Realistic Depiction of Politics in Vikramacharita Akhyana

Abstract

Prof. Radhavallabh Tripathi, born in the Rajgarh district of Madhya Pradesh, has served as the Vice-Chancellor of the Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan (New Delhi). Among the major works authored by him are Adikavi Valmiki (1976), Lokadharmi Parampara of Sanskrit Poetry (1976, 1999), Kavyashastra and Kavya (1987), Lectures on Natyashastra (1992), Natyashastra and the World Stage (1988), and Natyashastra Vishvakosha (in four volumes, 1999). These are among his prominent critical and literary-theoretical works.

In the field of literature, his important creations include Rotikalahari (a lyrical poem), Abhinava Shuka Saptati (a collection of stories), Prekshanam Saptakam (street plays), Karuna (a short novel), Anyaccha (a novel), and Vikramacharitam (an Akhyana or narrative poem). Owing to his extensive and outstanding literary contributions, he has been honoured with several prestigious awards.

The Vikramacharitam composed by him is an Akhyana (narrative work) divided into nine chapters (Ucchvāsas). Although it is written in the traditional Puranic style, its subject matter vividly expresses the political and social problems of the modern age. Thus, the work presents a realistic portrayal of contemporary politics and society.