राधेय [Radheya]

by रणजित देसाई, Ranjit Desai

In Radheya, author Ranjeet Desai explores the eternal of question of doing what is right versus carrying out one’s duty, told through the eyes of Karna. Set against the backdrop of the Mahabharata, Desai attempts to make readers aware that although winning is usually the goal in every war, one should also be ready to face defeat.

Through Radheya, readers will learn about Karna and the circumstances which earned him a memorable place in the Mahabharata. From early on, Karna was deprived of familial love. Throughout the course of his life, he suffered at the hands of others. He also felt discarded by his own mother Kunti and was also ridiculed by many because he was born in a lower class. Since Karna’s foundation years were so tumultuous, his immense strength was reduced and he often felt lonely.

Nevertheless, through Radheya readers can visualize the development of Karna’s individuality and how he came to earn the title of fearless warrior. This novel is essentially a written tribute to the hero Karna who fought against his own family members while remaining loyal to his friend. Through Karna’s decisions and actions, Desai brings to life the impending dualities of life such as victory and defeat, and doing what is expected versus doing what is right. Through Karna, Desai has tried to universalize the “karma katha”.

Genres: Marathi, Mythology, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Indian Literature, India, Classics

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1973

About the author

Ranjit Desai

प्रसिद्ध कादंबरीकार , कथालेखक , नाटककार . रणजित देसाई मूळचे कोल्हापूरच्या कोवाडचे. इंग्रजी शाळेत असतानाच त्यांनी लेखनाला सुरुवात केली. कोल्हापूरच्या ' महाद्वार ' मधून त्यांनी कथालेखन करायला सुरुवात केली.

इंटर नापास असलेल्या देसाई यांनी १९४७ मध्ये प्रसाद मासिकाने आयोजीत केलेल्या कथास्पर्धेत भैरव ही कथा सादर केली. त्यांच्या कथेला पारितोषिक मिळाले. या पारितोषिकामुळे त्यांच्या कथालेखनाला प्रोत्साहन मिळाले. रुपमहाल (१९५२) , कणंव (१९६०) , जाण (१९६२) , कातळ (१९६५) , गंधाली (१९७१) , कमोदिनी (१९७८) , आलेख (१९७९) , मधुमती (१९८२) , मोरपंखी सावल्या (१९८४) असे अनेक लोकप्रिय कथासंग्रह त्यांनी लिहिले.

सामाजिक आशयाच्या , ग्रामीण परिवेशातील त्यांच्या कथांमधून त्यांच्या लेखनाची खास वैशिष्ट्ये जाणवतात. खेडुतांच्या जीवनाचे चांगुलपणा मांडणा-या आकर्षक शैलीतील कथा त्यांनी लिहिल्या. बारी , माझा गाव , या प्रारंभीच्या कादंब-यांनंतर १९६२ मध्ये थोरल्या माधवराव पेशव्यांच्या जीवनावर त्यांनी स्वामी ही कादंबरी लिहिली.

या कादंबरीने त्यांना लोकप्रियतेच्या शिखरावर नेले. त्यानंतरच्या श्रीमानयोगी या शिवाजी महाराजांवर लिहिलेल्या कादंबरीने त्यांची कादंबरीकार म्हणून असलेली लोकप्रियता आधिकच वाढली.

ऐतिहासिक वातावरणाचे वैभव आणि व्यक्तीरेखांना दिलेली भावोत्कट उंची यांमुळे त्यांच्या ऐतिहासिक कादंब-यांनी लोकमानस जिंकले. स्वामीतील माधवराव आणि त्यांची पत्नी रमा तसेच श्रीमानयोगीतील शिवाजी आणि त्यांचे गुरु रामदासस्वामी यांच्या नात्यांना देसाई यांनी वेगळी परिमाणे दिली. लक्ष्यवेध (१९८०) , पावनखिंड (१९८०) , कर्णाच्या जीवनावरील राधेय (१९८६) , राजा रविवर्मा (१९८६) , अशा अनेक ऐतिहासिक पौराणिक कादंब-या लिहून देसाई यांनी या प्रकारच्या कादंब-यांचे युग स्वातंत्र्योत्तर काळात निर्माण केले.

गरुडझेप (१९७३) , रामशास्त्री (१९८३) , स्वरसम्राट तानसेन , हे बंध रेशमाचे , कांचनमृग , धन अपुरे , वारसा , स्वामी , आदी नाटकेही त्यांनी लिहिली. नागीण , रंगल्या रात्री अशा , सवाल माझा ऐका या चित्रपटांचे पटकथालेखन , स्नेहधारा , मी एक प्रेक्षक असे लेखसंग्रहही त्यांनी लिहिले.

