Aavarana
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 9th edition, released 31 May 2007 | |
| Author | S. L. Bhyrappa |
|---|---|
| Language | Kannada |
| Genre | Fiction |
| Publisher | Sahitya Bhandara, Balepet, Bangalore |
Publication date | 2007 |
| Publication place | India |
| Media type | Print (hardcover & paperback) |
| ISBN | 9781536682830 |
| OCLC | 969827460 |
| Preceded by | Mandra |
| Followed by | Kavalu |
| Website | slbhyrappa |
Aavarana is a 2007 Kannada novel by novelist S. L. Bhyrappa. Aavarana (Sanskrit: आवृ ávṛ meaning 'to conceal') can be translated as "veil," and more broadly as something that conceals, envelops, or hides. Aavarana was sold out even before its release in February 2007.[1] The novel went on to create a record in the Indian literary world by witnessing 10 reprints within five months of its release.[2] The book is controversial, being seen by some as aligned with pro-Hindu, anti-Muslim political currents.
Like most of Bhyrappa's novels, Aavarana generated tremendous debate and discussion. Many prominent intellectuals believe Aavarana dangerously advanced the fundamentalist agenda by tilting at the windmills of history, and that it seeks to divide society on communal lines. The author has vigorously protested the tag that the book is inflammatory by challenging the reviewers to refute the points made in the book.
The novel raises pertinent and searching questions about religion, liberalism and identity and highlights the importance of unshackling oneself from the bonds of false knowledge.
The novel was a best seller in Kannada, Gujarati, Tamil and other vernacular languages. In February 2014, Aavarana was translated into English by Sandeep Balakrishna, as The Veil.[3]
| Language | Title | ISBN | Translator | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hindi | Aavaran | 9380146775 | Pradhan Gurudatta | Kitabghar Prakashan |
| Sanskrit | Aavaranam | - | Dr. H. R. Vishwas | Sanskrit Bharati |
| Malayalam | Avaranam | 978-93-84582-74-6 | Geetha Jayaraman | Kurukshetra Prakashan |
| Marathi | Avaran | 8184980558 | Uma Kulkarni | Mehta Publishing House |
| Tamil | Thirai | - | Sri Jaya Venkatraman | - |
| English | Aavarana: The Veil | 8129124882 | Sandeep Balakrishna | Rupa Publications India |
| Gujarati | Aavaran | - | Siddha Dixit | - |
| Telugu | Aavarana | 978-93-86763-71-6 | Aripirala Suvarna | Emesco books |
Plot summary
Lakshmi, a rebellious, free-spirited and intelligent film-maker, breaks ties with her staunchly Gandhian father to marry Amir, the man she loves. She even agrees reluctantly to Amir's request that she convert to Islam, as a formality and change her name to Razia. However, she is shocked to discover that her husband is not the open-minded, progressive individual he claimed to be. For after marriage, Amir takes his family's side in trying to force her to follow the more rigorous tenets of their faith. This sets her off on a personal journey into India's history to uncover the many layers of religion, caste and creed.
When she begins writing a historical novel set in the Mughal era, she uncovers violent, disturbing aspects of Islamic rule in India that had been whitewashed or suppressed in official histories.
Characters
- Lakshmi alias Razia
- Aameer (Lakshmi's husband)
- Nazeer (Lakshmi's son)
- Narase Gowdru/ Nasrasimhe Gowdru (Lakshmi's father)
- Prof. LN Shastri
- Elizabeth (L N Shastri's wife)
- Digantha (L N Shastri's son)
- Aruna (L N Shastri's daughter)