .ಕಾದಂಬರಿಯ ನಿಜವಾದ ನಾಯಕ "ಹಸು" ಎಂದು ಕಾಣುವುದಂತೂ ಸುಳ್ಳಲ್ಲ .ವೆಂಕಟರಮಣ ಜೋಯಿಸರು ಗೋವಿನ ಪರವಾಗಿ ದಿಟ್ಟವಾಗಿ ಹೋರಾಟ ಮಾಡುವ ರೀತಿ ಬೆರಗಾಗಿಸುತ್ತದೆ. ಗೋವು ಮಾನವನ ಆಹಾರಕ್ಕಾಗಿ ,ಹಾಲಿಗಾಗಿ ಎಂದು ಪ್ರತಿಪಾದಿಸುವ ಕಾಳಿಂಗ ಮರಳಿ ತನ್ನ ತಾತನ ಧರ್ಮಶ್ರದ್ಧೆಗೇ ಶರಣಾಗುವುದು ನಮಗೆ ಬೆರಗು ಹಾಗೂ ನೆಮ್ಮದಿ ಮೂಡಿಸುತ್ತದೆ.

ಇಲ್ಲಿ ತಬ್ಬಲಿ ಯಾಗುವುದು ಹಿಲ್ಡಾ ಕೊಂದ ಪುಣ್ಯಕೋಟಿ ಹಸುವಿನ ಕರುವೋ, ದೇಶಬಿಟ್ಟು ದೇಶದಲ್ಲಿ ತನ್ನವರಿಲ್ಲದೇತನ್ನ ವಿಚಾರಗಳಿಗೆ ಕಾಳಿಂಗನನ್ನು ಸೇರಿಸಿ ಎಲ್ಲರೂ ವಿರೋಧಿ ಆಗುವುದರಿಂದ ಹಿಲ್ಡಾಳೋ ಅಥವಾ ತನ್ನ ವಿಚಾರ ಶ್ರದ್ಧೆಯ ದಿಕ್ಕನ್ನೇ ಬದಲಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳುವ ಕಾಳಿಂಗನೋ ಎಂಬ ಜಿಜ್ಞಾಸೆ ಮಾತ್ರ ನನ್ನಲ್ಲಿ ಉತ್ತರವಿಲ್ಲದ ಪ್ರಶ್ನೆಯಾಗಿ ನಿಂತಿದೆ.ನಿಜಕ್ಕೂ ತಬ್ಬಲಿಯು ಯಾರು?

[That dorky lady · Rating 5 out of 5]

ಭೈರಪ್ಪನವರ ಕೃತಿಗಳು, ಅವರ ಸಾಮಾಜಿಕ ಹೇಳಿಕೆಗಳನ್ನು ನೋಡುವಾಗ Love me or hate me, both are in my favor. For if you love me I will always be in your heart; if you hate me I will always be in your mind ಎನ್ನುವ ಶೇಕ್ಸ್ಪಿಯರನ ಸಾಲು ನೆನಪಿಗೆ ಬಾರದೆ ಇರದು.

ಭೈರಪ್ಪನವರ ಇತರೆ ಕಾದಂಬರಿಗಳಂತೆಯೇ 'ತಬ್ಬಲಿಯು ನೀನಾದೆ ಮಗನೆ' ಕಾದಂಬರಿಯೂ ಸಹ ಸಾರ್ವಕಾಲಿಕ ಗುಣದೊಂದಿದೆ ಮನ ತಟ್ಟುತ್ತದೆ‌. ಕಾದಂಬರಿ 1968ರಲ್ಲಿ ಮೊದಲ ಮುದ್ರಣ ಕಂಡಿದೆ. ಆಗಿನಿಂದ ಈಗಿನವರೆಗೂ ಭಾರತೀರ ಜನಜೀವನ, ಕೃಷಿಪದ್ಧತಿ, ಪಶುಸಂಗೋಪನೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಗಣನೀಯ ಬದಲಾವಣೆ ಆಗಿದ್ದರೂ ಗೋವುಗಳನ್ನು ದೇವರಂತೆ ಕಾಣುವ, ಪೂಜಿಸುವ ಜನರೂ ಬೀಫ್ ಅನ್ನು ತಮ್ಮ ಮುಖ್ಯ ಆಹಾರವಾಗಿ ಬಳಸುವ ಜನರೂ ಇಂದಿಗೂ ಪ್ರಸ್ತುತ.

ಭೈರಪ್ಪನವರ ಕಾದಂಬರಿಗಳನ್ನು ಒಂದೇ ದೃಷ್ಟಿಕೋನದಲ್ಲಿ ನೋಡುವುದು ಬಹುಶಃ ಓದುಗರಿಗೇ ನಷ್ಟದಾಯಕ. ಗೋಹತ್ಯಾ ನಿಷೇಧ, ಜಾನುವಾರು ಪರಿರಕ್ಷಣಾ ಕಾಯ್ದೆ, ಆಧುನಿಕ v/s ಪ್ರಾಚೀನ ಬೇಸಾಯ ಪದ್ದತಿ, ಆಚಾರವಿಚಾರಗಳನ್ನೊಳಗೊಂಡ ಕಾದಂಬರಿ ಇದಾದರೂ ನನಗೆ ಕಥೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಮುಖ್ಯವಾಗಿ ಸೆಳೆದದ್ದು ಮಾನವೀಯ ಮೌಲ್ಯಗಳು ಮತ್ತು ಅದಕ್ಕಂಟಿ ಬೆಳೆಯುವ ಒಂದಿಡೀ ಸಮುದಾಯ.

