Maze Puran – The Memoirs of Anandibai Karve
(Marathi)
By
Anandibai Karve
(Published 1944, 2nd Edition 1951 by Keshav Bhikaji Davale, Mumbai)
Reviewed by Vikram Karve
I have before me a fascinating little book titled Maze Puran – the memoirs of Anandibai Karve, the wife of Maharshi Dhondo Keshav Karve, written in Marathi.
This autobiography, originally published in 1944, and revised by Kaveri Karve, Anandibai’s daughter-in-law, in 1951, is a story of extraordinary grit, determination, courage, resilience, sacrifice and optimism in the face of adversities shown by Anandibai Karve in facing and overcoming the trials and tribulations of early widowhood, and her subsequent marriage, pioneering work and intrepid life with the well-known 19th-century Maharastrian social reformer Bharat Ratna Maharshi Dhondo Keshav Karve.
This is not a voluminous tome, as some memoirs tend to be, but a small book written in unpretentious yet articulate storytelling style which keeps you engrossed till the very end.
Anandibai Karve writes in simple sincere readable style with sincerity, honest forthrightness and remarkable candour.
This is particularly evident in the chapter on her illustrious husband where she describes his personality, character, strengths, frailties, and their marital, domestic and familial relationship with frank candidness without mincing words.
She vividly describes the turning point in her life when she joined Sharada Sadan of Pandita Ramabai in Mumbai, which began her emancipation from the manacles of widowhood. During his visits to Mumbai her father used to stay with Dhondo Keshav Karve.
She narrates, with a touch of subtle humour, how Karve, a widower, when queried about remarriage, expressed his desire to marry a widow, and Anandibai’s father offered her hand in marriage to Karve.
She unfolds the story of her social work and family life in such a lucid precise down-to-earth manner, sans pontification, and her riveting narration keeps the reader engrossed till the very end. Her poignant end is depicted by Kaveri Karve in the last chapter.
If you know Marathi, read the book. It is interesting and illuminating.
I hope the publishers or the Hingne Stree Shikshan Samstha or Maharshi Karve Stree Shikshan Samstha Pune brings out an English translation soon for the benefit of readers throughout the world.
And, Dear Reader, if you come across any literature on Maharshi Karve please be so good as to let us know.
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.
(Marathi)
By
Anandibai Karve
(Published 1944, 2nd Edition 1951 by Keshav Bhikaji Davale, Mumbai)
Reviewed by Vikram Karve
I have before me a fascinating little book titled Maze Puran – the memoirs of Anandibai Karve, the wife of Maharshi Dhondo Keshav Karve, written in Marathi.
This autobiography, originally published in 1944, and revised by Kaveri Karve, Anandibai’s daughter-in-law, in 1951, is a story of extraordinary grit, determination, courage, resilience, sacrifice and optimism in the face of adversities shown by Anandibai Karve in facing and overcoming the trials and tribulations of early widowhood, and her subsequent marriage, pioneering work and intrepid life with the well-known 19th-century Maharastrian social reformer Bharat Ratna Maharshi Dhondo Keshav Karve.
This is not a voluminous tome, as some memoirs tend to be, but a small book written in unpretentious yet articulate storytelling style which keeps you engrossed till the very end.
Anandibai Karve writes in simple sincere readable style with sincerity, honest forthrightness and remarkable candour.
This is particularly evident in the chapter on her illustrious husband where she describes his personality, character, strengths, frailties, and their marital, domestic and familial relationship with frank candidness without mincing words.
She vividly describes the turning point in her life when she joined Sharada Sadan of Pandita Ramabai in Mumbai, which began her emancipation from the manacles of widowhood. During his visits to Mumbai her father used to stay with Dhondo Keshav Karve.
She narrates, with a touch of subtle humour, how Karve, a widower, when queried about remarriage, expressed his desire to marry a widow, and Anandibai’s father offered her hand in marriage to Karve.
She unfolds the story of her social work and family life in such a lucid precise down-to-earth manner, sans pontification, and her riveting narration keeps the reader engrossed till the very end. Her poignant end is depicted by Kaveri Karve in the last chapter.
If you know Marathi, read the book. It is interesting and illuminating.
I hope the publishers or the Hingne Stree Shikshan Samstha or Maharshi Karve Stree Shikshan Samstha Pune brings out an English translation soon for the benefit of readers throughout the world.
And, Dear Reader, if you come across any literature on Maharshi Karve please be so good as to let us know.
VIKRAM KARVE
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.
Dear Reader, if you want to know more about the life story of Maharashi Dhondo Keshav Karve please click the link below:
VIKRAM KARVE educated at IIT Delhi, ITBHU and The Lawrence School Lovedale, is an Electronics and Communications Engineer by profession, a Human Resource Manager and Trainer by occupation, a Teacher by vocation, a Creative Writer by inclination and a Foodie by passion. An avid blogger, he has written a number of fiction short stories and creative non-fiction articles in magazines and journals for many years before the advent of blogging. His delicious foodie blogs have been compiled in a book "Appetite for a Stroll". Vikram lives in Pune with his family and pet Doberman girl Sherry, with whom he takes long walks thinking creative thoughts.
Vikram Karve Creative Writing Blog - http://vikramkarve.sulekha.com
Academic Journal Vikram Karve – http://karvediat.blogspot.com
Professional Profile of Vikram Karve - http://www.linkedin.com/in/karve
Email: vikramkarve@sify.com
Foodie Book: Appetite for a Stroll
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.
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