Karinīra vīra - Translating to Black Water Hero or rather the Hero of Kaalapani (the treacherous jail sentence in Andaman) is about Veer Savarkar’s life, set to a drama context. The foreword or rather the havis to the Yajna called Ranga / Stage is written by none other than the illustrious Dr. S. L. Bhyrappa. In very few words, Dr. SLB draws the reader’s attention to the long standing contribution of Chitpavan Brahamanas to the Independence struggle and Savarkar’s efforts to ensure that the sacrifices of revolutionaries got their due mention in the annals of history. The difference in terms of material comfort between the cells of JLN and Savarkar is a stark reminder of the dual standards of the British. Savarkar’s own words about how his inner values would have been compromised provides a glimpse into the deep rooted principled individual he was. His situational awareness of what transpired with others who tried to change the mechanisms of the grand old party is exemplary, while his desire that future generations would remember his contributions have seen the light of the day. Dr. SLB also draw parallels between Chitpavan Brahmanas, their valour and sacrifice to Kodavas, another proud community to which the author belongs. In just 2 pages, Dr. SLB provides multi-layered, enlightening context to the unfolding drama.
The author’s preface introduces the readers to Savarkar, highlighting his academic accomplishments and his unwavering devotion to the motherland. The first person to undergo a sentence of Kaalapani over 50 years, one who wrote poetry running into thousands of lines over a wall using a nail. This drama is influenced from many books and works on Savarkar, including Dhananjaya Kheer’s “Veer Savarkar and his times” published in 1950.
Starting with the riots emanating from Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination to Savarkar’s arrest, the author describes Savarkar’s earlier days through a series of court arguments from 1910 when he was tried in England and later in India. Savarkar is sentenced to 50 years imprisonment in Cellular Jail in Port Blair. Through the interactions of the characters, we learn about the history of the jail as well as Savarkar’s writings & his own journey inspired by Madanlal Dhingra, Chapekar Brothers amongst others. The conversation between Savarkar and his wife with the revelation of the demise of his sister-in-law is quite emotional and would evoke the hidden tears. I loved the fact that the author chose to use colloquial words like Vaini (Marathi for Sister-in-law) during Savarkar’s reply to his wife. Extremely well written !!!
The conversation also serves as a backdrop to learn more about Savarkar’s childhood as well as the current ongoings within the country i.e. start of non-violence movement. The undercurrent of selective secularism & convenient conversions is brought out succinctly in very few words. The absolute brilliance of the author is on full display during the interactions between Savarkar and Berry, specially when the inner conviction and single minded devotion to India’s Independence is brought out in almost every interaction. The section where Savarkar’s words impact Berry who is of Irish origin highlights the supreme self-confidence of the tall leader. The daily trials and tribulations of the prisoners, the conditions of the cell mates, the severe physical and psychological impact on the inmates is brought out in stomach churning manner through various conversations. One will shudder to think what these political prisoners underwent for a single aim… Free their motherland !!!
Scene 8 which starts with the death of Bal Gangadhar Tilak, but extends into the imaginary ideological debate between Savarkar and M.K.Gandhi, is perhaps one of the very best sections of the book. The author has ensured that the ever raging debate about Savarkar’s letters to British is addressed in its entirety giving a lot of historical background and setting the context for such an act. Getting released from the prison after serving 28 years, Savarkar immediately plunges into the next revolution of different kind… Social Impact. The author has employed Dhananjaya Kheer as the narrator cum bridge between shifting of contexts in multiple places. Brilliant !!!
The interaction between Savarkar and Subash Chandra Bose provides interesting, thought provoking insights into the events leading up to the formation of INA, the historical flag raising in Andamans, subsequent demise of SC Bose and India’s Independence. However, the legacy of Savarkar is further tarnished due to one reason or another upto his death in 1966. The last act is perhaps the most poignant part of the book where the elected representatives spar over Savarkar’s death, his legacy and whether he should be accorded state honours or not. It’s quite wretched that we as a society couldn’t honour a man who spent a great part of his life in jail cells with only one burning ambition: Swarajya. The questions that the character of A. B. Vajapayee poses at the end of the book is as relevant today as it was in 1966.
MASTERPIECE.. BUY the book… Gift the book.. If there is a play, do watch it without fail !!!! Absolutely Brilliant !!!
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