Vevishal by Zaverchand Meghani

Vevishal by Zaverchand Meghani- A Timeless Tale of Love, Loss, and Redemption

Vevishal is a historical novel by Jhaverchand Meghani. Jhaverchand Meghani (August 1896 - 9 March 1947) was a noted poet, writer, social reformer and freedom fighter from Gujarat. He is a well-known name in the field of Gujarati literature. He was born in Chotila. Mahatma Gandhi spontaneously gave him the title of Raashtreeya Shaayar (National Poet). Besides this he received many awards like Ranjitram Suvarna Chandrak and Mahida Paaritoshik in literature. He authored more than 100 books. His first book was a translation work of Rabindranath Tagore's ballad Kathaa-u-Kaahinee titled Kurbani Ni Katha (Stories of martyrdom) which was first published in 1922. He contributed widely to Gujarati folk literature. He went from village to village in search of folk-lores and published them in various volumes of Saurashtra Ni Rasdhar.

"શનિવારની અધરાત હતી: પેઢીના માલનો સ્ટોક લેવાતો હતો: મોટા શેઠ ધૂંવાપૂંવા થતા હતા. પોતાની ગેરહાજરીનો લાભ લઈ રવિવારની રજા પાળવાનો નિયમ નાના શેઠે દાખલ કરી દીધો હતો, તેની ખબર પોતે દેશમાંથી પાછા આવ્યા ત્યારે જ મોટા શેઠને પડી હતી. નાના શેઠને એકાંતે ઘણો ઠપકો આપ્યો હતો પણ બન્ને સંપીલા હતા, પેઢીની પ્રતિષ્ઠા સમજતા હતા. મોંકાણ તો એ હતી કે નાના શેઠે નોકરોને રવિવારની રજા લેખિત કરી આપી હતી અને મહેતાઓને એક મંડળ—ક્લબ જેવું કરાવી આપ્યું હતું. એ બધા પર એકાએક હુમલો કરવાને બદલે, મહેતાઓ સામે ચાલીને જ રવિવારો પાછા સોંપે, ને એક અમાસનો જ અણોજો પાછો માગી લે, તેવો અંજામ લાવવાનો મોટા શેઠનો સંકલ્પ હતો."

This is the opening of the book.

I've recently delved into the classic Gujarati novel, Vevishaal, and it's safe to say I'm utterly captivated. Set in the 1930s, the novel paints a vivid picture of Gujarati society, exploring themes of class, tradition, and the enduring power of love.

The story revolves around two families, the Deepchands and the Champshibhais, who are bound by a promise of marriage between their children. While Deepchand remains rooted in his village, Champshibhai embraces the urban lifestyle of Mumbai, transforming into a wealthy and influential businessman. This stark contrast sets the stage for a  exploration of cultural differences and the challenges of maintaining family ties across generations.

One of the novel's greatest strengths is its richly developed characters. Sukhlal and Sushila, the star-crossed lovers, are particularly compelling. Their journey from initial reluctance to devotion is both heartwarming and inspiring. The portrayal of Champak Sheth, the materialistic and power-hungry patriarch, is equally compelling, though his actions often leave us feeling frustrated and disappointed.

The novel's exploration of the complexities of family relationships is another highlight. The tension between tradition and modernity is palpable. The subplot involving Bhabhuma, the elder family head, adds an interesting layer to the story, offering a counterpoint to Champak Sheth's materialistic values.

Now, I would say more than Shushila Bhabhu captures my attention. You may wonder why ? Because Meghani on the surface portayed her as highly religious persona, however it was her strenghth. Bhabhu is not able to carry forword the liniege of the family still her connection with the family and her voice made her extraordinary.

Bhabhu is having rational mind and she deeply observes the in and around. For instance, when Mota Sheth in anger throws slipper on her, her silent resistence and the action of putting the slipper back at it's  place creates guilt in the Sheth. Moreover, She for the first time in the ending come in the so called "male place" and carry forword her views about Shushila's consent over marrige. 

Meghani through this action made her character stronger than any other character. On the contarary the character of Shushila is more of accepting the traditional rule. It is ironic that Meghani counterattack modern views and thinking as shallow, may be at that time it would be. 

Shushila's appearence, way of living life, behaving with people, and longing for Shukhlal made her character somewhat appropriate to the geography. Her love for Sukhlal is consatnt reveled in her eyes, in her behaviour, and means of interaction. What I feel is that, it was winning on the every hurdle part of the novel. And yes that's what made her adustsble in the home and life of Sukhlal. 

The police, the subplots of the novel revels many themes. First the inequality of the class, the role of rather say traditional role of woman, vilanization of the modernity, corruption of the hospitality of nurse. I recall Merry Perria when I read the part of the nurse with Sukhlal. 

The richness of the lowerclass living in the Mumbai in the case of moral value. Often it is said that, "Gamdana lokona Sherma ghar bhale mota na hoy dil mota hoy che." Additionally, the connection of the siblings of the Sukhlal with Shushila was different and she was motherlike figure to them after the death of his mother. 

While the novel's pacing may be slow at times, its rich character development and thought-provoking themes more than make up for it. In a way, I enjoyed reading the novel and suggest you to have a look. It will provide you the views how women are thinking...

Thank You for being with me till the end....

See you in the next review.

30-09-2024