- Stars:
- Pages: 82 Pages
- Time to Read: 2 hours
- Authors: Purushottam Laxman Deshpande
- Type of Book: Satire
TL;DR
A masterpiece by Pu La Deshpande, Marathi Vangmayacha Galiv Itihas is a witty and delightful satire on ancient Marathi literature. It’s a humorous yet insightful journey through eight centuries of Marathi’s literary evolution, narrated in Pu La’s signature parody style. This book is an absolute must-read for anyone who appreciates literature, humor, and the genius of Pu La.
What is the book about?
This book is an adaptation of a satirical essay originally published in the Mauj Diwali Magazine in 1967. It parodies Vinayak Laxman Bhave’s Maharashtra Saraswat, a seminal work studying eight centuries of Marathi literature. Starting from the roots of the Marathi language, Pu La humorously explores the works of luminaries like Chakradhar Swami, the Mahanubhav sect, Dnyaneshwar, and other poets and saints from the 13th to 16th centuries. The identical table of contents between Bhave’s original and Pu La’s parody adds a clever meta-layer to the humor.
Key Takeaways!
- Pu La’s satire pokes fun at pretentious “Marathi Pandits” while celebrating genuine literary contributions.
- His footnotes are a treasure trove of subtle humor, and the caricatures by Vasant Sarwate are as delightful as the text itself.
- The book combines humor with sharp observations about the evolution of Marathi literature, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Worth the Read?
Absolutely! Whether you’re a Pu La fan or new to his works, this book will keep you laughing while offering a fresh perspective on Marathi literature. Its humor is timeless, and its insights are enduring. I found myself revisiting passages and marveling at Pu La’s brilliance in connecting literary dots. It’s a book you can start reading from any page—and still find joy. Highly recommended!
Join to get sneak peek into what's happening
I write about books, experiences, product, UX, EdTech, early stage growth, validation – mostly tech. Subscribe if these topics interest you. Once every 15 days emailer. I promise – No spam. (I am known for it otherwise) 😉
