Kanya Shulkam - English

Dear reader,

Gurajada Apparao was a social reformer and a leading light of modern Telugu literature (late 19th century – early 20th century). Kanyaskulkam (which means reverse dowry, the amount given by groom to 'buy' a bride) is considered a landmark in modern Telugu literature and is also a major landmark in terms of targeting towards bringing about progressive changes in society that was mired in very retrogressive customs, such as child marriages, ostracization and poor treatment of young widows etc. This book is written in the form of a play, with characters similar to those found in the Indian society at that time. It's hilarious and serious at once and is highly enjoyable in the idiomatic Telugu of Sri Apparao.

This translation is a humble attempt to make this wonderful work available to non-Telugu reading audience. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed translating it.

Disclaimer: Since it's very difficult to find English equivalents to idioms, phrases and particular way of speaking in the dailect of the original, the translation will not give the same feel as the Telugu original. But since this is in the form of a play, one can get the feel to some extent and enjoy reading it.

Note: Sentences in italics are in English in the original itself, reproduced without change to retain originality. Also, some words in italics are transliterated words from the original, just to give a flavour of the original language.

Click here for the translation

Best regards,
K. Nagarajan
email: knr_sh@yahoo.com
Bengaluru