In the annals of Hindi literature, few names shine as brightly as Harivansh Rai Bachchan. Born on November 27, 1907, in Allahabad, this legendary poet captivated generations with his profound verses. Yet, a peculiar controversy once shadowed his masterpiece ‘Madhushala’. Critics questioned if the poet, who never tasted alcohol, could truly depict its essence. The debate reached epic proportions, with Mahatma Gandhi stepping in as an unlikely witness.
Bachchan’s life was a tapestry of scholarly pursuits and poetic brilliance. Educated at Allahabad University, he later pursued a doctorate from Cambridge. His early works like ‘Madhuvanti’ and ‘Bhootanath’ showcased his versatility. But it was ‘Madhushala’, published in 1935, that catapulted him to fame. The rubaiyat-style poem explored life’s intoxicating rhythms through metaphors of wine, tavern, and lover.
The controversy erupted soon after. Detractors argued a teetotaler like Bachchan couldn’t authentically portray intoxication. ‘How can one who hasn’t drunk write about wine with such passion?’ they asked. Bachchan, a strict vegetarian and abstainer, faced accusations of hypocrisy. The poet responded with characteristic wit, asserting that true poetry transcends personal experience.
Enter Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation and a proponent of prohibition. During a public discourse, Gandhi was asked about ‘Madhushala’. Interpreting it symbolically—as life’s journey and spiritual quest—he praised its depth. ‘Bachchan’s madhushala is not about liquor but the elixir of life,’ Gandhi declared. This endorsement silenced critics and elevated the poem’s stature.
Bachchan’s legacy endures through his translations of Shakespeare and Goethe, and his autobiography ‘Kya Bhooloon Kya Yaad Karoon’. Father to Amitabh Bachchan, he remained humble till his death in 2003. ‘Madhushala’ recitations still echo in literary circles, a testament to a poet whose ‘nasha’ was purely the nectar of words.