A riveting retelling of past

I've had the pleasure of watching "Freedom at Midnight" Web-Series. Set in British India of 1947, the Series deals with India's inevitable march towards Partition and Independence and sketches the actions, reactions (or the lack thereof) of the protagonists. It was a great watch.  

In the words of Mark Twain, History doesn't repeat itself, but it often rhymes. And a cruel rhyme wrecked havoc as the fruits of British Divide Et Imperia policy were realized. Beginning with the scorn and sly Jinnah's call for Direct Action Day riots, an obstinate and obdurate Congress led by Pandit Nehruji and Sardar Patelji that was caught between real-politik and principles, Gandhiji - a true Saint and Mahatma condemned as losing touch with ground reality, and a Viceroy, hasty and time staved, driven by ambition and helplessness - the Series stands out, in it's portrayal of history, without pampering or caricaturing anyone - unlike many other films/series. 

The casting is simply outstanding. Chirag Vohra as Mahatma Gandhiji, always an ace up his shirtless sleeve, Arif Zakaria as Jinnah - a man scorned and maligned and out for revenge, haughty yet empty, Sidhant Gupta as Pandit Nehruji - nervous, ambitious and aware of the weight of history, Rajendra Chawla as Sardar Patelji - ever simple, strong and straight to the point - all stand out - Kudos.  The crew did a terrific job, bringing to the fore India of the 40s. And, Nikhil Advani deserves all the bouquets. The series is a must watch, for it is a riveting retelling of past.

 

On  "Freedom at Midnight" (Webseries) created by Nikhil Advani, Sony Liv based on "Freedom at Midnight" (Book) by Dominique Lapierre and Larry Collins. https://www.sonyliv.com/shows/freedom-at-midnight-hindi-1700001477

Maheeth Veluvali, 
Palakollu.

Monday, 25th of November, 2024

Gajapati : A King without a Kingdom

జై జగన్నాథ్. ଜୟ ଜଗନ୍ନାଥ

I have had the pleasure of reading Sri Ashok Kumar Bal's "Gajapati : A King without a Kingdom". 

The book is a befitting and enlightening tribute to the unique association of Puri Jagannath temple with the institution of Gajapati (Current King of Puri), first as Rauta (Deputy), and then as Adya Sebak (Chief Servitor).  Some traditions survive tests of time and frosts of fate. The identity of Lord Jagannath as Rashtra Debata ingrained into Odisha's consciousness, acting as a rallying call and unifying factor for the people of the region time and again is an interesting feature. Nevertheless, Lord Jagannath's blessed grace is not just limited to Odisha. 

The legend of King Indradyumna, set the tone for the later day Gajapatis, and while the era of the Eastern Gangas ushered in the Golden Age (with the long reign of Anantavarman Chodagangadeba and association with Puri Jagannath temple beginning with Ananagabhimadeva III and  'Langula' Narasingha Deba I proclaiming himself as 'Gajapati' as per Simhachalam Inscription), Kapilendra Deba Routraya established the Suryavamshi Gajapati Kingdom in c.1434 CE. After a century of withstanding Bengal Sultanate's and Deccan Kingdoms' assaults and emerging as the strongest political force of the era, the Gajapati emperor was reduced as the nominal Raja of Khurda and then as the titular King of Puri, a King without a Kingdom under Afghan (later Mughal), Maratha and British domination. 

Happenings dealing with the lesser-known infamous episodes of the Gajapatis are presented. The cultural milieu associated with Puri Jagannath temple are detailed in a simple and understandable fashion (viz Rajbesa, Cheerapanhara ritual etc). The identification of the Gajapati as Chalanti Vishnu remains a stark contrast with ground reality, but therein lies the rub. Perhaps, as the author rightly points, such veneration stems from the Gajapati being a King without a Kingdom, deriving his identity not from Political/Material benefits, but rather from the mere fact of being the Adya Sebak (Chief Servitor) of the Lord of the Universe. It is fascinating that this unique association continues to this day and will continue to go on in the future.... 

"Gajapati : A King without a Kingdom" by Ashok Kumar Bal, Konark Publishers

16 Saladi Jamindar Street, Palakollu

Sunday, 28th of July, 2024
Maheeth Veluvali (Sonu)