ತನ್ನವರಿಂದ ಅಗಲಿದಾಗ ಉಂಟಾಗುವ ತಬ್ಬಲಿತನಕ್ಕಿಂತಲು ತನ್ನತನದಿಂದ ದೂರವಾದಾಗ ಬಾಧಿಸುವ ತಬ್ಬಲಿತನ ತೀಕ್ಷ್ಣವಾದುದು ಎನಿಸುತ್ತದೆ‌. ಜನ್ಮತಃ ಬಂದ ಶ್ರದ್ಧೆಯನ್ನು ಬಿಡಲಾರದೆ ಆತುಕೊಂಡು ಅದಕ್ಕಾಗಿ ಜೀವನಾಧಾರವಾದ ಕೆಲಸವನ್ನೇ ಬಿಡುವ ದೃಢಚಿತ್ತದ ವೆಂಕಟರಮಣನೂ ತನ್ನವರನ್ನೆಲ್ಲ ತೊರೆದು ಸುದೂರ ಭಾರತಕ್ಕೆ ಬಂದರೂ ಇಲ್ಲಿನ ರೀತಿನೀತಿಗಳನ್ನು ಒಪ್ಪದೇ ಒದ್ದಾಡುವ ಹಿಲ್ಡಾಳೂ ಶ್ರದ್ಧೆ ಮತ್ತು ಪ್ರಭಾವಗಳ ನಡುವೆ ತನ್ನದು ಯಾವುದು ಎನ್ನುವುದೇ ತಿಳಿಯದೇ ಗೊಂದಲದಿಂದ ಅಸಹಾಯಕನಂತಾಡುವ ಕಾಳಿಂಗನೂ ಇದನ್ನೇ ಹೇಳಹೊರಟರೇ? ಮತ್ತೊಮ್ಮೆ ಓದಬೇಕಿದೆ.

[Pradeep T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its a thought provoking book. It raises an important question of what is moral and what is science? Venkataramana and Kalinga though born in the same village and raised by the same dharmic values, stood right opposite when they grown up. Educated in USA, and married to a US girl, Kalinga has least values for the traditional practice of cow worshipping. Kalinga always tries to judge things by scientifically and takes some decisions (selling old cows) from an economic point of view. Whereas, Vekataramana, a well learned Brahmin, who values traditional values to the most, struggles to convince Kalinga of his misdeeds that Kalinga is doing against cows. This tussle between these two peraonalities, on the basis of cow worshipping, cow slaughtering, eating beef, and various other topics has been fantastically woven in this novel.

I would highly recommend this book to everyone who are interested in knowing why cow is regarded as God in India and its background.

[Sai Prasad Vishwanathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book review:
There is a pitfall to reading the Bhagavad Gita. No other novel will seem purposeful after that book. When you read any other book, you immediately want to jump back to the Gita and find solace in own of its verses. In such context, ‘Orphaned’ by SL Bhyrappa took me through a storm of emotions. With ‘Aavarana’ and ‘Parva’, the author held my attention. But with ‘Orphaned’, he has challenged some of my core beliefs and made me live my childhood.

The novel’s canvas is rich with characters. There is the beloved and respected grandfather, his disabled daughter in law, a highly conservative friend, an educated American wife, and torn among them all, a man whose soul is in question, literally. The sheer brute power of the novel can be explained by the mute lady. She does not and cannot speak a word. But her way of life raises a question by itself. How can a character not utter a word in the whole novel, yet become its very soul? That I leave it to you to find out.

For 20-25 years, my own grandmother faithfully worshipped cows. After reading this novel, I am proud of the selfless way she lived her life. I did not understand her beliefs then. I do not claim to understand now. But the novel reminded me of the countless hours she’d spend at the barn. The unmeasurable love and effort she put into taking care of them as part of our country’s traditions. The novel made me love our country’s way of life, culture, rural philosophies, principle of community living, and above all, the ability to worship each and every being as holy. SL Bhyrappa – Take a bow ! You are one of the 5 people in my list, who deserve the Bharat Ratna and are yet to get it !

My rating – 6.2/7
Recommendation – Read it if you are patient enough to empathize with a family’s bizarre love to take care, worship, and protect its cows.

[Gowthami · Rating 5 out of 5]

ಪುಸ್ತಕ : ತಬ್ಬಲಿಯು ನೀನಾದೆ ಮಗನೆ
ಲೇಖಕ : ಎಸ್ ಎಲ್ ಭೈರಪ್ಪ
ವಿಭಾಗ: ಕಾದಂಬರಿ

ಗೋವಿನ ಹಾಡು ನಾವು ಚಿಕ್ಕರಾಗಿದ್ದಾಗ ಓದಿದ್ದೇವೆ, ಗುನುಗಿದ್ದೇವೆ ಈಗಲೂ 'ಪುಣ್ಯಕೋಟಿಯ' ಕೊಟ್ಟ ಮಾತಿಗೆ ತಪ್ಪದೆ ಹುಲಿಯ ಬಳಿ ಹೋದ ಕಥೆ ಎಲ್ಲರ ಮನಸಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಅಚ್ಚಳಿಯದೆ ಕೂತಿದೆ . ಇದೆ ಪುಣ್ಯಕೋಟಿಯ ಸಾಕಿದ್ದ ವಂಶಸ್ಥ ಕಾಳಿಂಗ, ತನ್ನ ಹೆಸರೇ ಇರಿಸಿಕೊಂಡ ಅಮೆರಿಕದಿಂದ ಹಿಂದಿರುಗಿದ ಮೊಮ್ಮಗನ ನಡುವೆ ನಡೆವ ಮೌಲ್ಯ ಸಂವೇದನೆಗಳ ತಿಕ್ಕಾಟವೆ ಕಾದಂಬರಿಯ ಕಥಾ ವಸ್ತು .
ಗೋವು ಎಂದರೆ ದೇವರು ಎನ್ನುವ ಭಾವನೆ ನಮ್ಮ ಹಿಂದೂ ಧರ್ಮದಲ್ಲಿ ಮೊದಲಿಂದಲೂ ಬೆಳೆದು ಬಂದ ಪದ್ಧತಿ , ನಂಬಿಕೆ . ಹಸು ಕೊಡುವಿಕೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಎತ್ತಿದ ಕೈ , ನಾವು ದಿನ ನಿತ್ಯ ಬಳಸುವ ಹಾಲು , ಮೊಸರು , ಮಜ್ಜಿಗೆ , ಬೆಣ್ಣೆ , ತುಪ್ಪ , ಸಗಣಿ , ಬೆರಣಿ , ಗೊಬ್ಬರ , ಗಂಜಲ ಎಲ್ಲವೂ... ಅಮೃತಕ್ಕೆ ಸಮಾನ ಈ ಹಾಲು ಅನ್ನುವುದು ಗೊತ್ತಿರುವ ಸಂಗತಿ . ಇಂಥ ಸಾಧು ಹಸುವು ಮನುಷ್ಯನ ದುಷ್ಠತನಕ್ಕೆ ಸಿಕ್ಕಿ ವ್ಯಾಪಾರದ ವಸ್ತುವಾಗಿ ಬದಲಾಗಿದ್ದು ವಿಷಕಾರಿ ಸಂಗತಿ.
ಮನುಷ್ಯನ ಆಲೋಚನೆ ಎಷ್ಟು ಪರಿಣಾಮಕಾರಿ ಎಂದರೆ ಅವನು ಜಗತ್ತಿನ ಪ್ರತಯೊಂದು ಜೀವಿಗೂ ಒಳಿತು / ಕೆಡಕು ಮಾಡಬಲ್ಲ ಶಕ್ತಿ ಉಳ್ಳವ.
ಜಗತ್ತು ಇರುವುದೇ ನನಗೋಸ್ಕರ ನನ್ನ ಉಪಯೋಗಕ್ಕೆ ಎನ್ನುವ ಮನುಷ್ಯ ,ಜಗತ್ತಿನಲ್ಲಿ ನಾನು ಒಬ್ಬ ನನ್ನ ಹುಟ್ಟು ಜೀವಿಗಳ ಉಪಯೋಗಕ್ಕೆ ಯಾಕಾಗಿರಬಾರದು? ಎನ್ನುವ ಆಲೋಚನೆ ಬಿತ್ತುವ ಕೆಲಸ ಭೈರಪ್ಪರವರು ಚಂದವಾಗಿ ನಿಭಾಯಿಸಿದ್ದಾರೆ . ಮಾತು ಬಾರದು , ಉಪಯೋಗಕ್ಕೆ ಬಾರದು ಎಂದು ಜೀವವಿರದ ವಸ್ತುವಿನ ಹಾಗೆ ಒಂದು ಜೀವಿಯನ್ನು ನಾವು ನೋಡುವ ಪರಿಪಾಟ ನಿಲ್ಲದೆ ಬೇರೆ ಜೀವಿಗಳಿಗೆ ಉಳಿವಿಲ್ಲ.