Reviews

[Sujeet Gholap · Rating 2 out of 5]

“मृत्यंजय” वाचल्यानंतर “राधेय” घेतलं, ती चूकच म्हणायची! “राधेय” सुरु केलं आणि पहिली गोष्ट प्रकर्षाने जाणवली ती म्हणजे ओघवती, सहजसुंदर भाषा. “मृत्यंजय” जर संथ नदी, तर “राधेय” एक खळखळता निर्झर! पण वाटलं नव्हतं की चांगल्या गोष्टींची यादी इथेच संपेल म्हणून. 

वाचताना घटनाक्रमाची विसंगती सतत डोक्यात येत राहते. ओघवती भाषा सोडली, तर पुस्तकात फार काही नाही, असं सतत वाटत राहतं. कर्ण-शोणामधला जिव्हाळा यात नाही, कर्ण-वृषाली यांच्यातलं नाजूक प्रेम फुलताना दिसत नाही. कर्ण-दुर्योधन, कर्ण-अश्वत्थामा कोणतीच नाती देसाईंनी फुलवण्याचा प्रयत्न केला नाही असं जाणवतं. सावंतांच्या कर्णापुढे हा राधेय नेहमीच अर्धा-अधुरा वाटेल… 

“मृत्यंजय” मधलं थरारक युद्धवर्णन यात नाही, भावनांची घालमेलही नाही. बरेचशे महत्वाचे प्रसंग देसाईंनी केवळ एका परिच्छेदात लपेटून टाकले! 
“मृत्यंजय” वाचलं असेल, तर “राधेय” उचलण्यात अर्थ नाही!

[Mrugesh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always been fascinated with the character of Karna. Mrutyunjaya is the most famous book in Marathi literature abouve Karna. However, somehow, the self narration style puts me off.

One fine day, I noticed this book in the pile of books at my uncle's place. I picked it up and started reading when I read the author's name. I couldn't put it down before finishing it.

The book is spellbinding, albeit a bit melodramatic at times. Even Ranjit Desai himself hails it as his greatest work.

Must read for a Marathi reader. This is one of the best novels I've read, Marathi or otherwise.

[Sumit · Rating 2 out of 5]

'𝙈𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧, 𝙄 𝙖𝙢 𝙜𝙡𝙖𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙢𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙮 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙚! 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙. 𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙞𝙭𝙩𝙝 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙛𝙞𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚? 𝙄 𝙢𝙖𝙮 𝙗𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩𝙗𝙤𝙧𝙣, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙄 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙞𝙡𝙮 𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙩.'



🏹The book originally titled Radheya was written in Marathi by Ranjit Desai during the last mid-20s century. As the name suggests it's a retelling of Mahabharata from Karna's POV, the tragic and respected hero from that great epic. Born of a god and a mother who abandoned him at birth, Karna is mistreated throughout his life. Rejected by Drona, taunted by Draupadi, insulted by his blood brothers, misunderstood by many and manipulated even by the gods, Karna is the only one who can match Arjuna’s skill as an archer in the Mahabharata war. The book tried to immortalize him by bringing to the fore the many facets of Karna's character: his compassionate nature, his hurt and hubris, his love for his wife, his allegiance to Duryodhana, and his complicated relationship with Krishna.

🏹The author had utilized his own imagination in building up the story and in that process he had either altered certain main incidents/ remove them altogether. His writing is simple and fast pacing, but the narrative failed to hook me. This is certainly not his best penmanship.

🏹The book is translated into English by Vikrant Pande who had already translated many famous Marathi books, so I won't comment on that. But the book is filled with lots of grammatical errors and spelling mistakes that are hard to ignore and disturbed my reading experience.

🏹The book failed to capture the true soul of Karna's character. His portrayal as a great warrior, compassionate friend, true philanthropist, and tragic hero seems forceful to me. His love, relationship, and bonding with the other characters are missing. I liked only Krishna's characterization in the book, as an astute strategist and less godly.

🏹The ending of the book was obviously predictable and a little soulful too. The war part is just brushed up within the last few chapters and more focus is made on the inner introspection of Karna and Krishna about birth, life, dharma, death, and reasons for war.

Overall Karna the great warrior was a very disappointing read. It may be enjoyable in its original Marathi form and a beginner reader might enjoy it too, but those who have already read Mrutyunjay by Shivaji Sawant and Karna's Wife by Kavita Kane find it boring.

𝙈𝙮 𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: ⭐⭐(1.5/5)

[Gaurav Shah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Radheya

The Marathi book narrates the story of Karna, the tragic and respected hero from the great epic, The Mahabharata. The author has tried to immortalise Karna through this novel.

