Published Paper Details:

The present paper is an attempt to reveal the subtle psychology of Girish Karnad in context with the Indian imagination of human beings. In the play, Karnad unfolds various layers of unfulfilled desires of human beings. It is a daring experiment of Karnad to use folk motifs, masks, dolls, female chorus, curtains, music, and mime as symbols to signify the traditional requirements of contemporary society. The idea of using traditional symbols in a modern way is quite new and original on the Indian stage to give a new and remarkable impression on the minds of theatre lovers. The names used in the play do not have the same meaning in the ordinary sense of meaning. Like Padmini (Lotus woman), Devadutta (a formal mode of addressing a stranger) Kapila (the dark one). The technical use of masks raises the play to the supreme heights of glory. The presentation of Hayavadana, the protagonist of the sub-plot is also quite remarkable to study the different viewpoints of a character. From the dramatic point of view, the play is exceptionally unique and meaningful which created an everlasting impression on the minds of the audience. Karnad was conferred the Kamala Devi Chattopadhaya award for its immediate success on the stage.