Shakespeare in India
Introduction
Shakespeare, the timeless bard of England, embarked on an enchanting voyage to the Indian subcontinent, where his words found new life in the beauty of diverse languages and cultures. In this essay, we'll explore the fascinating journey of Shakespeare's works through the prism of Indian translations, where his plays became an integral part of the Indian literary landscape.
Sanskrit-Inspired Beginnings
Shakespeare's Indian journey began with adaptations influenced by traditional Sanskrit theater. His plays were staged with sutradhars, nandi, and even gods on stage. The Indian version of "Cymbeline," performed as "Tara" at a royal wedding in Baroda, was a magnificent spectacle of this fusion of cultures.
Diverse Approaches: Prose and Verse
Indian translators embraced diversity in their approach to Shakespeare. Some sought faithfulness to the original text, while others took creative liberties to adapt Shakespearean stories. Notably, a variety of languages were used to express his timeless narratives. Here are a few notable translations:
- "Bharntivilas" (Comedy of Errors) - Bengali translation by Vidyasagar.
- "Durlabh Bandhu" (Merchant of Venice) - Hindi adaptation by Harishchandra.
- "Venis Vanijacharitham" - Malayalam translation of "The Merchant of Venice" by CS Joseph Arthunkal.
- "Soundarya Satimani" (Adaptation of "All’s Well That Ends Well") by Jayanthi Bhavanarayana.
- "Sahajahan" (Adaptation of "King Lear") by Dwijendralal Ray.
- "Hariraja" and "Chandragupta" (Adaptations of "Hamlet") by Nagendra Chaudhry.
Metrical and Linguistic Experiments
- VV Sastri's "Seejaru Charitramu" in Telugu imitated Shakespeare's blank verse using the Tetageethi metrical form.
- Agha Hashhar Kashmiri used rhyming couplets to translate several of Shakespeare's plays, lending a musical quality to his renditions.
- A Govinda Pillai adapted "Othello," "Macbeth," and "Hamlet" into Malayalam using the Upajati meter.
Sonnets in Malayalam: Satchidanandan's Unique Endeavor
Malayalam poet Satchidanandan took on the monumental task of translating all of Shakespeare's sonnets into Malayalam. He creatively adapted them into a 16-line format, allowing Malayalam readers to savor the essence of Shakespearean sonnets in a form suited to their language and culture.
Shakespeare in Kannada
Shakespeare's presence in the Kannada language opened a rich avenue of creative adaptation and translation. By 1929, at least 15 Shakespearean plays were staged in Kannada. Chennabasappa's translation of "The Comedy of Errors" as "Nagadavarannu Nagisuva Naataka" in 1871 marked the beginning of this journey. Kannada also borrowed from other languages like Telugu, Bengali, and Marathi to bring the magic of Shakespeare to its readers.
Shakespeare in Telugu
The Telugu language embraced Shakespearean drama with notable translations and adaptations. Somanathayya translated "All’s Well that Ends Well" as "Satimani Vijaya," and Srikantha Sastry adapted "Othello" as "Padmini (Oth.)." These early translations showcased the linguistic diversity of Telugu and its ability to capture the essence of Shakespearean storytelling.
Shakespeare in Tamil
In the British State of Madras, where Tamil was the dominant language, Shakespeare found a stage for his plays. "The Merchant of Venice" was the first known Shakespeare production in 1870, and by 1900, over 30 different productions of Shakespeare's plays had been performed in more than 100 places. Tamil musicals also found their way into the hearts of audiences in Kerala. This subheading highlights the enduring appeal of Shakespeare in Tamil literature and performance.
Conclusion
Shakespeare's journey through India is a testament to the enduring appeal of his works and the adaptability of his stories to different cultures and languages. Indian translations of his plays have not only made his works accessible to a broader audience but have also enriched the tapestry of Indian literature, making Shakespeare an eternal part of the country's literary legacy. Through diverse approaches, linguistic experiments, and creative adaptations, India has embraced the bard from England, allowing him to thrive in the colorful mosaic of Indian languages and cultures. Shakespeare's legacy in India is indeed a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, a true celebration of the magic of words.
References
Koyippally, Dr. Joseph. "Shakespeare in Indian Language Translation." Swayam, Central University of Kerala, E-Module, Week 15, Unit 36.
www.cukerala.ac.in/cukpdfs/IQAC/3.4.7/3.4.7.ECL.030.pdf
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