Summary Of The Book

Through Radheya, the author strives to find and explore the thin line between righteousness and duty by citing Karna’s story. By painting a picture of Karna’s journey, Desai states that while there is nothing wrong in wanting to win, one must be prepared to accept defeat as well.

The story of Karna, the immortal character from The Mahabharata, has time and again been a matter of interest to all modern writers. His story has been enacted in dramas and has been the subject matter of many novels. This novel is based on Karna's life, and the author, Ranjeet Desai, is an accomplished and authentic writer of ancient and historical events.

In this book, he has portrayed Karna's individuality and his circumstances and resultant compulsion to fight for what’s right. Deprived of his parents’ love, discarded and insulted, Karna experienced suffering throughout his life because of the mistakes committed by others, in which he had no part or control.

He was asked to give away whatever he had, but was given nothing in return by his mother Kunti. At every stage in his life, he was taunted due to his humble origins and ridiculed for hailing from a lower class. Though he was born to noble parents, he was unable to prove the same to his tormentors. This terribly disturbed Karna, and his inherent strength was weakened due to loneliness.

With this novel, the author has paid a rich tribute to Karna. The tale of the fearless warrior who fought against his own kin in order to stay loyal to his friend serves as the perfect story through which Desai talks about victory and defeat, and about how sometimes, losing is not such a bad option after all. This book is available in Hindi as well.

[Prajakta Patil · Rating 4 out of 5]

राधेय हाती घेण्यागोदर एकच चूक झाली...ती म्हणजे आधी मृत्यूंजय न वाचण्याची.
राधेय हा एक छोटासा ओढा ज्याची ओढ कर्णापुरतीच पण मृत्यूंजय हा अथांग सागर जो कर्णासमवेत इतर पात्रांनाही सामाऊन घेतो.
प्रत्यक्ष खोलात शिरण्यासाठीचे हे पुस्तकरत्न नाही.रसिकवाचकांना जर कर्णसारांश वाचायचा असेल तर मात्र नक्की वाचावे!

[Anirudh Kukreja · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful account of one of the most misunderstood characters of our mythology - it encapsulates the vast emotions, dilemmas and challenges that the valiant hero (or anti-hero) faced.
I was initially worried that the author would whitewash his reputation, owing to Karna being the protagonist, but Mr. Desai has done the near-impossible job of creating a balance between his virtues and prideful shortcomings.

[Aditi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Karna!!!unfold Beutifully!!

[Purva • readwithpurva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Karna, all his life he's suffered at the hands of other. He suffered greatly due to mistakes commited by others, in which he was not involved nor he had the control. He was Abandoned by his mother kunti when he was just a mere infant. His entire life people insulted, teased him for coming from a lower class.
He fought against his own family members while remaining loyal to his friend. In this story you get to visualise how Karna came to earn the titles 'Danshur Karna' 'Angaraj Karna' 'sutputra Karna' 'maharathi Karna' & 'Radheya'.

I don't even remember how many times I have cried during this book. This book just simply touch your heart. It pains my heart to see how Karna has suffered.
This book talks about victory and defeat and how sometimes losing is not a bad option after all.
Even if you don't love him or don't know him, at the end of this book you'll surely do respect and love him!
But Ranjeet Desai failed to show some great bonding between the characters. And sometimes flow of events raise some questions.

If you want to understand Karna in depth do read 'Mrutyunjay by Shivaji Sawant' first

[Asutosh Patnaik · Rating 5 out of 5]

*"Even in his final moments, he seemed to be giving"* I find no words to share about this. Just a transforming book, which will tell you about true loyalty, promise, charity. Will tell you about how hard it is to bear the taunts without doing anything wrong. Despite his bad luck, against all the dirty games played against him, despite taken away his strengths he showed true valour. Stayed to his dharma. For me the greatest and the selfless warrior of Mahabharat.

[Sumant · Rating 3 out of 5]

महाभारत असा ग्रंथ आहे की प्रत्येक जण वेगवेगळ्या पद्धतीने इन्तेर्प्रेत करू शकतो . शिवाजी सावंत यांचे मृतुन्जय वाचल्या नंतर राधेय वाचयला घेतले पण दोनी पण पुस्तकां मध्ये कर्णच्या बाजूने soft corner निर्माण केला आहे.

