Chitralekha (Paperback) by Bhagwaticharan Verma

The book "Chitralekha" by Bhagwati Charan Verma is a philosophical Hindi novel originally published in 1934. It presents a narrative woven around a love story set in ancient India, exploring deep themes like sin, virtue, human nature, love, desire, and detachment. The story opens with a dialogue between a revered hermit Ratnakar and his disciples, who ponder the nature of sin and conclude that sin and virtue are products of circumstances rather than inherent traits.

The plot follows three main characters: Chitralekha, a beautiful and empowered dancer and widow; Beejgupta, a young general living luxuriously under the Mauryan Empire; and Kumargiri, an ascetic yogi. The tale involves their complex relationships and moral reflections on life, passion, and redemption. Chitralekha embodies a strong, independent woman who defies societal norms and seeks her path with honesty and resilience.

The novel challenges traditional views of morality by arguing that sin is subjective and dependent on one's mental disposition and life circumstances. It includes philosophical debates on good and bad, love and lust, truth and falsehood, and the contrast between worldly life and spiritual asceticism. It is praised as ahead of its time for its liberal, candid perspective and feminist characterization of Chitralekha.

"Chitralekha" is also notable for its sensitive treatment of women and its refined language. The story is set in historical cities like Pataliputra and Kashi, and includes historical figures like Chanakya to provide context.

In summary, it is a profound philosophical fiction that questions basic human nature, the impact of circumstances on behavior, and the fluidity of values like sin and virtue through a compelling love story and intellectual discourse.