The hour-long event will focus on the stories of other Maratha rulers as well and their contributions to the state.
A city-based spoken word group’s poetry and storytelling event aims at rekindling our interest in Maharashtra’s history and the beloved Maratha king who once ruled here.
Most of us have grown up hearing stories about the great Maratha warrior, Shivaji Bhonsle, who played a key role in founding and fortifying the Maratha empire. Though tales of his brave conquests delighted us as children, time has marred our memories of him. And that is why, Potli, a spoken word group is organising Darbar: An Evening of Stories and Poems on the History of Maharashtra to rekindle our interest in this great Maratha ruler and his empire. The hour-long event will focus on the stories of other Maratha rulers as well and their contributions to the state.
Rashmi Kurup, one of the founders of Potli, underscores why she felt the need to have this theme. “Maharashtra is a historically significant state because so much has happened here. But not many of us know or remember these events, rulers or their contributions. Not only is our memory hazy, but we also damage property that has a historical significance, because often we are unaware of its value,” she rues. The event will be held in Kalyan at a location that befits the theme – a 200-year old property that has played a key role in a historical event. “But the place will only be revealed to the those attending the event, because we want it to take them by surprise,” Rashmi ventures. Along with stories and poems about great kings, the audience will also be treated to stories about the historical site and the significance of some of the objects in it. Additionally, the property will have the ambience of a darbar, so that the audience can feel like they’re really sitting inside one.
Storyteller Rashmi, who has been a Kalyan resident for the past 25 years, says that Kalyan has a rich history and not many are aware of this fact. Hinting at places like the Durgadi fort, which famously served as the naval base for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and several other lesser-known wadas connected to his regime, the 27-year-old reveals that the event will shed light on these locations as well.
As for the stories and poems written recited at the event, Rashmi says that there will be a good mix of well-known feats, like Shivaji slashing off Shaista Khan’s fingers at Lal Mahal or his historic escape from Agra by dressing up as a fakir, as well as obscure folktales, like his vision of Goddess Bhawani, who encouraged him to face Afzal Khan boldly and several others. Additionally, there will also be pieces that weave together fact and fiction, because, at the end of the day, stories are designed to tickle your imagination. “We are open to accepting pieces that speak of the writer’s creativity because we want the audience to escape into and enjoy imaginative scenarios set in a different time period,” says Rashmi.
Apart from jogging our memories, the point of the event is also to give poets and storytellers living in the far-flung suburb a platform to showcase their talents. This also happens to be the key motive of Potli, which focuses on honing the poetic skills of the suburb’s residents. “A lot of spoken word events happen in Mumbai, but commuting to these events becomes a challenge. Since no poetry events take place in Kalyan, we decided to start this group to encourage local talent. But it’s not like the events are restricted, for we have poets and storytellers from all over the city attending these events,” concludes Rashmi.