हे पुस्तक उलटे चालू होते कारण आपण पहिले भागतो की पाच पांडव जे कोणी वीर जे त्यांचे नातवाईक होते त्यांचे अन्तीमसंस्कर करत आहेत आणि तेव्हा कुंती त्यांना सांगते करणा बद्दल आणि त्याचा नंतर आपण आपल्याला करणाचा प्रवास भ्गयाला मिळतो. त्याचे आणि विदुरचे नाते . त्याचे आणि कृष्णाचे नाते. तुम्ही जर मृतुन्जय वाचले असेल तर ह्या पुस्तका मध्ये विशेष असे वेगळे काहीच नाही आहे . तुम्हाला जर पुर्णपणे नवीन काही तरी वाच्याचे आहे महाभारता बद्दल तर तुम्ही पर्व वाचले पाहिझे.

[Shalak · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointed!

This book does not reflect the true might of Ranjit Desai's penmanship. It seems that the author has written it half-heartedly just for the sake of it. Many important incidents have been mentioned lightly and some have been missed completely. What could have been a great story has turned out to be a one time read novel of no particular excitement.
What is more disappointing is the quality of editing. There are a number of grammatical errors and innumerable spelling mistakes! Half the sentences are missing in many places.
I was very excited about reading this book but it did not live up to its expectations.

[Swarali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Karna - A great warrior from the epic Mahabharata.
He has always been my favourite character. The book starts with the aftermath of the Kurukshetra war - a tearjerking start. The book does a good job portraying the character of Karna that anyone would fall in love with. The book followed the facts closely and gave an overall view to how Mahabharat was.

What struck me the most was the ending of the book. Knowing the story, I was curious as to how it would end. And I was not disappointed. The ending brought me to tears. For such a loving, amazing and tragic character the ending of the book was soulful and satisfying. According to me, the book did justice to his exceptional character.

[Pranav Pathak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating for the Book, but too many mistakes

Please note that this rating is for the Book. I found this book to be extremely heart touching, especially towards the end.

But there are too many mistakes in the ebook. This kills all the emotion when you are reading it. I appreciate that we are getting book in out local languages but if they are with these many mistakes then it does not serve the purpose.

Due to mistakes in ebook, sometimes it is hard to know what the author has to say.

[Anish Bhatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A different take on the Mahabharat as seen through the eyes of Karna, emphasizing events that lead to his eventual defeat while completely glossing over others that are considered key in the regular narration of the Mahabharat but unimportant to his life story. The author trades in magical surrealism in the fights between demi gods for more practical explanations, making for a better narrative.

[Shantashri Kudchadkar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got an opportunity to revisit the Mahabharata from an unusual view of RADHEYA!! The pain n sufferings of KARNA even being a powerful person were heart touching!! The Person who gave others till his last breath!!! A true GIVER!! After reading this book understood the true meaning of DANSHOOR KARNA!!

[Deval Shah · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best book i have ever read. Aptly described the Karna. Personally i felt that this book lacked 2 things : 1) no elaborative and extensive description of Karna's "Daan-dharma" and 2) post death description of karna. When kunti reveals the truth of Karna's birth to pandava.

Must read book. Recommended to read this book in Marathi, hindi and gujarati only.

[Aviator · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is written from perspective of Karna. The book focus more on the Swayamvar followed by game of dice and finally culminate with The Great War. Karna is brutally honest in expressing his feelings to readers.

If you have already read Karna's wife , Palace of Illusions etc, I don't think this book add more value to the life story of Karna.

Definitely one time read.

[mrinal saravate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read this book more than five times. It's my all time favourite book. It has thriller, romance, tragedy, humor and everything you want. I have literally fallen in love with Karna after reading this book. <3 <3

[Nikhil · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing, one of the best book I have read in marathi.I think every one who loves 'Mahabharata' should read this.

[Adhir Pandit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply awesome!

Book start with simple statement that look inside of you and you will find "Karna". I don't remember how many times I cried but really heart touching meaning of life!

[Anila Khedekar · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing , before reading radheya i was totaly against karna , but after reading - i realised another side of coin .

[Komal · Rating 5 out of 5]

#Karna...#Angaraj...#Radheya...#RESPECT.. :)

[Pallavi Kulkarni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karna is a fascinating character. Enjoyed reading this book(Marathi)and found it a bit daunting, initially. Wish it was in English.

[Manmohan Patil · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is 'Mahabharat from Karna's perspective'.

[Vishakha Kulkarni · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was great reading Ranjit Desai after a long time. The book helped me understand a lot of new things about Mahabharta, the pandavas and the great worrier Karna.

[Manoj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karna navyane kalala...

[Milind · Rating 5 out of 5]

amzng book............. radheya smtms shows the way of life smtms gives imprtnce of giving.............

[Pravinreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book introduces us really new side of mighty Karna, to understand Karna some one must go through this book

[Akshay Patki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better book than Mrityunjay.

[Deepali L · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it.