Book review: Ambapali by Tanushree Podder
The courtesan`s story
Historical fiction has been having its day in the sun for some time now and the story of Ambapali has been considered so fascinating that it has spawned books, movies, as well as a television serial. In this retelling, Tanushree Podder does more than justice to this familiar story which translates here into a captivating book.
Seamlessly blending fact and fiction, the story deals with Ambapali’s tumultous life right up until she enters the Buddhist order. Podder shows us how little agency the famous courtesan has over her life, and no real say in the critical decisions taken which impact her directly, whether it`s being crowned the raj nartaki or royal dancer, or being annointed nagarvadhu.
In the author’s note, Podder states that there is very little information available about that period of ancient India in which this story is set. Whatever information that exists even about Ambapali, comes from Jain and Buddhist scriptures. And so, the author puts her imagination to work to make up for this lacuna. She brings to life Vaishali, the capital of the Vajji confederacy. She peoples the capital with a cast of characters, some real, others fictional, who are all fleshed out very well.
The story traces Ambapali’s journey, from a young girl till the time she decides to follow the Buddha.There is inherent drama in the true story of a dancer who becomes a famous courtesan, and finally a nun. It is a life that runs the gamut of love,betrayal,heartbreak,wealth and power.It also a life where, ever so often, decisions are taken by men in the assembly or ‘parishad’ which dictate the course of Ambapali’s life.And it is to her credit that she wrests control in whatever way she can.
Her personal trajectory
Ambapali was born in Vaishali. This wealthy ,cultured capital of the Vajji confederacy was the only democracy in that region.Many attempts were made to conquer it, specifically by the ruler of Magadh ,Bimbisara,but none were successful.This was attributed to the unity of the confederacy.When this unity is threatened by internal disagreements amongst Ambapali’s suitors from the confederacy all vying for her favours, a decision is taken. Ambapali is annointed the nagarvadhu or bride of the state. This basically meant she was made available to whomsoever could pay her price.
We see the city of Vaishali through the author’s eyes, a place of many spires,gardens and palaces.Specific places in the city are well drawn, like the Vajji republic’s Assembly Hall,the humble abode of Ambapali’s father or even the Shweta Shatadal Prasaad where Ambapali finally moves to.
Podder offers us Ambapali`s personal trajectory in an interesting fashion. Abandoned under a mango tree, Ambapali is adopted by a kindly couple.The snake in her garden comes in the form of her guru,Suvarnasena.Through the latter`s machinations,Ambapali is first crowned as the raj nartaki.In the beginning,Ambapali comes across as a beautiful,spirited, intelligent, generous woman who is wont to give free rein to her emotions.Gradually life chips away at her.After she becomes the nagarvadhu, Ambapali hardens as a person, becoming cold,calculating and indifferent.A reckless hedonist,she is a far cry from the person she was, and becomes a stranger to her near and dear ones.Later, she realizes the folly of her ways and is able to mend it.Love too plays a part in softening her edges.
What is remarkable about her is that she comes across as a feisty woman.Unable to battle the big forces arraigned against her,she is nevertheless able to wrest small victories.Before she is annointed as the nagarvadhu, she puts down certain conditions and makes sure they are met.
But it is in her final meeting with the Magadh ruler and her lover,Bimbisara,that she shows her true mettle.Not willing to sacrifice her city even for love,she instead convinces Bimbisara to call off the war being waged against Vaishali.She becomes the saviour of Vaishali even as it results in personal loss and pain for her.
The lines are cleverly blurred between the real and imagined characters and the characters stride tall across the story, be it Ambapali, her friends,her father or Bimbisara.
Since this story deals mainly with Ambapali’s life till she joins the Buddhist order, the Buddha himself does not play a large part in it.When He does appear,He makes a quiet impact. One wishes though, that there was a little more detailing of just why Ambapali decides to follow the Buddha; an elaboration of the internal thought process that precedes her action would have made for yet another interesting facet of this young woman`s character.
This is Podder’s third book of historical fiction.She has a clean engaging style that makes this origin story of a Buddhist nun an absorbing read.
AMBAPALI by TANUSHREE PODDER. PENGUIN BOOKS. 297 pages. Rs 350
This ran in the Sunday Express Magazine of 12 February 2023.
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