Ritusamhara or The Pageant of the Seasons: Translated from the original Sanskrit lyrics of Kalidasa
Ranjit Sitaram Pandit, Ritusamhara or The Pageant of the Seasons: Translated from the original Sanskrit lyrics of Kalidasa, Bombay: The National Information & Publications Ltd, 1947
viii + 95 pages including colour frontispiece by Nandalal Bose; the first page of each of the Cantos contains exquisite and detailed drawings centered around the individual seasons; original boards with debossed title and a bird in a frame, rebacked spine with gilt title, decorative end papers
10 x 7.5 x 0.5 in (25 x 19 x 1.5 cm)
Rtusamhara, often written Ritusamhara, (season compilation), is a medium-length Sanskrit poem.
"Ritusamhara, literally the gathering of the seasons, is a descriptive poem of 144 stanzas, attributed by tradition to Kalidasa. It is thus probably more than fifteen hundred years old. In Sanskrit poetics, the genius or instinctive gift of a Kavi, or poet-seer, is known as pratibha. The Germans call it Unendlichkeit or infinitude. Kavya, or the creative work of a kavi, is not limited to poetry. It includes the drama, which in Sanskrit is mainly prose interspersed with lyrical passages. The kavya is subdivided into epic, dramatic, and lyric. Ritusamhara is a lyrical poem technically known as khanda-kavya. It is a beautiful and evocative poem that captures the changing moods of nature and the seasons". (Introduction)
The Indian year breaks down into six seasons. As in a pageant, the seasons parade before us in six successive sargas, or cantos. The poem has six cantos for the six Indian seasons:Vasanta (Spring), Grishma (Summer), Varsha (Monsoon), Sharad (Autumn), Hemanta (pre-winter) and Shishira (winter).
The word Ritu (seasons) with the word samhara is used here in the sense of "coming together" or "group". Thus, Ritusamhara has been translated as the Medley of Seasons or Garland of Seasons, perhaps more aptly as the "Pageant of the Seasons", but also mistranslated as the "birth and death" of seasons, which arises from the alternate meaning of samhara as destruction.
Pandit's translation is faithful to the original Sanskrit while also being accessible to modern readers. He uses lyrical language and imagery to bring to life the sights, sounds, and smells of each season.
The poem begins with a description of spring, when the world is reborn and new life emerges. Pandit writes of the blooming flowers, the singing birds, and the gentle breezes. He also describes the love that is in the air as young people find each other and fall in love.
Summer is a time of passion and energy. Pandit writes of the hot sun, the lush green forests, and the heavy rains. He also describes the festivals and celebrations that take place during this time of year.
Autumn is a time of change and reflection. Pandit writes of the falling leaves, the cool nights, and the harvest. He also describes the longing and nostalgia that people feel for the summer that has passed.
Winter is a time of rest and contemplation. Pandit writes of the cold winds, the snow-covered mountains, and the quiet stillness of the air. He also describes the warmth and comfort of home and family.
Ritusamhara, or The Pageant of the Seasons, is a timeless poem that celebrates the beauty of nature and the human experience. Pandit's translation is a must-read for anyone who loves poetry, nature, or Indian culture.
The author Ranjit Sitaram Pandit was the husband of Vijayalakshmi Pandit, who was daughter of Pandit Motilal Nehru.
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