Episteme: an online interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary & multi-cultural journal

Bharat College of Arts and Commerce, Badlapur, MMR, India

Volume 6, Issue 3 December 2017

IMPACT OF RABINDRANATH TAGORE’S WORK ON SINDHI

LITERATURE

By Tamana Lalwani

Abstract
Rabindranath Tagore is the greatest literary personality and an adroitic writer, winner of Noble
Prize for Geetanjali. His most renowned stories and poems are translated in manlanguages
Rabindranath is Anmol Ratan of Sindhi Community. He has reflected his our life in artistic way
beautifully and successfully in prose Tagore’s drama “Undhaye Kamre Jo Raja” full of
spirituality “Bahar Jo Chakar” concerns with human life in spring season and its romantic
narration “Lal Rangi Gul” which is compared with the flowers of human life have been
translated by Prof. Mangharam Malkani in a book with the title of “Tagore Ja Natak”.

Introduction
Count Herman Kaiserling a German Philosopher in the year 1931, wrote in a Book “Golden
Book of Tagore” – “Quote”.“On the globe, since so many centuries nobody is so scholar as that
of Rabindranath Tagore. He is the beloved of Nation. I praise my beloved friend Rabindranath
Tagore. I do not do so for any other living scholar as he is greater than all the scholars in the
world. In my view there is no other person as broad minded as Tagore, in whole of the world.
[Link] Tagore is the greatest literary personality. He is the greatest poet in the
world. He has written more than 1000 poems. Besides, he has written Stories, Dramas, Novels,
Fictions, Essays and best articles. In prose there are Autobiographics, Travelling Experiences,
Letters and Bal Sahitya etc. in the year 1961, whole of the world celebrated “Century Birth
Anniversary of this great scholar and his great works of literature translated and published in
many languages in the [Link] has written in all the faculties of literature. He is a unique
writer. He stands first among all in Bengali Scholars.

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 Episteme: an online interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary & multi-cultural journal
Bharat College of Arts and Commerce, Badlapur, MMR, India
Volume 6, Issue 3 December 2017

In the year 1913, Tagore was bestowed upon the honour of “Noble Prize” for Geetanjali, the
world famous literary great book. In the year 1942, Prof. Mangharam Malkani translated
“Geetanjali” in sindhi. This book was translated in sindhi and published twice. Thousands of
copies of this book were sold out within short period. In education this “Geetanjali” book is kept
as text book in sindh as well as in India. Generation of today, reads this book and enjoys the
great creative works of Rabindranath Tagore. Tagore is in high esteem to the readers who have
faith and pride for his works / writings.
Rabindranath Tagore’s other collections of poems, which were translated in Sindhi, have impact
on the hearts of Sindhis. Prof. Mangharam Malkani translated these poems with the title of
“Preet Ja Geet” which was published by Ratan-Mala in the year 1940. Tagore’s another
collection of poems was “Fula Chand” which was translated by Shri Hariram Dayaram
Madiwala and published in the year 1956 by Hisdustan Sahitya Mala.
Prof. Mangharam Malkani translated the original poetry book (Garduer) in sindhi in poetric
prose. This very book of poetry was already translated earlier by Ustaad Lalchand with the title
of “Sada Gulab” in prose full of proverbs.
Prof. Krishan Kriplani translated Tagore’s book of poetry with the title of “Shah Jahan” and
published in the year 1935.
Tagore’s book “Crescent Moon” was translated with the title of Balchandrma” by Arjan Israni
and was published by Ratan Sahitya Mandal in the year 1940.
Tagore’s poetry is full of delicacies, humility, melody and musical stream of waves. Shri
Manoharlal Kauromal in his book “Sahitya Jo Singar” narrates that there was a great musician
late Harindranath, a great singer whose translated composition was superb.
Artist Purshotam Bachwani has artistically drawn a picture of a beautiful lady in prof.
Mangharam Malkani’s Song “Andh Mandh”. This article was published in weekly sindhi news
paper “Hindwasi” on 29th March, 1956 edition on a title page.
Bihari Shahri also translated Tagore’s “Hawa Jo Sandesh” poem in sindhi. Sindhis were touched
by the sweet song written by Tagore. Artists have picturised the dreams and thoughts of Tagore
and got published in the news papers which has added to the beauty of magazines.