[Versha · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are some books that question your integrity, morality this was one such book for me. What are animals for? Do they exist merely for human’s utility? If not, are we treating it in any better way? These and many such questions arise as you read this book. More than anything it questions us as to who is right who is wrong Venkataramana a village priest who thinks Dharma is in following our ancestral rituals, traditions or Kalinga a Village head’s grandson and his American wife who question him with their modern technology and thinking. The best part about this book is Author SL Byrappa has stated all the facts, given all the reasons and conflicts on each side without being bias and has left us, readers, to think as to what is right what is wrong. I can only imagine how beautiful a read this would have been if I could’ve read in Kannada with the dialects and everything.

[Ajay · Rating 5 out of 5]

One more gem by Bhyrappa. Brilliantly translated by Sandeep Balakrishna.

[Ganesh V · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a strange conundrum that one faces while writing the review of the book. Emotionally loaded, this book will evoke many pressing & perhaps impactful questions within the reader’s mind.

On a personal note, I find it a bit coincidental or perhaps a cosmic design that I read this book right after Baligondu Nambike by DVG. In DVG’s book, the maestro effectively brings out the multiple facets of the crossroads faced by traditional vs modern conflict. This book is perhaps a fictional, yet philosophical manifestation of DVG’s magnificent piece.

On the outlook, to say that the book is a MASTERPIECE is quite an understatement. The strength of a book lies in the ability to grasp the reader’s attention, convey the message subtly / strongly, draw out the emotions whether it’s laughter or tears. This book achieves this and much more. One needs to read it to experience the same.

The book’s basic premise is built around the age old poem in kannada “ಧರಣಿ ಮಂಡಲ ಮಧ್ಯದೊಳಗೆ“ with Kalinga Golla / Gowda and subsequent 3 generations forming the main fulcrum of the story, while Venkataramana represents another side of the perspective. Venktaramana & putta Kalinga are the manifestations of the conflict that play out in the human mind in the modern era. Dharma vs Modernity / Consumerism is an eternal theme, with the simple, yet scientifically advanced life of villages getting highlighted in multiple forms.

The extensive research by the author in terms of the verses stands-out as a pinnacle of scholarly achievement. The tag line of the book: “What is the cow for, if not for human utility?” is loaded & requires some serious long thought. Kalinga Gowda and his wife represent the equanimous couple of yore who lead the life by dharmic principles, while Tayavva represents the “mute spectator” in the roaring conflict between long standing dharma vs enforced modernity.

At the end of the book, one can’t help, but feel sympathy for the younger Kalinga & the author has ended the book in such a manner that it could draw different conclusions about the end.

The translation in English is top-notch / exemplary. As a native kannada reader, the only aspect that draws attention is perhaps the dampening nature of the “translated version of the curses”. No matter what, these swear words / curses’ impact is truly felt in the native tongue.

I can’t help but write a couple of lines about the poem which has stayed etched in my memory from childhood. Never once has this poem failed to draw tears out of me. Following lines are perhaps that haunt me forever.

ಸತ್ಯವೇ ನಮ್ಮ ತಾಯಿ ತಂದೆ
ಸತ್ಯವೇ ನಮ್ಮ ಬಂಧು ಬಳಗ
ಸತ್ಯ ವಾಕ್ಯಕೆ ತಪ್ಪಿ ನಡೆದರೆ
ಮೆಚ್ಚನಾ ಪರಮಾತ್ಮನು

ತಬ್ಬಲಿಯು ನೀನಾದೆ ಮಗನೆ
ಹೆಬ್ಬುಲಿಯ ಬಾಯನ್ನು ಹೊಗುವೆನು
ಇಬ್ಬರ ಋಣ ತೀರಿತೆಂದು
ತಬ್ಬಿಕೊಂಡಿತು ಕಂದನ

If one doesn’t read the original / translated version of the book, one is definitely missing something.

[Ramaprasad KV · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellently translated version of an excellent novel, I must say. The story is set in post Independence and pre-modernizing India, and touches upon some very civilizational questions. Then nativity is very nicely brought out. Althouth the story is set in southern Karnataka, it could be set anywhere.

100/100 for the translation! For those who know the south Karnataka rural life, it will be very close to the heart, and for others, it is a window in space and time.

If you have seen the Hindi movie Godhuli (1977), this is the story is the movie is based on. But let me add that the movie can not even get to 10% of the impact the novel can do.

[Sonali Dabade · Rating 4 out of 5]

**UPDATE**

This is such a thought-provoking book! To everyone who asks why the cow is treated as a goddess in India, this book lists out all the reasons in simple narrative. But that's not the only thing. It also raises questions about humanity and the way humans think we are above every other life form in existence. About familial love and responsibility. About doing the right thing, about upholding values, about the way we see devotion, and about how we must see a cross between devotion and spirituality. The translation could have been much, much better, but despite this, it gets the point across very well. Highly recommend!

