Dhola Maru
Romantic folktale of Dhola and Maru from Rajasthan.
Dhola Maru, also known as Dhola Marvani, is a romantic folktale from Rajasthan, India, centered on the love story of Kachhwaha prince Dhola of Narwar and Poogal princess Maru. The tale is deeply rooted in folklore and oral traditions, well-known across Northwestern India, with versions found in Rajasthan, Punjab, Bundelkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. The Rajasthani version is entirely different from the version found in Chhattisgarh.
- field
- Folklore and oral tradition
- nationality
- Indian (Rajasthan)
- known_for
- Romantic tale of Dhola and Maru, subject of folk theatre and films
Lore & Background
The Dhola Maru story is available in prose, poetry, and mixed prose-verse forms. Scholarship locates at least three recensions: recension A from Bikâner (the oldest), recension B by author Kuśallābh from Jodhpur, and recension C from a Bikaner manuscript containing prose and verse. The book 'Dhola Maru ri chaupai' was composed by Jain monk Kushallabh in 1617, who notes the story is an old one. Some manuscripts from 1473 also describe the story. A version titled 'Dhola Marva-ni chaupahi' is ascribed to Hararaj and dated to circa 1560, and a Hindi version named 'Dhole’maru-ra duha' is also reported.
Reader's Guide
The Dhola Maru tradition is significant as a representation of Rajput and Rajasthani history, depicting one of its most mesmerizing chapters. It is a popular subject for Rajasthani folk theatre (Khyal), one of the least researched areas of arts in the region. The folktale has been adapted into Indian films: 'Dhola Maru' (1956) by N. R. Acharya and 'Dhola Maru' (1983) by Mehul Kumar. The story's multiple recensions and regional variations highlight its enduring oral and literary legacy across Northwestern India.
Did You Know?
- The Rajasthani version of Dhola Maru is entirely different from the version found in Chhattisgarh.
- The story is available in prose, poetry, and a mixed form of prose and verse.
- At least three recensions of the story exist, with the oldest from Bikâner.
- The folktale has been adapted into Indian films in 1956 and 1983.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dhola Maru?
Dhola Maru is a romantic folktale originating in Rajasthan that tells the love story of a Kachhwaha prince named Dhola from Narwar and a princess named Maru of Poogal. It is one of the most widely known folk narratives across Northwestern India.
In which regions is the Dhola Maru story found?
While rooted in Rajasthan, versions of the tale have spread to Punjab, Bundelkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. Notably, the Rajasthani and Chhattisgarhi tellings are entirely different from one another.
How is Dhola Maru traditionally performed or shared?
The story is a central piece of folk theatre in its home regions and has also been adapted into films. It survives primarily through oral and performative traditions rather than a single canonical written text.
Who are Dhola and Maru in the story?
Dhola is a prince belonging to the Kachhwaha dynasty, based in Narwar, while Maru is a princess from Poogal. Their romantic bond forms the core of the narrative.
Why is Dhola Maru important in Indian folk culture?
It endures as one of the most beloved romantic tales in Northwestern India, passed down through generations of oral retelling and stage performance. Its presence across multiple states and its adaptation into film underscore its lasting cultural significance.
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