Leeladhar Mandloi, a prominent figure in contemporary Hindi literature, has made significant contributions through his poetry and prose. His work often addresses themes of displacement, marginalization, and the intricate balance between heritage and modernity. Notable collections like “Ghara-ghara ghūmā”, “Rāta-birāta”, “Magara eka āvāja”, and “Dekha-adekhā” highlight his exceptional command of language. Among his most ambitious pieces is the long poem “Prem Dhrupad” (Love Dhrupad), which serves as both an exploration of love and a critique of societal violence.
Prem Dhrupad: A Rhythmic Protest Against War
“Prem Dhrupad” stands out as a grand narrative that transcends personal emotion, transforming love into a disciplined practice. Here, Mandloi ties the notion of love to the classical music form of Dhrupad, which is known for its depth and stability. The poem begins with “Rāg Bhūp”, a challenging pentatonic raga that embodies the demand for patience and precision—qualities essential not only in music but also in love.
The Musical Grammar of Love
Mandloi equates true love to the discipline required in Dhrupad music. This rigorous love is about commitment and worship. The nuanced gestures—like a glance or a smile—become as vital as the subtleties in music. Furthermore, the metaphor of “Jasrangī”, introduced by Pandit Jasraj, emphasizes the harmony between male and female voices, illustrating that individual differences enhance love rather than diminish it.
Age and the Dynamics of Love
At seventy, Mandloi reflects on love not as a youthful thrill but as a mature engagement. He positions love in the later stages of life, viewing age as a chance to deepen its significance. Phrases like “falling mercury” and “unseasonal winters” poignantly illustrate decline. Yet, Mandloi asserts that love persists, transforming aging into an opportunity for beauty and connection.
Connecting the Personal to the Global
Mandloi’s poem adeptly weaves together personal and global narratives. He suggests that a simple scene—two chairs on a lawn—can expand to cosmic significance, illustrating companionship’s universal nature. With references to figures like Stephen Hawking, he links personal struggles with broader cultural narratives, asserting that love must resist societal negativities.
Love as a Form of Resistance
The poem culminates in an explicit political statement. Mandloi references Picasso’s “Guernica”, highlighting that love must strive for peace. He expresses a fervent wish for the horrors of war to cease, aligning love with a form of protest against violence and oppression. He reflects on the poetic lineage of Faiz Ahmed Faiz, emphasizing that love is intertwined with revolutionary ideals.
The Abstract and the Manifest
As “Prem Dhrupad” unfolds, it transcends the concrete realities to explore the philosophical dualities of love. Mandloi posits that separation and distance can intensify love, capturing its ineffable nature. The concept of the “invisible duet” symbolizes this bond, where emotional connection does not hinge on physical presence.
Conclusion: Love as the Ultimate Form of Resistance
Ultimately, “Prem Dhrupad” emerges as a profound commentary on love’s power as a resistance against war and oppressive structures. Through musical metaphors and personal reflections, Mandloi elevates love to a discipline—a form of protest embedded in the fabric of society. His work underscores that to love is to embody resilience and foster hope amid adversity. In Mandloi’s vision, love remains the essential force that can prevent the world from falling into despair.