[Ujjwala Singhania · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great work by Bhyrappa ji. I don't know why I kept this book on my shelf for so long before finally picking it up because it's another of author's must read kind of book. The complex yet simple village life, with people's immense faith in their ritual and pride in legacies handed down to them by the generation gone before. The aspiration of a young mind to reach newer heights and see the world outside of their little village.
The contrast between two friends who stand at the two ends of the ideological divide which develops deeper chasm as each struggles with a way forward in their chosen paths. The paths each of them takes raises a lot of questions in my mind as well and while I was reading I was looking at the author for answers but he didn't take a side, he raised all those questions through his characters for his readers. It was like through his characters he wanted his readers to take the journey and do deeper self analysis to find the answers.
The tussle between faith and materialism, the divide between ways of life in east vis-a-vis west, the call for progress at the expense of simple living of village folks. Some of the main points which crops up as the story progresses; and which need honest contemplation and introspection, not easy to do in the noisy world we live in today.

[Hemant · Rating 5 out of 5]

भैरप्पा जी ने पारम्परिक जीवन और आधुनिक जीवन के संघर्ष को बहुत सुन्दर तरीके से चित्रित किया है. कालिंग गौड़ा के पोते की कहानी समाज के एक बहुत बड़े वर्ग की कहानी है और अंत में उसके सम्मुख आए अनसुलझे प्रश्न आज भी मौजूद हैं और अनसुलझे ही हैं. ट्रैक्टर और बैल का सहअस्तित्व कैसे संभव हो? क्या गाय केवल दूध के लिए है? आदि.
लेखन शैली, मानव विचारों और मनोभावों का चित्रण, आदि सुन्दर हैं. मेरी ओर से पठनहेतु सुझावित है.

[Madhu Ballekere · Rating 5 out of 5]

No words to say about this book.
how did got this thought into his mind at the 70's - it was amazing.

[Sarita · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short piece-

एक किसान के दिल के
कोने में छिपी हुई-
एक सुन्दर सा स्वपन हो तुम ,
उसके खेत की हरियाली हो तुम,
घर के द्वारे की शोभा हो तुम
हमारे जीवन की खुशहाली हो तुम
गौ- माता हमारी हो तुम |

सबेरे पहर तुम्हारे दर्शन -
मन को हर्षित कर जाए ,
होती तुम इतनी भोली और सुन्दर
जब भी पड़ती तुमपर नज़र,
मन तुम्हारी ओर खींचा चला जाए |

हम पड़ोसते तुम्हें-
सूखी घास एवं जूठन से-
छोड़ते तुम्हें दर दर भटकने
भोजन की खोज में ,
पर तुम हो सजाती
हमारे हथेली को ,
अपने पंचगव्य से |

ना करती अपने दुखों की शिकायत
ना ढूंढती तुम दूजों की कमी,
उलटा हम इंसानों की पीड़ा-
छलकती है तुम्हारी आँखों से छल-छल
हर एक पल और हर एक घड़ी |

कैसा खोखला है ये
उपयोगितावादी सिद्धांत ,
तुम्हारे यौवन में ,
पालते तुम्हें -
तुम्हारे दूध , दही , माखन के लिए |
करते इस्तेमाल गोबर का
अपनी झोपड़ी और खाद के लिए ,
खेत में चलवाते हल
अपना पेट पालने के लिए
और तुम्हारे बुढ़ापे में बेच डालते तुम्हें
कसाई के हाथ
तुम्हारी मांस के लिए ||

कैसी काली पट्टी बंधी है,
हमारे इन आँखों पर-
जो देख ना पाते
तुम्हारी आँखों में बस रहे ,
प्रेम के गहरे सागर को,
खुशाली की लहर झूमती है मन में
देख तुम्हारा प्यार अपने बछड़े से
और यही मन हो जाता व्याकुल
जब रांभति है बछड़ा तुमसे बिछड़के ||

हम अंग्रेज और आधुनिक शिक्षा वाले,
काश, सिर्फ इतनी सी बात समझ पाते
गऊ, तुम सिर्फ गऊ नहीं, गोमाता हो तुम
तेंतीस करोड़ देवी-देवताओं का घर हो तुम
तुम्हारी सेवा करना , जैसे बांसुरी की धून में खोना है
तुम्हारी कृपा हो जिस पर
उसे किस बात का जीवन में रोना है
हम सब ही तो है , तुम्हारी संतान
काश, तुम्हें सिर्फ एक उपयोग की वस्तू ना समझकर
करते तुम्हारी दिलों जान से रक्षा
और बनाते तुम्हें अपने सिर का सरताज ||

“Orphaned”- I was drawn like a magnet just by the title and the cover page featuring the vulnerability of Mother Cow was the gravitational force, for which I could do nothing but only fall. (Thanks to my Goodreads colleagues for sharing this book in their feed- "Ritu Jha and Ashish Iyer"). So, i was saying- i could do nothing but only fall for this book. "Fall as in? Fall in love?? Umm…may be, its only in love that we fall for. So, yes, I think so. Because, I have been in relationship with cows since childhood and my connection to them certainly has a cultural & family’s role in it but the personal bond is way deeper and I think, it will always be.

So, the book introduces me to the Kannada song “Govina Haadu” ; a song based on the story of cow named Punyakoti who by virtue of truth wins over the tiger who has hunted her for his hungry stomach.

This is the story of Gowda and his ancestors’ devotion to cows. A story narrating that protecting cows even at the cost of one’s life is one’s highest dharma. It captures all the beautiful moments that one can feel within by being in and around cows. The mother cow licking the neck of her calf, their cuddling, baby calf resting & hiding by her mother, her mooing & anxiety when they get parted from each other- like everything comes together as beads in a string. They have a language of their own. A language that needs not be expressed rather only felt in their actions & love and in the way, they melt and forget about the world in the music of flute.
For Gowda, cow is not just a cow meant to serve human utility, it’s a blessing, a blessing to immerse oneself in devotion to Gomaata every moment and take every possible step to protect cows of his village & others, beyond everything.

