Chitralekha (novel)

Chitralekha is a 1934 Hindi novel by the Indian writer Bhagwati Charan Verma about the philosophy of life, love, sin and virtue.

It is said to be modelled on Anatole France's 1890 novel Thaïs but set in India. However, the author noted in the book's in preface: "'The difference between Chitralekha and Anatole France's Thaïs, is as much as there is in me and Anatole. In Chitralekha, there is a problem, it is my own perspective of seeing the virtue and vice of human life, and it is also the music of my soul.'"

Synopsis
Chitralekha is a slim volume of literary work that delves deep into the universal truths of human life within a social context. Its narrative is intricately woven around an intense love story, a mirror that reflects the various facets of human nature and the complex dilemmas we encounter in our journey.

The story commences with a dialogue between the revered hermit Ratnambar and his disciples, Shwetank and Vishaldev, discussing the sins of humanity. They conclude that humans are often victims and slaves of circumstance. Ratnambar posits that sin and virtue are not inherent but products of our circumstances. The author, Bhagwaticharan Varma, boldly explores the notion that sin may be in action. Still, never in thought, anuraag (attachment/passion) is in desire, and viraag (alienation/lack of passion) comes from gratification (tripti). This candid and liberal perspective is a departure from the traditional Hindi literature of pre-independence India.

Chitralekha, the protagonist, embodies the life of a truly empowered woman: beautiful and resilient, driven by her own choices, generous by nature, and unwaveringly honest. She shatters the stereotypes surrounding women, presenting an accurate and humane portrayal. Chitralekha takes charge of her life, refusing to be swayed by societal norms and pressures. Her self-reflection and refusal to let her ego hinder her path to redemption lead her to triumph, as she finds both peace within passion and passion within peace.

This novel is a love story about a young general, Bijgupta, who leads a luxurious life while serving under the Mauryan Empire and King Chandragupta Maurya (340 BCE – 298 BCE) and the beautiful dancer and young widow, Chitralekha. Kumargiri, a hermit, also falls in love with Chitralekha and becomes a victim of his circumstances. Shwetaank and Vishaldev wish to find the truth about the holy and the unholy in life, as suggested by their guru, Ratnambar, but they too become slaves of circumstances, as does Bijgupta. The other characters are Yashodhara, the princess; Yashodhara's father, the aged Mritunjay; and Chanakya, who has been woven into the novel to make it interesting.

The novel has 22 sections that clearly demonstrate the futility of being judgmental.

Adaptations
A Hindi movie, Chitralekha, released in 1964 was based on the novel. Directed by Kidar Sharma, it starred Ashok Kumar, Meena Kumari and Pradeep Kumar in leading roles. The director has also directed Chitralekha (1941), which was based on the same novel.