Q.- Would you say Kadambari Falls into the genes of romance? Give reason for your answer.
Ans: Bāṇabhaṭṭa’s Kadambari is one of the most important works of classical Sanskrit literature. When we ask whether it belongs to the genre of romance, the answer is clearly yes. The novel can be placed in this category because its central theme, plot, and emotions revolve around love, longing, and union. However, it is not limited to simple worldly romance. Instead, it presents a highly refined, spiritual, and ideal form of love.
1) Central Theme is Love: The heart of Kadambari is the story of Prince Candrapīḍa and Kadambari, the daughter of a Gandharva king. From their very first meeting at Lake Acchoda, the novel is dominated by feelings of attraction, affection, and devotion. Their eyes meet, their hearts connect, and a powerful bond of love arises. This emotional beginning immediately sets the tone of romance.
In romance literature, love is usually the main driving force of the story. In Kadambari, every event, separation, and reunion is woven around this love story, which makes it a true romantic narrative.
2) Emotional Depth and Separation: One of the essential elements of romance is not only happiness but also struggle and separation. In the novel, Candrapīḍa and Kadambari are kept apart due to fate, social barriers, and misunderstandings. Their love is tested through distance, longing, and suffering.
The portrayal of viraha (the pain of separation) is deeply emotional. Kadambari remains faithful even when Candrapīḍa is not physically present. Similarly, the prince’s devotion shows that true love is constant and pure. Such themes of pain, patience, and loyalty are classic features of romance.
3) Use of Rebirth – Eternal Love: A striking reason why Kadambari belongs to the romance genre is its use of rebirth. Candrapīḍa dies before the union, leaving Kadambari in sorrow. But the story does not end there. He is reborn as Vaiśampāyana, and finally the two are united.
This device of rebirth highlights that love is stronger than death. In many romantic tales, love is shown as eternal and spiritual. In Kadambari, this idea reaches perfection, as destiny ensures that true lovers find each other across lifetimes.
4) Romance with a Spiritual Dimension: While worldly romance is often based on beauty or desire, Bāṇabhaṭṭa gives love a spiritual and divine quality. The lovers’ connection is portrayed as a union of souls, not merely of bodies. This makes the novel not just a story of attraction but of attainment.
Thus, the romance in Kadambari is elevated:-
- It is pure – free from selfish motives.
- It is faithful – both lovers remain true till the end.
- It is eternal – continuing beyond one life.
5) Poetic and Romantic Style: The style of Bāṇabhaṭṭa is itself romantic. He uses poetic descriptions of nature, seasons, emotions, and beauty. The scenes of the lake, the gardens, and the moonlight create a romantic atmosphere. His artistic language makes the reader feel the intensity of emotions. This stylistic beauty is another reason why the novel is counted as romance.
Conclusion: In conclusion, Kadambari certainly falls into the genre of romance. The whole novel—from the first meeting of Candrapīḍa and Kadambari, through their struggles and separation, to their final union after rebirth—shows the journey of love. Unlike ordinary tales, it presents love as pure, spiritual, and immortal. This is why Kadambari is celebrated as one of the greatest romantic novels of Sanskrit literature, where the attainment of love becomes the central truth.
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