But then, Elder Kalinga Gowda’s grandson and his modern & scientifically educated could never comprehend anything beyond the economics of cow rearing. Considering cow as a mere object of utility, it was distressing to me when these educated couples ( Hilda & kalinga) decided to separate calves from their mother’s teat before milking the cows. Oh! Putting the rubber tube and completely suck out all the milk- seriously? Their hearts didn’t even melt looking the scream & struggle of the calves and milking the cows without their babies. What kind of science is this?, that separates mother from her child, oh- what economic driven this society and its people are? Using machines & tubes to suck out milk, even reading it is so painful, I wonder- don’t these modern educated men feel the pain within themselves when machine is sucked to drain out the urine from their own kidneys, how heartless they could be.
Growing cotton & tobacco instead of food crops, destroying land meant for pastures and cattle grazing. Slaughtering calves for cheese.

Some lines that struck me-

“In the Elder Gowda’s time, each cow had a real name like Ganga, Ggowri, Tunga, Bhadra, Sita & Savitri. Each cow was a Goddess on its own. But now in his grandson Kalinga’s barn, each cow had become a mere number- 1,2,3..."

And the biggest blow came when Hilda slaughtered a newly mother cow who has given birth to a calf of just 4 months. The calf is now orphaned.

But then, the ill consequences and fate that kalinga and hilda and their babies have to face for their heartless and purely economic- driven actions seem to be a lesson for our modern educated Kalinga.

Well, You make a calf orphan for your utility, life has its own way to tear you down in loneliness and make you orphan.

Orphaned- A must read for all the humanity breathing on this planet!!

[Sanjay Manjunath · Rating 5 out of 5]

ಪುಣ್ಯಕೋಟಿಯ ಪದ್ಯವನ್ನು ಯಾರು ತಾನೆ ಕೇಳಿಲ್ಲ, ಬಾಲ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿ ನಮ್ಮೆಲ್ಲರ ನಾಲಗೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ನಲಿದಾಡಿದ.. ಈಗಲೂ, ಪೂರ್ತಿ ಅಲ್ಲದಿದ್ದರೂ ಸ್ವಲ್ಪವಾದರೂ ಮನದಲ್ಲಿ ಉಳಿದಿರೋ ಪದ್ಯವದು. ಆ ಪದ್ಯದ ಆಶಯದಂತೆ ಇರಲಾಗದಿದ್ದರೂ.. ಅದು ಮನದಲ್ಲಿ ಮೂಡಿಸುವ ಚಿತ್ರದಿಂದ ಆನಂದವಾಗುವುದಂತೂ ನಿಜ.

ಹಳ್ಳಿಯ ಪರಿಸರದಲ್ಲಿ ಬೆಳೆದಿರುವಂಥ ಯಾವುದೇ ವ್ಯಕ್ತಿ ಗೋವುಗಳೊಂದಿಗೆ ಒಂದು ಅವಿನಾಭಾವ ಸಂಬಂಧ ಹೊಂದಿರುತ್ತಾನೆ. ಅವುಗಳಿಗೆ ಒಂದೊಂದು ಹೆಸರನ್ನಿಡುವುದು, ಅವುಗಳನ್ನು ಹೊಲಕ್ಕೆ ಹೊಡೆದುಕೊಂಡು ಹೋಗುವುದು, ಕೊಟ್ಟಿಗೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಅವುಗಳಿಗೆ ಹುಲ್ಲು ತಿನ್ನಿಸುವುದು, ಅವುಗಳಿಂದ ಆಗ ತಾನೇ ಕರೆದ ನೊರೆ ಹಾಲನ್ನು ಕುಡಿದು ಸವಿಯುವುದು, ಹೀಗೆ ಅವುಗಳನ್ನು ಪೂಜ್ಯಭಾವನೆಗಿಂತ ಹೆಚ್ಚಾಗಿ ಪ್ರೀತಿ ಭಾವನೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಕಾಣುತ್ತಾನೆ.

ಇಂಥ ಪೂಜ್ಯಭಾವನೆ, ಪ್ರೀತಿಭಾವನೆ ಹೊಂದಿರುವ ಭಾರತೀಯ ಮನಸ್ಸಿಗೂ.. ಗೋವು ಎಂದರೆ ಸಾಮಾನ್ಯ ಪ್ರಾಣಿ, ಅದು ಇರುವುದು ಮನುಷ್ಯನ ಉಪಯೋಗಕ್ಕಾಗಿಯೇ ಅಷ್ಟೇ.. ಎಂಬ ಪಾಶ್ಚಾತ್ಯ ಮನಸ್ಸಿಗೂ ನಡೆಯುವ ತಿಕ್ಕಾಟ, ಜೊತೆಗೆ.. ಹಳ್ಳಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಹುಟ್ಟಿ, ವಿದೇಶದಲ್ಲಿ ವ್ಯಾಸಂಗ ಮಾಡಿ ಎರಡು ಕಡೆಯಲು ಸಲ್ಲದ ಮನಸ್ಸಿನ ಒದ್ದಾಟದ ಒಟ್ಟು ಹೂರಣವೇ ತಬ್ಬಲಿಯು ನೀನಾದೆ ಮಗನೆ.

