Sambodhi 1978 Vol 07

Author(s): Dalsukh Malvania, H C Bhayani, Nagin J Shah
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 77

A CLOSE LOOK AT THE PLOT-CONSTRUCTION
OF THE KĀDAMBARĪ
Vijay Pandya
According to the tradition (and we have got no reason to set it aside) the Kadambarī left incomplete by Bāņa was completed by his son. So while examining the construction of the plot one has to bear in mind this dual authorship which is likely to give rise to inconsistancies in various forms in the plot. Moreover discrepancies are also likely to creep in the plot on account of the bulk of the work and its many twists and turns in the plot. Against this background it is here proposed to examine the plot-construction of the Kadambari mainly from the three points of view viz. characterisation, general structure of the plot and time-element.
First'we shall deal with the characterisation. In the very beginning of the story the king Śūdraka is shown to have strong aversion to the pleasures of the amorous sports and scant regard for the fair-sex'. Now this is not just a trait, simply devised to distinguish another kingly character i.e. Tārāpīda which is to follow him in the story. As the story at the end discloses that the king Sūdraka is none but the hero and Chandrāpīda who all the time has love dormant in his bosom for his beloved Kādambarī. It would have been quite incongruous to have depicted the king Śūdraka to be indulging in carnal pleasures with women-folk. Thus a seemingly insignificant trait has turned out to be much significant in view of the denoument. of the story and this has been achieved quite artistically.
The character of Pundarika throughout his three births has consistently displayed the traits of irresoluteness and impatience. Being rash in his actions, he has invited much suffering upon himself. In the first birth as Puņdarīka, no sooner he meets Mahāśvetā, than he is irresistably drawn to her and unable to bear the pangs of separation from her even for a while dies. Before dying he does not forget to commit one more rash act which in turn is to bring to him untold miseries. While dying Pundarīka anathematised the God Moon to undergo love-lorn sufferings similar to his in life after life on the earth. The Moon also cursed him to undergo similar sufferings along with him. At first sight there appears to be a flaw in the characterisation of Pundarīka whom the author describes as the rendezvous of all learnings and the confluence of all austerities. But his character is destiny. In spite of all his scholarship and penances he is unable to check