"Manavini Bhavai" by Pannalal Patel

 "Manavi Ni Bhavai" by Pannalal Patel 

"Manavini Bhavai" was a book that made Pannalal Patel super famous in Gujarati literature. It's about a lot more than just love. It tells a big story set during a time when a terrible famine hit rural Gujarat around 1900. The main character, Kalu, isn't well-educated and lives in a small village. But he represents the strength of people facing tough times.

At the age of sixty, Vala Doso desperately wished for a boy child. This reflects the strong desire for a male child in society. Despite financial struggles, they raised Kalu instead. When Vala Doso passed away, all responsibilities fell on Kalu and his mother, Rupa. Kalu was just seven years old and had no knowledge of farming. During those times, women weren't allowed to farm due to certain beliefs. Rupa challenged this norm and started farming. However, her actions were seen as causing a curse due to the ongoing famine and superstitions in the village.

Women's lives were closely tied to men due to societal beliefs about masculinity. Despite this, Rupa defied these notions and engaged in farming. Like Sita from the Ramayana or the Rani from Nagmandala, Rupa had to face an ordeal. However, just as the Rani was saved in the story of Nagmandala, Rupa didn't have to undergo the ordeal because it rained.

Kalu and Raju were married during their childhood. They shared a bond of innocence and friendship. However, later on, the conspiracy plotted by the antagonist, Ranchod, caused their marriage to fall apart. Kalu loves Raju, but they can't marry because of others’ scheming. The book shows their struggles against the backdrop of the awful famine. It contrasts the small-mindedness of some people with the bravery of Kalu and Raju.

The famine caused a lot of trouble for everyone. People had no food or water, and they were really hungry for many days. They had to sell whatever little they grew just to survive. Raju was so weak from not eating that when she met Kalu, he asked her to come with him so they could be together even if they were going to die. It showed how much they loved each other, even in such a tough time.

[The famine in the story was a real disaster that hit rural Gujarat around 1900. It was really bad - there wasn't enough food or water for people to survive. Many suffered a lot and some even died because there wasn't anything to eat. People were so desperate that they sold whatever little they had just to try and stay alive.

This tough time didn't just affect individuals, but it also changed how communities worked. Families were separated, and everyone struggled a lot. The famine made things worse for people who were already having a hard time. Some had more than enough while others had almost nothing, making things even tougher.

The stories from that time show how hard it was for people, but they also show how strong they were in such a difficult situation. It's a reminder of how tough things can get during natural disasters like this famine. ]

For detailed reading visit this link. Indian famine of 1899–1900

The description of Chappaniyo Dukal is really hard to imagine. Animals were starving, people looked extremely weak, and they were killing animals to eat because they were so hungry. Even women couldn't feed their children. Raju witnessed all this and felt angry at the creator for putting humans in such a terrible situation. It's like he said, "In this world full of plenty, hunger is the scariest ghost haunting mankind." "જગતમાં ભૂંડમાં ભૂંડુ જો કઈ હોય તો એ આ ભૂખ છે." "ભુખ્યા માનવીની ભૂતવાળ" that's he stated for it.

People resorted to collecting grain from landlords, and some generous individuals began donating food. However, this situation created a paradox. On one side, there were people dying due to lack of food, while on the other side, there were individuals with surplus food who could afford to donate. This stark contrast highlighted the class struggle present, where some had plenty while others were struggling for survival.

In the novel's ending, Kalu feels desperate for death while Raju tries to persuade him to keep living. Together, they hear the distant rumbling of thunder, followed by a few drops of rain and eventually a heavy downpour after the prolonged famine. While it seems like a happy ending for Kalu and Raju, it leaves a question about those who didn't survive, those who perished during that difficult time.

The book ends with rain, marking end of the famine, and it's like a symbol of hope. Even though it's set in the countryside and has a love story, it's more about people's lives and their strength in tough situations.

Among all of Pannalal Patel's writings, "Manavini Bhavai" stands out as one of the most important books in Gujarati literature. It's famous for showing how people can stay strong even when life gets really hard.

Thank you.