| The
Prince of Courage Karve's marriage with
a widow was a sensation in society. A number of people condemned him very strongly. There
was hot discussion even in the newspapers in places like Pune, Bombay, Belgaum and
Dharwar. Karve and his friends had formed an association called the 'Sneha-Vardhak
Mandali'. The other members now did not like his attending the meetings. Karve left the
Association.
In Murud there was bitter opposition to his marriage.
When Karve went to Murud with Anandibai after the marriage,
they had to be victims of the wrath of the villagers. The villagers assembled and passed a
resolution: 'Karve has committed an immoral act by marrying a widow. No one should sit by
his side and no one should attend any meeting at which he is present; and in future if he
goes to Bhikaji Pant's house Bhikaji also will be thrown out of the community.'
When Karve and Anandibai visited Murud they could not live
in their house; they had to live in a separate house outside the village. It became an
offence even if he spoke to his brother, mother or sister. Bhikaji's position became very
difficult. The opposition of the villagers on one side and his love for his brother on the
other - these forces affected his mind and he was like a mad man. Dhondu Karve was very
unhappy.
Just because he married a widow Karve had to suffer for
many years in many ways. His brother did not agree to send his son for education to
Karve's house.
When Karve's mother and brother came to his town they did
not visit his house. Even when his mother was very ill she gave strict instructions that
Karve should not be informed. |
