This book is not available to purchase on Fable
4.0
The Appeasement of Radhika: Radhika Santawanam
ByPublisher Description
An erotic narrative poem that explores desire and jealousy, love experienced and love lost, Radhika Santawanam is the most recognized work of nineteenth-century poet and courtesan Muddupalani.
It is a candid and unabashed exploration of the sexual awakening of a girl, of passion aroused and the anguish of separation. Celebrated as a literary masterpiece in Muddupalani’s lifetime, Radhika Santawanam was banned by the British in 1910 when it was published again, a century and a half later, with critics panning its graphic descriptions of lovemaking. And, after another hundred years, this epic is now available in its entirety for the first time in English translation
It is a candid and unabashed exploration of the sexual awakening of a girl, of passion aroused and the anguish of separation. Celebrated as a literary masterpiece in Muddupalani’s lifetime, Radhika Santawanam was banned by the British in 1910 when it was published again, a century and a half later, with critics panning its graphic descriptions of lovemaking. And, after another hundred years, this epic is now available in its entirety for the first time in English translation
Download the free Fable app
Stay organized
Keep track of what you’re reading, what you’ve finished, and what’s next.
Build a better TBR
Swipe, skip, and save with our smart list-building tool
Rate and review
Share your take with other readers with half stars, emojis, and tags
Curate your feed
Meet readers like you in the Fable For You feed, designed to build bookish communitiesStay organized
Keep track of what you’re reading, what you’ve finished, and what’s next.Build a better TBR
Swipe, skip, and save with our smart list-building toolRate and review
Share your take with other readers with half stars, emojis, and tagsCurate your feed
Meet readers like you in the Fable For You feed, designed to build bookish communitiesThe Appeasement of Radhika: Radhika Santawanam Reviews
4.0
“I had a lot of expectations, should have went in blind”
“"Restless, lonely, overwhelmed with sadness
Dejected, betrayed, listless
She fainted over and again
Cursing Ila and Hari!" (Ch. 3)
....
"She dislikes sleeping on the bed
Preferring my chest
She dislikes sitting on a chair
Preferring my lap
She dislikes eating sweets
Preferring my lips
She cares not to call her maids
Prefers to call only me with love
Such an embodiment of goodness,
Have I forsaken,
Can this be anything but a curse from the almighty?" (Ch. 4)
.
Radhika (Radha) marries her protégé Iladevi to Nandagopala & waits for Krishna's return. Leaves withered, clouds darkened, it rained arrows on the soft petal skinned Radha, but her mightiest Yadava didn't return. She sends a message via., parrot to Kamsa killer but it returns dejected with a devastating news about how Hari has fallen head over heels for Iladevi & her newly learnt Kama Shastra skills. Distraught, Radha's love turns to despicable hatred over his betrayal. As Yadava realises how he has overlooked Radha's devotion & love, he hopefully returns to be accepted. Will Krishna conciliate outraged Radha?
.
The Appeasement of Radhika being an erotic epic has seen ban, more than once, written by a well versed courtesan Muddupalani to her Krishna, torn between his two lovers' sexual desire. Being an 18th century female poet, Muddupalani had the guts to write about female sexual gratification to male audience. Without the ardent effort of Nagarathnamma, another talented, educated courtesan, this book would've been lost over the ages. With Sandhya Mulchandani's attempt to translate this Telugu text into English, our souls wouldn't have been bathed in these delightful verses. And without Penguin's publication, I wouldn't be here suggesting this classic book to y'all. This book should be on your bookshelf, with pride.
.
Rating: 5/5”
“An Indian classic, a ballad and a literature that exhibits a range of emotional experiences.
The book will need a certain background about Krishna and Radha to understand the progress of the poem, though most of it has been explained in the introduction, a bit of context won't harm.
Also, this poem has been translated with utmost grace and care has been taken to keep it elegant. One thing, I experienced a plethora of emotions those that were interpreted by my life experiences - this book does a wonderful job at that.
This poem exudes love in all forms and should be read.”
Start a Book Club
Start a public or private book club with this book on the Fable app today!FAQ
Why can’t I buy this ebook on Fable?
Can I start a book club with this book on Fable?
Are book clubs free to join on Fable?
