Poem Review: ‘Thoura Sukhadolagenna’ - A Wife’s Love Letter To Her Husband

 

 

Introduction

Poem’s Name - Thoura Sukhadolagenna

Poet’s Name - K. S. Narasimhaswamy 

Published In - Mysuru Mallige (Collection of Kannada Poems) 

Genre - Love Poem, Musical 

Language - Kannada 

A Short Summary

‘Though Sukhadolagenna’ is about a letter written by a wife who has just delivered a baby but is unable to meet her husband and encapsulates all of her emotions towards him. Through the poem, we are given a glimpse of the situation of a woman trying to balance being a wife, a mother, and the daughter of a loving family at the same time. It relates to all women who visit their mother's place after delivery, which conveys a deeper understanding of the rituals observed in South India in the 1940s.

About the Poet

Source: Wikipedia

Romantic poems are known by this poet. Having been born in a rural village of Kikkeri, Mandya District in 1915, K. S. Narasimhaswamy’s works have been an asset to Kannada literature. He worked as a clerk with the Mysuru Municipal Corporation and went on to become Superintendent with Karnataka Housing Board. 

Numerous awards have been bestowed upon his works, including the National Film Award for Best Lyrics (1991), the Pampa Award (1995), and the Asian Prize for Literature. Upon his death in 2003, Kannadigas lost the chance to read his future works.

About the Book

‘Mysore Mallige’ is the most celebrated album of the Navodaya era in Kannada literature. Originally published in 1942 at Maharaja College, Mysuru, the album has seen over 32 reprints and was the most popular present for newlyweds. It was turned into the Kannada film of the same name in 1992, which was said to be the basis for the Hindi film 1942: A Love Story in 1994.

Psychological Analysis

That was the era when correspondence was primarily via letters. Since letters convey the same emotions no matter how many times they are read, they are regarded as more expressive and perhaps more dear. The sweetest of letters exchanged between the couple, rejoiced in each other's lives and communicated their love.

The poet here speaks of the wife's plea, who has recently given birth, to her husband to stay happy so that she can return home after she narrates the reasons that are keeping her home while she is at her mom's place postpartum.

Even the train that runs between Chitradurga and Mysuru gives her a reminder to come back soon to him. Furthermore, the poem describes the auspicious days like Tuesdays or Navami that never allowed women to return to their husbands from their parents' place. 

Though she is enjoying her mother's delicious food, that isn't the reason why she is staying there, she assures him. The reason for her stay is the difficulty of taking care of her 5-month-old baby all by herself which is followed by her sister’s wedding. 

Each time, she is sure to express her desire to bounce back to him but is unable to do so. In addition, she ended the letter by promising to return as soon as possible and would expect her to be a friendly and welcoming host - without being abusive.

The poem would resonate with any wife who has been through the process. The lines in this picture are what most girls imagine their future to look like. A woman's heartfelt words are perfectly expressed in this poem. Beyond all else, it is so fascinating to think how these lines are expressed by a man so beautifully as if they are his emotions.  

In this way, the poem encompasses a spectrum of religious beliefs, social rituals, and emotions.  A beautifully composed piece of music enhances the poetry's feel, making people hum along with the lyrics.

Impactful Lines from the Poem

“Thaaayadige ruchiyendu naanilli ulidila 

(Mom's delicious food is not the reason for my stay here)

Innu tangiya maduve tingalihudu

(Next month, my sister will get married)

Thoura panjaradalli sereyaada hoovalla

(I'm not a parrot caged at my parents' house)

Aidu tingala kanda madilalihudu”    

(I stayed home because my baby is 5 months old home)

The Bottom Line

The poet's wife deserves all the credit for his ability to explain a woman's emotions so well. An incredible bond like this would lead to creations like Mysuru mallige. The poem has also been converted into a song by C. Aswath, an amazing music composer, and a household name in Karnataka. If you want to listen to this poem’s narration after reading this, never miss out on an opportunity to do so. 

You can watch the music video on YouTube - Thoura sukhadolagenna 

My ratings for the poem - 5 on 5

Written By - Dr. Nayana Shree Suresh