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 Episteme: an online interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary & multi-cultural journal
Bharat College of Arts and Commerce, Badlapur, MMR, India
Volume 6, Issue 3 December 2017

Wherever poetry is in astral farm, the story exists in body. Tagore is one of the original
renowned story writers of his time. Together with great poetry, art of story with picture is also
found.
Tagore has not included the family life, conditions and incidents of human nature, social
problems and other different pictures and incidents of society of his time, in his poetry. He has
inscribed the pictures artistically, beautifully and successfully in his prose.
An art and style of stories of Tagore are of Poetic form and expression of his thoughts gives
impact on the minds of readers at large.
Out of stories of Tagore written during the period from 1891 to 1914, 21 stories are selected and
translated and in sindhi by Fatechand Vaswani. This book of selected 21 stories of Tagore was
published by Sahitya Academy, in 1963. These mini stories of Tagore not only bring Tagore to
the level of great story writer but prove him as scholar of small story writer, as great as pen
master.
Tagore’s stories “Post Master” “Kabuliwala” “Bukhayal” stories have become the beauties of
text books in Sindhi literary, schools.
In the year 1927, scholar Girdharilal Kriplani translated Rabindranath Stories e.g. “Nirupama Jo
Ulhano” “Suf” “Soghro” “Akreen Piyar” “Sorhan Singar” etc. stories also were translated by
different literary persons. Tagore’s stories and tales (fiction) had impact in the hearts of sindhi
community.
In Katha Sahitya (Fiction) also Tagore is a well known writer. His long novel “The Weck” of
which original name is “Nauka Dubi” was translated by Chuharmal with the title of “Toofani
Rang”. Besides this, Chuharmal also translated Tagore’s original novel “Chokherwali” with the
title of “Maya” in sindhi. This novel is considered best of all his novels. In this novel through
natural incidients the narration of story is made with delicate and depth artistically. This novel is
based on the problem of love.
Tagore’s social novel “Fulwadi’s” translation in sindhi was made by krishin jethanand “8
Bhenar” by Bihari Chhabria in 1947 the same novel was translated by maidasari with title of
Nandi Bhen”.

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 Episteme: an online interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary & multi-cultural journal
Bharat College of Arts and Commerce, Badlapur, MMR, India
Volume 6, Issue 3 December 2017

In the year 1936, Kumari Guli Kriplani (Guli Sardarangani) “Gora” novel was translated by her
beautifully in sindhi. This is social national novel. Where in, a child born out of English father
and Indian mother, who has to struggle hard. This novel written artistically, effectively, narrated
and translated.
In the year 1955, Karamchand Devani translated “Suhni” a new kind of novel written by Tagore
which was published by Kahanimala Suhni. In fact three stories are given in this novel long story
is “Laboratory”. In this books, there are three independent stories, even then this is called novel.
Tagore’s other two novels “Sanjog” original bengali novel “Jogajog”. Another bengali novel
Chokherwalia is translated in sindhi title of “Akhar”. The translator of these two novels is
Chuharmal Darhyanomal Hinduja. These both novels were published in 1963 and 1973
respectively by Sahitya Academy “Jokherwali” novel of Tagore was transferred with the title of
“Vindni” by Krishin Kriplani. He gave English name to the Heroine “Eye Sur” taking the help of
this world. “Eye Sur” Chuharmal gave title of sindhi translated novel as “Akhsur” Tagore’s this
novel is liked by readers more than all his novels. This novel is ranked as No.1 Infact this novel
was written in the year 1902 with the title of “Sanjog” wherein the picture of inside life of
Aristocrat people is given. This is the diminishing period of Jagirdhari forces and new ushering
confrontation of new commercial class of people.
Besides this Tagore’s other fiction books which were translated in sindhi are
“Akreen Kavita” by Narain Bharti in the year 1956.
“Bhad Bhang” by Tirath Hingorani, year 1955.
“Duhagin Rani” by Melaram Vaswani,year 1946.
“Gharani Bahir” Adab, year 1956.
“Gharain Duniya” by Rochiram Gangaram, year 1956.
“Kavi Tagore Jun Akhadiyun by Shewaram Adwani, year 1964.
“Karo Kanjho” by Moti Chhabria, year 1949.
“Man by Laxman Sahti year 1956.
“Neema” 1956.
“Fulwadi” Krishin
“Sarita Laxman Sathi” “Shahi Taj” by Jethanand Ralwani (1953)

