Divya by Yashpal

"Divya" by Yashpal. The book is translated from Hindi to English by Anand. This book is published by Penguin India under the Modern Classics series in 2009 and has 304 pages.

Divya, great grand daughter of Chief Justice of Madra lost her parents at young age but is brought up in loving care of her great grandfather. She is unrivaled in dance but, being a high born Brahmin, is not going to pursue it as a profession. She falls in love with a brave young man who is son of a slave turned rich merchant. 

Will their love succeed? Will Divya give up dancing? Will she suffer in the tussle between cast system and Buddhism? Will she marry her love?

The story is set in 1st century BC in Sagal (today's Sialkot) where Greek Mithrodus is the President of Madra republic with Sagal as capital. An attack from neighboring King changes the lives of all its citizens and the social hierarchy undergoes metamorphosis. This very event changes the lives of Divya, Prithusen and Rudradir for ever. 

It was period of flux where Brahmins and Buddha bhikku's were pitted against each other for social superiority and the low casts were trying to attain position of prominence through friendship, alliance and marriage with the Greek community. 

When a Brahmin girl, who was brought up in a sheltered atmosphere, is thrown into the vicious world the experiences and sufferings cast her in a new dye. She undergoes a revolutionary change of personality and thought. She makes her choices. 

Most powerful message of the book is Divya's opinion that a girl may be a house holder or married to a noble or King, her standing is only a reflection of her husband's or father's glory. She is not free. Everything she has, goes away with the loss of husband or father. On the other hand, a courtesan and a prostitute may not command same respect from society, but they are FREE.

Characterization is good. Divya who goes from sheltered life to becoming a disgrace to slave to a prospective prostitute to a courtesan to house holder transforming her personality. Marish, an atheist who does not believe in afterlife, and is despised by Brahmins and Buddhists alike. Prithusen, who is insulted because of his low birth, despite proving his superior fighting skills by winning a weaponery competition. Rudradir who loves Divya, hates low born and fights for Brahmin supremacy. Chief Justice Dev Sharma, more than hundred years old, who has dispensed justice in three reigns and understands it's subjectivity. Mallika the court dancer. Mithrodus the President looking for Nirvana. Siro, his grand daughter. Monk Cheebuk who does not falter from Buddha's preaching. 

I did not comprehend why Divya returns to Sagal? She could have easily foreseen the reaction of the society. I also could not fathom her final decision which goes against her ideals. 

Although the story is set more than 2100 years ago, it is still relevant. Readers can identify with it. Reader becomes part of the social fabric while reading the book. 

A very good book. Recommend reading.