ಪುಣ್ಯಕೋಟಿಯನ್ನು ಸಾಕಿ ಸಲುಹಿದ ವಂಶದವನಾಗಿ ಕಾಳಿಂಗ ಗೌಡನು.. ಪುಣ್ಯಕೋಟಿಯ ಕಥೆ ನಡೆದಿರುವಂಥ ಕಾಳೇನಹಳ್ಳಿಯ ಊರ ಗೌಡನಾಗಿ, ಗೋವುಗಳನ್ನು ತನ್ನ ಮನೆಯವರಿಗಿಂತ ಹೆಚ್ಚಾಗಿ ಕಂಡುಕೊಳ್ಳುವ ಜೀವವಾಗಿ ಬದುಕುತ್ತಿರುತ್ತಾನೆ.
ಕಿರುಬನ ಬಾಯಿಗೆ ತನ್ನ ಮಗ ಕೃಷ್ಣನು ಬಲಿಯಾದ ಮೇಲೆ, ಮೊಮ್ಮಗ ಕಾಳಿಂಗನನ್ನು ಅಕ್ಕರೆಯಿಂದ ಬೆಳೆಸುತ್ತಿರುತ್ತಾನೆ. ಮೊಮ್ಮಗ ಕಾಳಿಂಗನು ವಿದ್ಯಾಭ್ಯಾಸದಲ್ಲಿ ಮುಂದಿದ್ದರಿಂದ ಅವನ ಓದಿಗೆ ಸಹಕಾರಿಯಾದ ವೆಂಕಟರಮಣನ ತಂದೆ ನರಸಿಂಹ ಜೋಯಿಸರ ಮಾತಿಗೆ ಬೆಲೆ ಕೊಟ್ಟು ಕಾಲೇಜು ವಿದ್ಯಾಭ್ಯಾಸಕ್ಕೆ ಒಪ್ಪಿಗೆ ಕೊಡುವ ಕಾಳಿಂಗಜ್ಜ.. ನಂತರ ವೆಂಕಟರಮಣನ ಮಾತಿಗೆ ಒಪ್ಪಿ ವಿದೇಶಕ್ಕೂ ಕಳುಹಿಸುತ್ತಾನೆ. ವಿದೇಶಕ್ಕೆ ಹಾರುವ ಕಾಳಿಂಗನು ಊರನ್ನೇ ಮರೆಯುವುದು, ಮೊಮ್ಮಗ ತನ್ನ ವಂಶದ ಹೆಸರು ಉಳಿಸುವುದಿಲ್ಲ ಎಂಬ ಅರಿವುಂಟಾಗಿ ಪುಣ್ಯಕೋಟಿಯ ಕತೆ ನಡೆದ ಸ್ಥಳದಲ್ಲಿ ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನ.. ಎದುರಿಗೆ ಕಲ್ಯಾಣಿಯನ್ನು ಕಟ್ಟಿಸುತ್ತಾನೆ. ಅದರ ಪೂಜೆ ಸಾಂಗವಾಗಿ ನಡೆಯುವಂತೆ ವೆಂಕಟರಮಣನನ್ನು ಅದರ ಪೂಜಾರಿಯಾಗಿ ಇರಿಸುತ್ತಾನೆ.
ತನ್ನ ಹೆಂಡತಿಯ ಮರಣ, ಮೂಕಿ ಸೊಸೆ ತಾಯವ್ವನ ರೋಧನೆ, ತನ್ನ ಗೋಮಾಳ ಸರ್ಕಾರದ ಆಧುನಿಕತೆಗೆ ಬಲಿಯಾಗುವುದು.. ಇವೆಲ್ಲದರಿಂದ ಜರ್ಜರಿತನಾಗಿ ಕಾಳಿಂಗಜ್ಜ ಮರಣ ಹೊಂದುತ್ತಾನೆ.

ವಿದೇಶಿ ಮನಸ್ಥಿತಿಯನ್ನು ತುಂಬಿಕೊಂಡು ಬರುವ ಕಾಳಿಂಗ.. ಕೃಷಿ ಮತ್ತು ಹೈನುಗಾರಿಕೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ದೊಡ್ಡಮಟ್ಟದ ಬದಲಾವಣೆ ತರುವ ಯೋಜನೆಯಲ್ಲಿದ್ದರು, ಹಳ್ಳಿಗರಲ್ಲಿ ಒಬ್ಬನಾಗಿ ಉಳಿಯದೆ, ಅವರ ಅಂತರಂಗವನ್ನು ಅರಿಯದೆ, ತನ್ನ ಮೂಕ ತಾಯಿಯಯೊಡನೆ ಬೆರೆಯದೆ, ಸರ್ಕಾರದ ವತಿಯಿಂದ ಗಳಿಸಿಕೊಂಡ ಜಮೀನಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಊರ ಹೊರಗೆ ಮನೆಮಾಡಿಕೊಂಡು, ಹಳ್ಳಿಗರಿಗೆ ಅಚ್ಚರಿ, ಅವ್ಯಕ್ತ ಭಯಗಳಿಂದ ಅವನನ್ನು ಕಾಣುವಂತೆ ಮಾಡಿಕೊಂಡು, ಜೀವಿಸಲು ಶುರುಮಾಡುತ್ತಾನೆ. ಅಷ್ಟೇ ಅಲ್ಲದೆ ವಿದೇಶದಲ್ಲಿಯೇ ಮದುವೆಯಾಗಿ, ತನ್ನ ಹೆಂಡತಿ ಹೀಲ್ಡಾ ಮತ್ತು ಮಗ ಜಾಕ್ ನನ್ನು ಕರೆತಂದಾಗ.. ಹಿಲ್ಡಾಳಲ್ಲಿ ಇಲ್ಲಿಯ ವಿಚಾರಗಳನ್ನು ಅರಿವು ಮೂಡಿಸದೆ, ಅವಳಿಗೆ ಇಲ್ಲಿನ ಪರಿಸರದ ಮೇಲೆ ಜಿಗುಪ್ಸೆ ಉಂಟಾದಾಗ ಅದನ್ನು ಸರಿಪಡಿಸದೆ, ಊರವರ ಪಾಲಿನ ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನಕ್ಕೆ ಅಪಚಾರ ಎಸಗಿ ಸ್ನೇಹಿತ ವೆಂಕಟರಮಣನ ಸ್ನೇಹ ಕಳೆದುಕೊಳ್ಳುವ, ತನ್ನ ತಾಯಿಯಿಂದ ನಿಷ್ಟುರಗೊಳ್ಳುವ, ಊರವರ ದ್ವೇಷ ಕಟ್ಟಿಕೊಳ್ಳುವ, ಕೊನೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಹಳ್ಳಿಗ ಕಾಳಿಂಗಾಗಿ ಬದಲಾಗುವ ಪಾತ್ರ ಕಾಳಿಂಗನದು.

