Thematic Reading of "Bhabaharuka Sandarbha"; an Anthology of Gajal by Dev Raj Tiwari

Literature is the product of the society. The people of the same society are the consumers. It is an art of creative mind and pictogram of the human civilization. Poems are written to communicate artistically about the personal woes, social circumstances and historical dictums. To present these issues, creative writers have chosen different styles of presentation; syntactical and semantically cohesive elements.

Mr Devraj Tiwari is professionally a Teacher who has been teaching in different schools and collages since last 15 years. Poetry writing is his hobby. Although, ‘Bhavharuka Sandarbha’ is his first publication having seventy short songs (gazals), he has sang many Gazals in literary programs organized by Makwanpur Literary Society. Mr Tiwari writes poetry in different subject matters.

Kina Gita Gayau Dhalijane Hera

Byarthai Prita Laayau Jalijane Hera

(Why did you sing a song which destroys itself?

You love me absurdly which burns itself.) ( Gazal 1)

Here, the poet seems worried about love and its eternity. Songs of love are immortal as Shakespeare says in his sonnet addressing to his beloved which makes the love permanent. But, if the love burns the self, destroys the lovers, it has no meaning. So, the poet appeals to make the love eternal and meaningful. Today, love is treated as commodity and it has lost its value. T. S. Eliot, the modern poet laments in his poem “Wasteland” about the degradation of the value of platonic love. Love has been replaced by sex and vulgarity which destroys the lovers themselves.

Ma Ta Timro Dilko Gitar Bani Aauchhu

Tita Mitha Baat Garni Yar Bani Aauchhu

 ( I’ll come as the Gitar of your heart at  night

I’ll come as the lover to share despair and delight) ( Gazal 27)

Love is music to sooth the lovers and thrills them in the heart. Love unites their soul and keeps them happy. So, the persona says that he will come as a musical instrument to entertain his beloved. And also a true partner to share life’s anxieties and happiness. Love is the foundation of life which builds up hope for living. Life without love is complete astray. Many bloody wars were fought for love and great epics were written in love. As metaphorical poets said, “love is the union of both, soul and body.” Here, body refers the physical 

 love which can cement the spiritual love.

Bidhatale Dubailai Jutayeko Raat Pyaro

PuraPura Kahani Tyo Sunayeko Raat Pyaro

(The night was lovely which the God made us together

The story was lovely which we told to each other.) (Gazal 32)

People have lost faith in God and doubt began on everything. Today, there is no faith in love, no trust in relationships. Nights becomes nightmare for the couples who sleep together being separated in their heart. Modern gadgets like mobile, ipad, ipod has ruined the conversation between husband and wife. Therefore, the persona recalls his bygone days and says the night was lovely and romantic because it was designed by god. How wonderful was the night when we told the stories of love to each other melting in a same bowl. He further says:

Musukka Hasera Dhalayau Malai

Chup Lagda Lagdai Chalayau Malai

(You smiled while I was stony

You touched me while I was mute”) (Gazal 36)

Lovers are playful and enjoy pretention in the game. The persona pretends as if he is cold toward his girl, but her smile makes him hot. The girl makes him play with her. This is the part of love. When there is rejection prior to love it makes love more romantic and meaningful. They enjoy the love gained by effort. Oso says that love is a type of chemical which makes lovers dynamic in their characteristics. They quarrel much. They expect much. But it increases love between them. After the quarrel, lovers don’t speak to each other for hours which becomes the ages for them. As soon as the treaty is signed, the degree of love increases.

Besides love, patriotism is conspicuous in this anthology. The poet has stood like our brave martyrs Bhakti Thapa and Balbhadra Kuwar on the favour of nationalism. He says:

Yo Des Ko Pyaro Chhati

Mero Pani Ho Ni Sathi

(The lovely breast of this country

Oh, friend, this is mine too I pry) (Gazal 8)

Patriotism is a feeling of love towards own country, a sense of devotion and duty towards nation. But the politicians make it a song to cast a fog of illusion in the public. The persona compares his chest with the country. The country bears every problem, turmoil and always stands there like a victorious solder hiding wounds and scars of his body. So, he’s determined not to go elsewhere leaving his beloved country which is his own. It has the same blood. If the nation feels pain, so does him. Further says:

Itihas Biratako

Samji Hera Kati Jaati

(History of the brave people

Remember, how beautiful it is!) ( Gazal 8)

We have a history of bravery. Nepali is known as ‘Brave Gurkha’all over the world. Our ancestors fought bravely with the solders of Angrez in Nalapani Battle. They fought to death to protect this nation; so that we are calling Nepali to us. But, today this history has been bleared and smeared due to dirty politics. There is no love towards nation in action. People are sliding to other countries for job and security. The so called politicians are in deep slumber.

The poet also expresses his anxiety on the issues of regionalism and ethnic identity. He writes:

Himal Ani Pahad Ra Mades Pyaro Bhana

Janata Sabai Ataaune Yo Des Pyaro Bhana

(Mountain, hill and plain, say you love

All people can live together, say you love) ( Gazal 52)

Nepal is geographically diverse country. It is made up of Himal, Pahad and Terai. Different people from different ethnic groups live harmoniously. There is religious tolerance among them. So, the persona appeals them to make a vow that they love this diversification of the country.

In this way, Mr Tiwari presents multi subject matter in his collection of Gazals. Although, there are some technical flaws in the structure of gazals, thematically, this is praiseworthy. His art of depersonalization and simplicity make this book worth reading.