The Manteswamy Kavya, a celebrated oral epic of Karnataka, is more than just a religious text. Traditionally performed by Neelgaras, it weaves together the social and cultural life of medieval Karnataka, narrating the life, teachings, and spiritual journey of 16th-century saint and social reformer Manteswamy, who is closely linked to the Lingayat movement.
In today’s context, Manteswamy Kavya remains strikingly relevant, resonating with themes of social justice, equality, and resistance against oppression. These issues are still pertinent in contemporary society, making the Kavya’s messages as powerful as ever. One recent production that draws inspiration from this epic is Manteswamy Kavya Prayoga, presented by Nirdigantha. The play is set to be performed today at 6:30 p.m. at Chitrakala Parishath, Kumarakrupa Road.
Speaking to The Hindu, Shripad Bhat, a key figure in the production, explains that Manteswamy’s verses critique a society that, in the name of reform, had become entrenched in orthodoxy. Through his poetry, Manteswamy launched a scathing attack on a revolution that had lost its way, co-opted by palaces and monasteries. The play draws parallels between Manteswamy of the 16th century and the 12th-century reformers like Basavanna, Allama, Madiwala Machaya, and Haralayya,” Bhat says.
Manteswamy Kavya Prayoga focuses on the “Kalyanada Pattanda Saalu,” a central theme in the Manteswamy Kavya. The production’s narrative is rooted in folk songs, traditionally performed by the Neelgaras during rituals. However, what distinguishes this performance is its female lead, a departure from the male-dominated tradition.
“The Neelgaras who perform Manteswamy Kavya are predominantly men. These performers receive a Diksha and travel from village to village, living off donations. Historically, even if women performed, they stayed within their villages due to societal constraints. But in the 21st century, I wanted to challenge this norm by casting a female protagonist,” Shripad explains.
The production also places a strong emphasis on music. “Since the play is based on Kavyas, I wanted performers who were not only actors but also professional musicians. While we’ve kept the original tunes of Manteswamy Kavya, we’ve also infused modern elements to make it more appealing to today’s audience,” he adds.
Blending modern music with traditional tunes, Manteswamy Kavya Prayoga incorporates elements of Sufi and Shaiva culture, all while maintaining its core themes of social justice and spiritual wisdom. The performance, featuring Shalom Sannutha, Anush Shetty, Munna Mysore, and Rohith S Sridhar, is free and open to the public, with no tickets required.