ಮುಕ್ತತೆಯ ವಾತಾವರಣದಲ್ಲಿ ಬೆಳೆದು, ಪ್ರೀತಿಸಿ ಮದುವೆಯಾಗಿ, ತನ್ನ ನೆಲದಿಂದ ಭಾರತಕ್ಕೆ ಬಂದು, ಪತಿಯ ಜೊತೆಗೂಡಿ ಕೃಷಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಏನಾದರೂ ಸಾಧಿಸಬೇಕೆಂದು ಬರುವ ಹಿಲ್ಡಾಳಿಗೆ.. ಕಾಳೇನಹಳ್ಳಿಯ ವಸ್ತುಸ್ಥಿತಿ, ಮನಸ್ಥಿತಿ ಸರಿಯಾಗಿ ಅರ್ಥವಾಗುವುದೇ ಇಲ್ಲ. ಪತಿ ಕಾಳಿಂಗ, ಮಗ ಜಾಕ್ ಇಬ್ಬರೇ ಅವಳ ಪಾಲಿಗೆ. ವೆಂಕಟರಮಣನ ಮಾತುಗಳಿಂದ ಮನೋಕ್ಲೇಶ ಉಂಟಾಗಿ.. ಪುಣ್ಯಕೋಟಿಯ ತಳಿಯ ಕರುವನ್ನೇ ಬಲಿಕೊಟ್ಟು ಸೇವಿಸುವ ಅವಳು.. ಆ ವಿಷಯ ಊರವರಿಗೆ ತಿಳಿದು, ಅವಳ ಮತ್ತು ಕಾಳಿಂಗನ ವಿರುದ್ಧ ಊರವರು ತಿರುಗಿಬಿದ್ದು, ಇನ್ನೆಂದಿಗೂ ಊರವರಿಗೆ ಬೆರೆಯದಂತೆ ಮಾಡಿಕೊಂಡು, ತನ್ನ ಎರಡನೇ ಮಗುವೂ ಕಾಳಿಂಗನ ತಾಯಿಯ ರೂಪವನ್ನೇ ಹೊದ್ದು ಹುಟ್ಟಿರುವುದನ್ನು ಕಂಡು, ಆ ಮಗುವಿಗೆ ಹಾಲುಣಿಸಲೂ ಆಗದೆ, ವಿಚಿತ್ರ ರೋಗಕ್ಕೊಳಗಾಗುವ.. ಪುಣ್ಯಕೋಟಿಯ ತಳಿಯ ಹಸುವಿನಿಂದಲೇ ಆ ಮಗು ಬದುಕುಳಿಯುವ ಸಂದರ್ಭವನ್ನು ಅರ್ಥೈಸಲಾಗದೆ, ಕೊನೆಗೆ ಪತಿಯನ್ನು ತೊರೆದು.. ವಾಪಸು ತನ್ನ ನೆಲಕ್ಕೆ ಹಿಂತಿರುಗುವ ಯೋಚನೆ ಮಾಡುತ್ತಾಳೆ. ಅವಳು ಎಂದಿಗೂ ಇಲ್ಲಿಯವಳಾಗೋದೆ ಇಲ್ಲ.

ಕಾಳಿಂಗಜ್ಜನ ಮಾತಿನಂತೆ ಪುಣ್ಯಕೋಟಿಯ ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನದ ಅರ್ಚಕನಾಗಿ ಉಳಿಯುವ ವೆಂಕಟರಮಣ ಜೋಯಿಸ.. ತನ್ನ ಪಕ್ಕದ ಹಳ್ಳಿಯ ಸ್ಕೂಲ್ ನಲ್ಲಿ ಮಾಸ್ತರಿಕೆ ಮಾಡಿಕೊಂಡು ಜೀವನ ನಡೆಸುತ್ತಿರುತ್ತಾನೆ. ಕಾಳಿಂಗಜ್ಜನ ಮರಣದ ನಂತರ ಬರುವ ಕಾಳಿಂಗನು ಈಗ ತನ್ನ ಬಾಲ್ಯಸ್ನೇಹಿತನಾಗಿ ಉಳಿದಿಲ್ಲವೆಂದು ಕಂಡುಕೊಳ್ಳುತ್ತಾನೆ. ಕಾಳಿಂಗನ ಪತ್ನಿ ಹಿಲ್ಡಾಳ ಜೊತೆ ಭಾರತೀಯತೆಯ ವಿಚಾರ ಹಂಚಿಕೊಳ್ಳುವ ಪ್ರತಿ ಸಂದರ್ಭ ಕೂಡ ವಾಗ್ವಾದಗಳೊಂದಿಗೆ ಮುಗಿಯುತ್ತದೆ ಹೊರತು, ತಾಳ್ಮೆವಹಿಸಿ ಅವಳಿಗೆ ಮನನ ಮಾಡಿಸುವುದು ಇಲ್ಲ ಅವನು.. ಇದಕ್ಕೆ ಕಾರಣ ಅವನ ನಂಬಿಕೆಗಳಿಗೆ ಕಾಳಿಂಗ ಮತ್ತು ಹೀಲ್ಡಾಳಿಂದ ಬೀಳುವ ಪೆಟ್ಟುಗಳು. ಯಾವಾಗ ಅವರಿಬ್ಬರು ಕರುವನ್ನು ಕೊಂದು ಸೇವಿಸಿದರೋ.. ಅಂದಿನಿಂದ ಅವನು ಮತ್ತಷ್ಟು ವ್ಯಗ್ರನಾಗುತ್ತಾನೆ. ಊರವರೊಂದಿಗೆ, ತಾಯವ್ವನೊಂದಿಗೆ ಅವರಿಬ್ಬರಿಗೆ ಬುದ್ಧಿ ಕಲಿಸಲು ಹೊರಡುತ್ತಾನೆ, ಅದನ್ನು ಸಾಧಿಸುತ್ತಾನೆ ಕೂಡ.

ಹೀಗೆ ಮುಖ್ಯಪಾತ್ರಗಳ ಜೊತೆ ಯಂಗಟೇಗೌಡ, ಹೊನ್ನ, ಮೂಕಿ ತಾಯವ್ವ ಪಾತ್ರಗಳು ಕೂಡ ಮನಸ್ಸಿನಲ್ಲುಳಿಯುತ್ತವೆ.

ಒಟ್ಟು ಕಥೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಗೋವಿನ ಬಗ್ಗೆ, ಗೋವಿನ ಮಹತ್ವದ ಬಗ್ಗೆ, ಹಳ್ಳಿಗರಲ್ಲಿ ಅದರ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಇರುವ ಪ್ರೀತಿ ಭಾವನೆಗಳ ಬಗ್ಗೆ, ಅಷ್ಟೇ ಅಲ್ಲದೆ ಗೋವನ್ನು ಕಸಾಯಿಖಾನೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಹಿಂಸಿಸುವುದರ ಬಗ್ಗೆ, ಸಹಜವಾಗಿ, ಪ್ರಕೃತಿಗತವಾಗಿ ನಡೆಯುವ ಕ್ರಿಯೆಗಳು.. ವಿಜ್ಞಾನದ ಹೆಸರಿನಲ್ಲಿ ನಡೆಯುವ ಅಸಹಜ ಕ್ರಿಯೆಗಳಾಗಿರುವ ಬಗ್ಗೆ, ಭಾರತಕ್ಕೂ ಪಾಶ್ಚಾತ್ಯಕ್ಕೂ ಇರುವ ಸಾಮಾಜಿಕ, ಮಾನಸಿಕ ವ್ಯತ್ಯಾಸಗಳ ಬಗ್ಗೆ, ಹಳ್ಳಿಯ ಜಾತ್ರೆಗಳ ಬಗ್ಗೆ, ಹೀಗೆ ಎಲ್ಲವೂ ಒಂದರೊಳಗೊಂದು ಬೆಸುಗೆಗೊಂಡಿವೆ.

