The cloud’s journey through different regions of India in the monsoons
Mentions of monsoons appear in South Indian literary works. Ancient India's greatest poet and playwright, Kalidasa, wrote about the onset of the monsoon over central India and traced the path of the monsoon clouds in his epic "Meghdoot" around the seventh century.
Kālidāsa’s descriptions of the cloud’s journey through different regions of India during the monsoon highlight the country’s rich cultural and geographical diversity. Each region’s unique landscape and artistic elements are brought to life, showcasing the poet’s appreciation for India’s natural beauty and cultural richness.
Central India: The poem begins with the Yaksha in exile, describing the dry land awaiting the monsoon.
Western Ghats and Deccan Plateau: The cloud travels over the lush Western Ghats and the fertile Deccan Plateau.
Northern India and the Himalayas: The cloud moves north, showcasing the majestic Himalayas and the valleys where the Yaksha’s beloved lives.
The Meghadutam
The poem begins with Yaksha, exiled to the isolated area of Ramagiri (now Ramtek near Nagpur) by Kubera for neglecting his duty. Separated from his wife, Yaksha desires to send her a message. When monsoon season arrives, he implores a raincloud to carry his message to his wife in Alaka. Yaksha directs its journey by guiding the cloud through several locations and landmarks.
The first section -Poorvamegha -Cloud's journey from Ramagiri to Alaka
"Dark as the fresh earth, and decked with a rainbow, you will start on your journey, a welcome sight to the eyes of those scorched by the summer sun."
In the first section, the cloud's journey from Ramagiri to Alaka is vibrantly described by the Yaksha. He paints a detailed picture of the breathtaking rivers, mountains, cities, and villages that, the cloud will pass over. This portion showcases Kalidasa's lyrical genius through its rich abundance of geographical and cultural imagery.
The second section –Uttaramegha -Yaksha speaks to the wife
"When you arrive in Alaka, adorned with the fragrance of Kadamba blossoms, convey my love to my wife, who waits for me in her bower, As the monsoon rain brings life to the dry earth, so will my words bring comfort to her heart."'
In the second section (Uttaramegha), Yaksha addresses his wife with words of love, longing, and conviction. He speaks of his life in exile, expressing the pain of separation and his fervent desire for their reunion. The poem concludes on an optimistic note, as the Yaksha hopes that his beloved will find solace in the cloud's journey and its message.
The Meghadutam touches on various factors related to the monsoon in a creative way.
Love and Separation: The central theme is the pain of separation and the enduring power of love. Yaksha’s deep longing for his wife and the vivid descriptions of his emotions are poignant and moving.
Nature and Geography: The poem, is also a celebration of nature and the Indian landscape. Kalidasa’s rich descriptions of various regions create a vivid tapestry of the natural world.
Imagination and Creativity: Kalidasa’s imaginative use of a cloud as a messenger highlights his creative genius. The poem’s lyrical beauty and innovative narrative structure have made it a timeless classic.
A brief history of our understanding of the mighty monsoon
The word "monsoon" originates from the Arabic word "mausim," which means "season of winds." Traditionally, the Greek mariner Hippalus discovered the monsoon winds around 45-47 CE.
However, the people of the Indus Valley Civilization were already using monsoon winds and currents for maritime trade and navigation as early as 2500 BCE. Additionally, the Rig Veda, the oldest sacred book of Hinduism composed around 1500 BCE, also mentions the peculiarities of the monsoon, suggesting its unpredictable nature has been known since the Vedic period.
One famous utilization of these winds was by the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama. On May 20, 1498, he used the monsoon winds to reach Calicut, India, via sea. His epic voyage, known as the Portuguese India Armadas, involved a fleet of ships that navigated the Arabian Sea and arrived at the Malabar Coast of India, guided by the favorable monsoon winds.
These examples highlight the significant role monsoons have played in our country’s history. Without the help of the monsoon winds, the Portuguese might not have reached India, and present-day India could have been very different.
Epilogue
And as interesting as the monsoon’s history is, its dynamic nature means that the system will undergo more transformations and progressive development in the future — keeping us on our toes!
("Meghadutam" is considered a masterpiece of classical Sanskrit literature due to its superb use of language, emotional depth, and lyrical beauty. The poem is a foundation of India's literary heritage, showcasing Kalidasa's unparalleled ability to blend emotion, nature, and literary artistry.)
All photographs were taken during my visit to Kozhikode and Kottayam in 2016 when I had the chance to witness the arrival of the monsoon on 1st June 2016 ("All images are copyrighted by Deepak Kumar.")
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