Ranga’s Marriage – by Masti Venkatesha Iyengar

About the Author

• Masti Venkatesha Iyengar (1891–1986) – a renowned Kannada writer, popularly known as Masti.
• Recipient of the Jnanpith Award.
• Famous for his short stories, essays, and novels.
• His works reflect Indian rural life, tradition, and humour.

Summary of the Story

• The story is set in a village Hosahalli in Karnataka, described with affection and humour.
• The narrator, Shyama, is an elderly man who recalls an incident of his younger days.
• A boy from the village, Ranga, had gone to Bangalore to study English—a rare achievement at the time.
• When he returned, people expected him to have become modern and arrogant.
• Surprisingly, Ranga was still humble and respectful of traditions.
• The narrator, curious about Ranga’s marriage plans, asked him. Ranga said he would only marry a mature girl and someone he admired.
• The narrator decided to play matchmaker. He thought of Ratna, an eleven-year-old niece of Rama Rao. She was well-educated and could sing beautifully.
• To test Ranga, the narrator arranged for Ranga to listen to Ratna singing. Ranga instantly liked her, though he did not reveal it.
• The narrator cleverly involved Shastri, the village astrologer, in a plan.
• According to the fake astrology prediction, Ranga would marry a girl with the name starting with “R.” Ranga, thinking of Ratna, became hopeful.
• Later, when Ratna’s marriage was settled with Ranga, he was overjoyed.
• The story ends with Shyama attending the couple’s third birthday celebration of their child, named Shyama after the narrator.

Themes

1. Marriage and Tradition
   • The story reflects traditional Indian views of arranged marriage, yet shows a mix of modern ideas (Ranga wanted maturity and understanding in his partner).
2. Blend of Modernity and Tradition
   • Ranga studied English in Bangalore but still respected customs.
   • It shows how Indian society was slowly changing but still rooted in tradition.
3. Humour and Irony
   • The narrator uses humour to describe village life, the astrologer’s trick, and his own matchmaking.
4. Role of the Narrator
   • Acts as a guide, matchmaker, and comic commentator.
   • Represents village wisdom and practical thinking.

Character Sketches

Ranga

• Educated, modest, respectful.
• Modern in outlook but values tradition.
• Initially hesitant about marriage, later deeply attached to Ratna.

Ratna

• Young, pretty, well-educated girl.
• Represents traditional Indian femininity with talent in music.
• Becomes Ranga’s wife.

Narrator (Shyama)

• Witty, humorous, slightly mischievous.
• Plays matchmaker and narrator of the tale.
• His tone makes the story engaging and lively.

Shastri (Astrologer)

• Comic character used by the narrator.
• Pretends to predict Ranga’s future using astrology but is actually guided by the narrator’s hints.

Symbolism

• Astrology: Represents blind belief and how it was cleverly manipulated to help Ranga realise his feelings.
• Ratna’s Music: Symbol of her inner beauty and charm, which captures Ranga’s heart.
• Village Hosahalli: Symbol of simple, traditional Indian life contrasted with city life.

Style of Writing

• First-person narrative with humour and irony.
• Rich in cultural details of rural Karnataka.
• Mixes satire, comedy, and warmth.

Value Points for Exams

• Story highlights traditional arranged marriage with a comic twist.
• Narrator is central—his wit and schemes shape the plot.
• Ranga symbolises a blend of modernity and tradition.
• The ending shows happiness in marriage and respect for Indian customs.