TARPHULA

Details:
• Title: Tarphula
• Publisher: Mehta Publishing House
• ISBN: 9788177668292
• Edition: 12
• Publishing Year: January 1980
• Pages: 300
• Language: Marathi
• Category: Fiction
• Binding: Paperback

About the Book:

Tarphula portrays the transformation of a village, questioning the uniformity of traditional Marathi novels. The novel offers an allegorical meaning to society through the anarchy and the fragile security of a village, reflecting the societal turmoil that the country itself was experiencing in 1964. It dives into the ethical details of life beyond the physical boundaries of the village, asserting that a community always needs a strong ruler with strict rules. The ruler’s existence keeps the order intact, while his death breeds chaos.

Through the character of Aaba Kulkarni, who is unable to maintain societal harmony, and the environment of a disintegrating family, the author, Shankar Patil, creates a vivid picture of the unstable socio-political climate. Patil’s writing skillfully captures family life in the village, the relationships between couples, and the struggles of everyday life. He has meticulously portrayed the need for powerful leadership, placing his work at the top of Marathi literature. Tarphula begins with the simple, routine life of the worried villagers and gradually covers the journey of a new ‘Patil’ striving to establish his position in the society.