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 Episteme: an online interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary & multi-cultural journal
Bharat College of Arts and Commerce, Badlapur, MMR, India
Volume 6, Issue 3 December 2017

“Istri Purush” Jagat Advani “Tagore Jun Akhadiyun” Girdharilal Kriplani “Te Nariun” Jagat
Advani “Toofani Rang” Chhharmal Hinduja, “Manju” Melaram Vaswani.
“BudalBedi” Jethamal Gulrazani etc.
The Tagore’s anthology’s main works were translated in sindhi by Mahman Jagat Advani (1961)
Valmiki Pratibha (1967), Tagore’s Essays “Sadhna” were translated by Virumal Begraj-1923.
Shri Narain Bharti wrote on the “Tagore as Poet” a book “Asanjo Kavi”. The translation of these
books in sindhi was done by Kala Rijhwani.
Tagore’s Poetry is world famous and novels and stories were also separately written, in addition
to his dramas, are also praiseworthy. The dramas were shown at Shanti Niketan and the
neighbouring cities and villages of Bengal.
In the year 1923 when Tagore’s drama “Chita” was shown on stage during the time
Rabindranath Tagore came to Sindh personally and laid the foundation of Rabindranath Natak
Mandli came into existence under the guidance of Khanchand Daryani and hectic efforts of Prof.
Mangharam Malkani.
Prof. Mangharam Malkani writes: Quotes :-
in the Chitra drama of Tagore. I Played the role of Arjun and the role of chitra was performed by
Shri Tahilram Advani, as in those days girls were not participating in dramas. On the next day of
function, Tagore called us at his place and said that an enthusiasm with which you both played
the roles on stage here are extra ordinary which I have not witnessed elsewhere. Unquote.
The same Chitra drama of Rabindranath by Karachi Club Branch was also shown on stage. The
Sindhi translation of Chitra was published in sindhi magazine, in the year 1940.
During the period from 1924 to 1927 with the sponsorship of new sindh college drama society.
These dramas were continuosly shown in the yearly functions of the college. These three dramas
were “Masum”, “Raja Rani” and “Balidan”. In these dramas together with the collegians Prof.
Mangharam Malkani also took parts. Balidan drama was shown in films twice. Shri Mohan
Bhavnani was the director, Novelist Daryani also arranged the “Balidan” drama in sindhi.
Tagore’s famous drama “Dakghar” which was considered the best drama written by him was
shown on stage in the year 1937 by Prof. Malkani in the Golden Jubilee function of sindh college
where the number of audience was in thousands. The success achieved by this drama was unique

