KICHAK-VADHA (Maithili), which translates to ‘The Killing of Kichak ‘, is an epic in blank verse by Tantranath Jha. It was written at the request of his elder brother, Ramanatha Jha, for publication in his literary journal, Sahityapatra. It was intended to be issued as a whole book later on. It may be regarded as having been published partly in 1937. But the Sahityapatra stopped publication with six Cantos, and it was out in 1962 when three more Cantos were added, and the epic could be published in book form for the first time. Later, on the advice of the veteran Bengali novelist of Bihar, Bidhubhushan Mukhopadhyaya, one more Canto was added between the seventh and the eighth in 1976. Tantranatha conceived the idea of writing about the story of Kichak when he went to Calcutta in 1934 to treat his eyes. There, he was highly impressed by Sisirkumar Bhaduri’s performance as Kichaka in a Bengali play. It also struck him that he should experiment with the blank verse in Maithili on the lines of Michael Madhusudan Datta’s Meghanada-bath.
Kichak-vadha was acclaimed as a significant work even when it appeared in Sahityapatra, and even today, it is regarded as one of the glorious achievements in Maithili. It is an epic in a new manner, different from the traditional epics. It is particularly remarkable for its masterly use of a dignified style and subtle psychological insight into the tremendous dramatic event of the Mahabharata that is taken up as the theme. The fourth Canto is regarded as its best, but, as is known to all familiar with the episode, the entire story has an abiding charm in itself, more so when told in a fluent and elevated manner as in Tantranath’s epic. The work uses no symbolism and does not pretend to be the modern mouthpiece of a renascent Mithila. That was achieved in Tantranath’s second epic, Krishna Charita, which discusses the modern educational system and has a message for the contemporary reader.
But aesthetically, Kichak-vadha remains an outstanding achievement. Its gripping narration, excellent diction, command over the elevated language, graceful movement, and rhythmic sublimity are unparalleled. The narrative quality of Kichak-Vadha is such that it captivates and engrosses the reader, making it a truly immersive literary experience.
Source : Sahitya Akademi ( GOI )
In the Hindu epic Mahabharata, Kichaka or Keechaka is the commander-in-chief of the Matsya kingdom, ruled by King Virata. He was the younger brother of Sudeshna, the queen of Virata. Kichaka was a very powerful man and had immense strength. He saved Virata’s kingdom many times from foes. He was killed by Bhima because he was harassing Draupadi and received a punishment. This story is of the days of Pandavas when they were required to live incognito .