MAHABHARA: BOOK REVIEW

 

Mahabhara by Basanta Basnet is a contemporary Nepali novel set against the backdrop of the Maoist insurgency in Nepal. The story revolves around Dukpa, a mischievous and carefree character known for his popular "Dukpa dance" and Palam songs. Despite his lack of academic success, Dukpa is well-liked in his community, especially among women. However, his life takes a drastic turn when he leaves his girlfriend Sukmati and moves to the Terai region to work as a driver. This decision introduces him to new complexities, including the tensions between religious groups and Maoist forces, as well as personal betrayal when his former love interest is involved with Tanchhohang, another key figure in the story.

The novel delves into themes of love, politics, and religion, particularly exploring how these elements intersect during times of conflict. Dukpa’s story is emblematic of the larger struggles faced by people in eastern Nepal during the insurgency. His personal journey, marked by disillusionment and hardship, mirrors the broader societal turmoil brought on by the war. The novel presents a vivid portrayal of how everyday lives are disrupted by political ideologies and conflicts, making it a poignant reflection on Nepal's recent history.

Basnet’s writing style is noted for its powerful dialogues and the use of the Eastern dialect, giving the novel a distinct cultural flavor. The novel has been praised for its portrayal of the Maoist era and its impact on ordinary people, particularly in the rural hills of eastern Nepal. The mixture of lightheartedness in Dukpa's personality with the grave realities of war creates a compelling narrative that resonates with readers.

Mahabhara was also adapted into a play, underscoring its cultural relevance and wide appeal. The adaptation highlights its powerful storytelling, making it a significant contribution to contemporary Nepali literature.

CHARACTERS

In Mahabhara by Basanta Basnet, the characters reflect the complex socio-political dynamics of the time, particularly during the Maoist insurgency. Each character brings a unique perspective to the larger narrative, exploring themes of love, betrayal, and the struggle between personal desires and societal expectations.

1. Dukpa: Dukpa is the central character of the novel. He is known for his playful, carefree personality and his popularity in his community, especially with his "Dukpa dance" and the Palam songs. However, his seemingly lighthearted nature masks deeper inner conflicts. His journey takes him from his village in eastern Nepal to the Terai region, where he works as a driver. Dukpa's character symbolizes the common man's experience during the insurgency — disillusioned, caught between personal ambitions, and the greater turmoil caused by war. His departure from the hills signifies the widespread migration during the conflict.
2. Sukmati: She is Dukpa's love interest in the early part of the novel. Their relationship represents an innocent, youthful romance disrupted by the socio-political changes around them. When Dukpa leaves the hills, Sukmati's involvement with Tanchhohang introduces themes of betrayal and shifting allegiances, both in love and in politics. Sukmati's character also embodies the emotional toll of separation and war.
3. Tanchhohang: A significant figure in the narrative, Tanchhohang's relationship with Sukmati after Dukpa leaves adds another layer of complexity. He represents the political forces at play and is emblematic of how personal relationships are often intertwined with political ones during times of conflict. His character is involved in the broader tension between religious and Maoist groups, further complicating the love triangle and adding depth to the novel's exploration of political ideologies.

These characters, through their personal stories, reflect the broader struggles of people living in the eastern hills of Nepal during the Maoist insurgency. Their experiences and choices mirror the larger societal disruptions, making Mahabhara not just a love story, but a commentary on how political conflict permeates every aspect of life​.

WRITING STYLE

Basanta Basnet’s Mahabhara employs a writing style that is both accessible and deeply rooted in the cultural and political context of eastern Nepal. The narrative is marked by its use of the local dialect, giving the novel an authentic regional flavor. This linguistic choice helps ground the story in the everyday lives of the characters, making the dialogue feel organic and true to the socio-cultural environment of the eastern hills.

Basnet’s prose is also recognized for its simplicity and directness, avoiding overly complex language while effectively conveying the emotional and psychological depth of his characters. The conversations between characters are particularly powerful, driving home the personal and ideological conflicts they face. His use of vivid imagery allows readers to visualize the landscapes and socio-political conditions of the Maoist insurgency era, creating a rich atmosphere that adds to the novel's overall impact.

Moreover, the storytelling style balances humor and tragedy, especially through Dukpa's lighthearted nature juxtaposed against the dark realities of war. This interplay creates an emotional depth that resonates with readers, making Mahabhara both a personal tale and a reflection of larger societal issues. The novel’s structure, with its blend of personal and political narratives, is fluid, ensuring that the story moves at a steady pace while remaining engaging.

CONCLUSION

Despite the strengths of Mahabhara, there are some notable criticisms of the novel that readers have pointed out:

1. Character Development: While the central character Dukpa is well-drawn, some critics argue that secondary characters, such as Sukmati and Tanchhohang, lack depth. Their motivations and internal struggles could have been explored further to provide a more comprehensive understanding of their roles in the narrative. This leaves parts of the love triangle and its emotional consequences feeling underdeveloped.
2. Predictability: Some readers feel that the novel's plot, while engaging, follows a somewhat predictable trajectory, particularly in the depiction of Dukpa’s journey. The love triangle and his eventual disillusionment may come across as familiar tropes seen in other Nepali novels set during the Maoist insurgency, which could detract from the uniqueness of the story.
3. Overemphasis on Dialect: Although Basnet’s use of local dialect adds authenticity, for readers unfamiliar with the Eastern dialect, the language can sometimes act as a barrier to full immersion in the story. While this may enrich the novel for native speakers from the region, it could alienate those less familiar with the linguistic nuances, making the text less accessible to a broader audience.
4. Limited Exploration of Political Ideologies: While the novel touches upon the political tensions between Maoist and religious forces, some critics feel that these themes are not explored in sufficient depth. The focus remains more on the personal and romantic elements of the story, with the political backdrop serving more as a setting than a fully developed thematic concern.

Overall, Mahabhara is a compelling novel, but these issues may limit its appeal to certain readers, particularly those looking for more complex character development or deeper political exploration.