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 Episteme: an online interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary & multi-cultural journal
Bharat College of Arts and Commerce, Badlapur, MMR, India
Volume 6, Issue 3 December 2017

and no other drama was so much famous as “Dakghar” in sindhi. The same drama was shown in
Karachi also Bherumal Meherchand translated “Dakghar” in sindhi with the title as “Azadiya Jo
Kodio” which was published by Ratan Magazine in the year 1938. Acharya Gidwani translated
Tagore’s another drama, which was given title of “Rath Yatra”.
Prof. Mangharam Malkani brought “Uma ain Vinayak” which was written by Tagore based on
the stories of Mahabharat. This drama was translated by Assandas Malhotra in sindhi and
published in Hindwasi Magazine “Mukt Dhara” drama was translated in sindhi by Chuharmal
Hinduja which was published in Ratan Rasalo.
Tagore’s drama “Undhaye Kamre Jo Raja” full of spirituality “Bahar Jo Chakar” concerns with
human life in spring season and its romantic narration “Lal Rangi Gul” which is compared with
the flowers of human life have been translated by Prof. Mangharam Malkani in a book with the
title of “Tagore Ja Natak”.
In sindh, Tagore’s dramas were famous by sindhi natak (drama) mandli’s. Sindhi drama
directors/artists/actors in Sindhi language and English language in sindh.
Besides this in Hindwasi sindhi weekly newspaper in “Ruh Rehan” column, issardas Raisinghani
has given the translation of Tagore’s works in sindhi language with the title of “Asanjo Hal
Hino, Tun Panhiji Maher Kar” had attracted the readers to great extent.
In the year 1961 Tagore’s Century birth celebrations were made all over the world and sindhi
literary people also were not behind in their efforts for the same.
In this connection special magazine of “Kunj” and “Sahityakar Magazine” of sindhi sahitya
published special editions, for the Tagore. Shri Narain Bharti published special sindhi times
weekly papers and many other magazines and newspapers published in special editions in the
remembrance of Tagore.
In Gurdev Rabindranath Tagore’s “Shanti Niketan” renowned writers Saravshri Krishin Kriplani,
Kishin Khatwani and Lekhu Tulsiani were the students. Shri Krishin Kriplani was the first
secretary of Central Sahitya Academy. Krishin Khatwani and Lekhu Khatwani and sindhi writers
have written numerous Philosophical articles which created awareness in the masses.
Tagore has not included the family life conditions and incidents of his time in his poetry. He has
inscribed the same pictures in artistic way beautifully and successfully in prose.

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 Episteme: an online interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary & multi-cultural journal
Bharat College of Arts and Commerce, Badlapur, MMR, India
Volume 6, Issue 3 December 2017

The art and style of story of Tagore are of poetic nature and expressions are of great impact of
his thoughts, on the minds of readers.
The universality of Tagore’s masses has deep and abiding humanity. His insistence that Guard
dwells with the peasant in the field and the tiller in their cottage. He did not believe in
renunciation but believed in dynamic action in life.
Gurdev Tagore belongs to sindhi community. In his songs we have heard the voice of heroines of
our legends and folk-tales like “Umar Marvi”, Sasui Punhun”, “Mumal Rano” and “Sorath
Raidiach” (Bijal) etc.
Rabindranath Tagore is “Anmol Ratan” of sindhi literature.

References

 Count Herman Kaiserhing "Golden Book of Tagore" , Germany - 1931

 Prof. Mangharam Malkani - "Preet Jageet", Ratanmala Karachi, 1940
 Fatehchand Vaswani - "Stories of Tagore"
 Sahitya Academy, Mumbai - 1963
 Chuharmal Daryanomal Hinduja - "Akhar"
 Sahitay Academy, Mumba - 1973
 Jagat Adwani - "Valani Ki Pratibha", Mumbai 1967
 Dr. Narain Bharti - "Tagore's birth century"
 Sindhi Times, Ulhasnagar - 1961

Bio

Tamana Lalwani is teacher in Mahatma Gandhi High School, Ulhasnagar, Mumbai. She is
Approved Sindhi and Hindi Annoucer at AIR, Ahmedabad, Sindhi Drama Artist at AIR , Sindhi
News Reader cum Translator at AIR and Sindhi Annoucer at Doordarshan, Ahmedabad. She has
interest in writing short stories in News papers & Sahitya Academy.

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