Translation of Ulanga Raja by Nirendranath Chakravarty

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Nirendranath Chakravarty was a renowned poet and novelist. One of his very famous poems

 is Ulanga Raja. I have attempted to translate it in my own way.


The Naked King

The King is naked; they can see, but

Still they clap

They even scream, Bravo bravo!

Some led by superstition, some by fear

Some led by their wisdom being indebted to others;

Some are parasites, some are under mercy

and some just deceitful seekers.

Some think the Royal Outfit is truly fine,

Too fine to see, but it's still there,

And that's not impossible.

We all know this story.

But the story was not only about 

Some eulogistic, praiseworthy words

of fearful and dishonest or absolutely mindless flatterers.

There was also a child.

An honest, innocent and fearless child.

The King of that story now walks the real path.

Surrounded again by applause;

Mobbed by flatterers. 

But why can't I see that child anymore?

Where is he? Has he

been hidden inside a cave in the hills?

Or has he fallen asleep while playing

with grass, rocks and mud?

Somewhere in the far, deserted riverbanks

or under the shade of the enormous tree?

Go, find him out anyhow.

Let him stand fearless 

in front of the naked King.

Let him raise his voice 

over the applause, again, and ask,

"Hey, King! Where are your clothes?"



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