Analysis of the Prologue in Sudraka's Play "Mrichchhakatika
Explore the intricate details of the prologue in Sudraka's play "Mrichchhakatika," including its themes, the introduction of key characters like Charudatta and Vasantasena, and the depiction of poverty, hunger, and various forms of hunger portrayed in the play. The prologue sets the stage for the unfolding drama and the central themes of love, virtue, corrupt legal practices, the nature of villains, and the impact of destiny.
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A Reading of the Prologue in the play Mrichchhakatika of Sudraka Dr. Jatin Sharma HoD Department of English Dr. B.K.B. College, Puranigudam, Nagaon, Assam.
Prologue and Epilogue What do we mean by Prologue and Epilogue? Dramatic tradition.
Prologue of Mrichchakatika Starts with a benediction to Shiva, a tradition in Sanskrit drama known as NandiShluka . Sutradhara, the narrator of Sanskrit drama, presents before the audience the Prakarana called Mrichchhakatika. Sutradhara presents a detailed account of the life, works and death of Sudraka, the writer of Mrichchhakatika.
Prologue of Mrichchakatika Sutradhara also presents before audience the prime theme of the play the theme of love between Charudatta and Vasantasena, a young, poor, virtuous, intellectual Brahmana and a beautiful courtesan, symbolizing art and beauty.
Prologue of Mrichchakatika Sutradhara also presents the other themes of the play --- virtuous life, true love, corrupt legal procedure, the nature of villains, workings of Destiny etc.
Prologue of Mrichchakatika The prologue also depicts the picture of poverty and hunger caused by bad governance and prepares the platform for the hero and the heroine of the play Charudutta and Vasantasena who appear victim of poverty, hunger and bad governance. Sutradhara presents the theme of poverty thus the home of a sonless person is empty; he who doesn t have a real friend finds all time empty; the quarters are empty to a fool; and everything is empty to a poor man.
Prologue of Mrichchakatika Hunger in all its dimensions appears a striking motif in the play Mrichchakatika and it gets exposed in the prologue itself through conversation between the husband and wife, Sutradhar and Nati. Hunger for food, hunger for love, hunger for a better social order, hunger for a better husband or a better companion etc.
Prologue of Mrichchakatika Hunger strikes Sutradhara and his wife Nati have nothing at home to eat. Nati is seen fasting and observing the ritual Abhirupa- pati . To complete the ritual Sutradhara search for a Brahmana and meets Maitreya, the Bidushaka of Charudutta. Sutradhar offers rich food and Dakshina but Maitreya refuses. The prologue ends here with a note of irony that the husband Sutradhara leaves for inviting a Brahmana so that his wife can complete her ritual done for having a good husband in her next birth creating an atmosphere of laughter and providing deeper meaning to hunger.
Prologue of Mrichchakatika The prologue as a tradition of Indian Classical drama. The uniqueness of the prologue of the play in introducing and sketching the dramatist of the play Sudraka. The role of the prologue in initiating the plot. The role of the Prologue in introducing Sutradhar the narrator of the play. The role of the play in characterization. The role of the prologue in presenting the themes of the play.