ಇಷ್ಟಾಗಿಯೂ ಕಾಳಿಂಗಜ್ಜ ಅಚ್ಚಳಿಯದೇ ಮನದಲ್ಲಿ ಉಳಿಯುತ್ತಾನೆ. ಪಾಶ್ಚಾತ್ಯ ಸಂಸ್ಕೃತಿಯನ್ನು ಬಿಂಬಿಸುವ ಹಿಲ್ಡಾ ಮತ್ತು ಭಾರತೀಯ ಸಂಸ್ಕೃತಿಯನ್ನು ಬಿಂಬಿಸುವ ವೆಂಕಟರಮಣನ ಪಾತ್ರಗಳು ಪರಿಣಾಮಕಾರಿಯಾಗಿವೆ. ಕಾಳಿಂಗನ ಪಾತ್ರ ಈಗಿನ ಸಮಾಜವನ್ನು ಬಿಂಬಿಸುತ್ತಿರುವಂತೆ ಕಾಣುತ್ತದೆ.

ಉತ್ತಮ ಕೃತಿ. ❤️

[mahesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe S.L Byrappa succeeded in convincing me, Human life is insignificant in front of Gomatha (cow) dedication to serve in her whole life.

S.L Bhyrappa's works are not just literary works to amuse or entertain, His works are to pierce a slumbering heart and raise suspicion on everything we accepted. Indian and Western Philosophy, epics, Social system, and problem are the main theme involves in his books.

Through the Orphaned novel, he has offered philosophical and logical debate from Indic and western perspective to make us understand the significance of COW in day to day life of Bharatiya(Indian) civilization.
Writtings of Byrappa novel are well researched and uphold difference in thought, Even here also you can see a furious debate between Poojari Venkatraman, Hilda, and Young Kalinga where the author offers logic from either side without any bias. In the end, I was looking for a conclusion but Byrappa builds a character in such a way where everyone goes through the self-inquiry phase which allows readers to think along with the character.

My favorite character in the book is Elder Kalinga and younger Kalinga. Elder Kalinga is an esteemed character who revered by everyone in the village, His devotion towards the service for Gomatha (cow) and people well being inspired me to re-examine my relationship with animals and humans. Younger Kalinga is a profound character who represents the current English educated Indian youth who belong to neither west nor-east. Just like our generation even younger Kalinga duped by the outward appearance of western culture, His servitude to western culture stripped him away from everything sacred to his family. Eventually, he ends up getting depressed. But he is able to come out of it by re-examining everything he believed in a balanced approach.

There are so many situations throughout the book that make you feel the pain and sympathize with the character.

Book offers a platform to debate within our mind from the west and Indic point view which is enthralling to the psyche looking to feed intellectual curiosity.

[Adithya Shashidhara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classic SLB. Published in 1968 this novel shows the emotional conflict of a religious man who thinks cow is god and his grandson and his American wife who think cows are mere commodities intended by nature to help man. SLB tries to remain unbiased while presenting both POVs, though the climax seems a bit cliched and might show what the author really thinks himself. Nevertheless a very intense and enjoyable book!

[Umesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Narration. Very good Emphasis on ethics and culture. Very good analogies given in Indian and Western rituals on the way we see animals and the people around us. Read to get more insight on your imaginations and thinking.

I watch the movie "Thabbali Neendae magane" Starring Nasaruddin shsh, to compare My imagination and the way movie has come up. Everybody should agree that a movie with 2 hours of duration cannot cover the complete novel, because the novel has in vast depth of feeling which movie cannot represent or inact. Anyways a good try by Girish Karnad Sir, in reproducing and keeping the content in Movie, alive.

I first read the Novel and then watched the movie. It was really amazing, because you start thinking like a director, because you would be comparing your thoughts imagination during reading novel V/s the way movie has come out.

Once again , This is Must read Novel on readers shelves. I humbly admire S L Byrappa Sir, with his Work. Im really happy of being Kanndiga in reading the essence of Sir's thoughts in Kannada..

[Krishnan Ranganathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is set in the 50's time line when India was emerging out of colonialism and land reforms, boost to economy, agriculture etc. where taking shape. A clash of culture between the old norms and values of villagers with a foreign educated grand son returning to the village to take up modern ways of farming. Add to this he comes married to an American, who has no understanding or any like for the age old customs and ways of life. The novel is as usual very gripping from the beginning to end in a style that only Shri Bhyrappa can write. The present generation may not be able to fully appreciate the ways of rural life of those days but the translation gives them a chance to taste and enjoy the days of their grand parents and the value system followed by them. The translator has also done a wonderful work of maintaining the original import and flavour of the work while maintaining the lucid flow of the story.

[Deepak · Rating 5 out of 5]

First up its an excellent read - solely from the scholarly perspective. Bhyrappa brings out the life in a village that revolves around caring for cows & allied agriculture and how it changes with the wheels of time and the influence of the western educated grandson of the village headman and his American wife.

He goes on to portray the ideological clashes between the villagers and the new entrants; old ways of life vs technology; perceptions of cultured vs uncultured etc.

The characters are also chosen with care and developed very well throughout the book.

I will give credit to Bhyrappa for hiding his ideology (he is an avowed right winger) while writing this book. Not sure many of the "secular"/"liberal" writers can do that.

[Srikanth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting read. I had seen the movie, but wanted to read the original source. The movie differs from the book to a certain degree with the ending modified for convenience of filming. The characters of Kalingajja and his son Krishna have been skipped in the movie. Overall, the book has very deep and insightful questions that are left for the readers to answer for themselves.

[Anirudh · Rating 5 out of 5]

My second favourite Bhyrappa Novel after Parva. The plot is amazing. But what really gets to you is the characters and their moral conflicts. A village priest who struggles to make a foreigner understand his culture and a husband with a foreign wife, torn between east and west, unable to take a side.