Madhushala  (Hindi, Paperback, Bachchan Harivanshrai)

Madhushala is a famous poem that speaks of the world’s evils with the figurative usage of elements found inside a house of wine. This literary masterpiece played a significant role in changing the outlook of Hindi literature. Madhushala is a must-buy for those who wish to read one of the best poems ever written in Hindi.

Summary Of The Book

Madhushala, first published in 1935, is a collection of hundred and thirty five Hindi quatrains. Bachchan has patterned his literary work on the on the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam. Madhushala translates to The House Of Wine, and the poet uses words like madira (wine), pyaala (cup), saaki (server), and madhushala (pub) to illustrates the complexities of life. When these verses were initially published, Bachchan faced criticism for his apparent admiration for alcohol. However, when studied carefully, readers will see the philosophical undertones of the poet’s work.

Madhushala is filled with Sufi influences. After listening to it Mahatma Gandhi said that all criticisms were uncalled for. The verses speak of the futility of worldly ambitions, intolerance, and greed. Bachchan openly challenged the appalling conventional and morals that society blindly followed. This gave Hindi poetry a new dimension in that era, and Madhushala became an important part of the Chhayavaad (Shadowism) Literary Movement of the early 20th century.

Madhushala was the first part of a trilogy. The next two were Madhubala (1936) and Madhukalash (1937). The first book is still very popular, and the text has been choreographed and performed by renowned dancers. Twenty stanzas were selected and sung by Manna Dey, with Jaidev as the music composer. Harivansh Rai Bachchan’s son, the famous actor Amitabh Bachchan, has read the lines of Madhushala on various occasions. The poet’s pursuit of the unity of all humanity, irrespective of colour, caste, and creed, lives on through his masterpiece.

About Harivansh Rai Bachchan

Harivansh Rai Srivastava alias Bachchan, born in 1907, was a renowned  Indian poet.

Bachchan has penned down many poems, some of which are Nisha Nimantran, Aakul Antar, Soot Ki Maala, Milan Yamini, and Pranay Patrika.

His inspirational poem, Agneepath, was the name of a 1991 superhit film. It featured his megastar son Amitabh Bachchan, who won a National Award for his performance. Amitabh is seen narrating the lines of Agneepath throughout the movie. Some other works of Harivansh Rai Bachchan include Kya Bhooloon Kya Yaad Karoon, Basere Se Door, and Dashdwaar Se Sopaan Tak.

He grew up in Allahabad, and was nicknamed bachchan, which meant kid. Bachchan went on to study at the Allahabad University and Banaras Hindu University. He later taught in Allahabad University’s English Department from 1941 to 1952. The poet then joined the St Catharine's College, Cambridge University to do his Ph.D. It was here that he first used Bachchan as his surname, instead of Srivastava. Bachchan was only the second Indian to have received a doctorate in English literature from Cambridge. He returned to India, and joined the All India Radio, Allahabad. In the year 1955, Bachchan moved to Delhi to join the External Affairs Ministry. In 1966, he was nominated to the Indian Rajya Sabha. In 1969, Bachchan was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award. In 1976, for his tremendous contribution to Hindi literature, he was honoured with the Padma Bhushan. Bachchan passed away in 2003, at the age of 95. His funeral procession was attended by thousands of people, and tributes were paid by politicians, industrialists, and actors.