Thirteen Plays of Bhasa- Sanskrit drama

 

Dr Swati Joshi 

Shrimad Rajchandra Vidyapeeth 

Dharampur

Thirteen Plays of Bhasa-

1 The Minister’s Vows ( Pratijna -Yaugandharayanam)-

 Pratijna –Yaugandharayanam is an exceptional and renowned historical play of four acts where King Udayana and Vasavadatta saturated the complete plot and theme but not seen as a character during the play. These characters are always introduced by other characters. The story describes the complicated and controversial political and personal relationship of two powerful neighbors of Ujjain and Magadha. The story revolves around foremost characters like king Udayana from Kausambi, Vasavadatta the first queen from Ujjain and the queen Padmavati from Magadha the minister Yaugandharayana, Rumanvan, and minor characters like Vidsaka, Harigsaka, Salaka, Nirmundaka, Brahamana, Bhata, Gatrasevaka, Pradyuta, Bharatrohaka, Badarayana anad Sadharana, vijaya Amgaravati. Udayana is presented with all the qualities of gallantry, with some special skills as Bhasa has given individual expertise eminence to all his chief characters, Udayana shows his skills in the administration of elephants and his excellence in lute. The play begins (Act I) with the news that Udayana is captured by Pradyota by creating conspiracy of blue elephant. Hamsaka arrived and explained the incident to Yaugandharayana and then he took the oath to bring back Udayana to Kausambi. In Act II there is a description of Palace where the king and the queen discussing about the marriage of their daughter and their daughters’ new passion to learn lute. King Udayana taught lute to Vasavadatta. In Act III Yougandharayana discussed the incident with Rumanvana and the jester of the Vasta court. They went to Ujjain in disguise. The jester became beggar another was in form of madman and third was in Buddhist priest. They planned to irritate the female elephant and then the attention would be converted towards elephant and they will take away king Udayana. But unfortunately king Udayana has fallen in love with Vasavadatta the daughter of Mahesana, the king of Ujjain and did not want to go away without her. Yougandhararayana again take his second vow to take away the king with Vasavdatta. Act IV represents a conversation between loyal ministers Yougandhrayana of king Udayana and Bharatarohaka of king Mahesana. The play ends with the happy decision of marriage. The play is having Prakarna Rupakas, written in imagery way and the hero is Brahaman. The play can be classified in Prakarana. The title of the play is based on the vow of Yougandharayana.

2 The vision of Vasavadatta ( Svapna-Vasavadattam)

 Svapna- Vasavadattam is a historical play having six acts. The main characters are King Udayana, Yougandhrayana, Vasantaka, Brahmacari Kancukiya,(sevak of Magadh) Kancukiya (sevak of Ujjain) Sambahaka, Bhata and Sutradhara. The women characters are Vasavadatta, Padmavati, Angaravati, Avantika, Madhukarika, Padminika, Vijaya, Dhatri and Vasundhara The play begins with carelessness of Udayana regarding his responsibility as a king. Pradyota- Maheshana already became opponent of Udayana as married to his daughter and Aruni attacked on the kingdom of Udayana. Yougandharayana, the minister achieve the kingdom of Udayana back by using the maze of techniques, plots and judgments as a part of his policies. The plot was concord with the collaboration of Vasavadatta herself. Yougandharayana spread the anecdote that Vasavdatta is passed away in the fire and then he planned the marriage of Padmavati with Udayana. The marriage of Padmavati and Udayana will strengthen the kingdom to face enemies. After the death of Vasavdatta Udayana become murky and depressed. But he agrees to marry Padmavati. Once Padmavati was ill and Udayana went to see her. In that incident Udayana saw Vasavdatta but the moment was suppressed by the other colleague that it may be the dream of Vasavdatta merely. The sudden news came that Rumanvan came with huge army to defeat Aruni. In the last act King Udayana regained his kingdom and his lost lute. With the help of the painted picture of Vasavdattam Padmati came to know that Vasavdatta is alive and she is in the disguise of her caretaker. The conspiracy revealed and Ministers are forgiven. At last Udayana decided to visit Ujjain with both the queens.

3 Carudatta in Poverty ( Daridra-Carudattam)

 Carudatta is a play of four acts. The male characters are – Carudatta, Vidusaka, Sakara, Vita, Sambahaka, Ceta and Sajjalaka. Vasantasena, Radanika, Caturika, Vicchittika Madanika, Nati are female characters. The Play depicts dedication and love of Vasantasena headed for Carudatta a bearer of virtue but deprived in economical surroundings. The stage manager begins the play by using Prakrit language. The play depicts the character of Carudutta as a Brahman in Ujjain who falls in profound love of Vasantasena who is a prostitute in city. Vita tried to follow and harass Vasantasena and to rescue herself she hides in Carudatta’s house, drops her ornament in his house and returns safely with the help of Maitra. Sambahaka praised Carudatta in front of Vasantasena and she falls in love with him. From the house of Carudatta Sajjalaka stole Vasantasena’s ornament. But the wife of Carudatta gave her pearl necklace to Carudatta for the loss. After that Brahaman from Carudatta gave it to Vasantasena declaring that Carudatta lost all ornaments in gambling. Another man came to Vasantasena to give ornament stated that the house of Carudatta was unsafe. Vasantasena realized everything and decorated Madanika with her ornaments to send Madanika with her lover. At last Vasantasena visited Carudatta and without epilogue the play ends. Shringara is the main Rasa of the Drama and Pathos can be seen in the description of the poverty of Carudatta.

4 The Five Nights (Pancaratram)

 The Five Nights is based on the Epic story Mahabharata divided into three acts. It is based on the Virata- Parvan the Fourth book of the Mahabharata. The story is about Pandavas who were in their thirteen year of exile and during this period enter in the kingdom of the king Virata, the king of Matsyas. Pandavas were in the different disguise like Youdhishthira as a Brahman, Bhimasena in the disguise of cook, Arjun in the disguise of a person who is neither man nor woman in sex and he plays the role of a dance teacher of the princesses. Along with them there are three people Madri, Nakula and Sahdev who worked under the disguise of caretaker of horses and cows. Their wife Draupati worked as the woman who styles the hair of the queen. The main characters of the drama are- Duryodhana, Bhima, Drona, Sakuni, Bhimasena, King Uttara, Karna, Gopalaka, Bhagavan, Gomitra, Brahannala, Bhata, Knaukiya, Suta, and Sutradhara. This drama contains various aspects of Vira Rasa as Dhuryodhana symbolizes Dharamvira, Dayavira can be seen in the character of Dronacharya and one universal Rasa of Yuddhavira in every single characters of Drama.

 The story revolves around Duryodhana and Drona. Duryodhana executed sacrifice (Yagna) and offer Dakshina to Drona. But Dronacharya refused to take Dakshina and asked allocation for Pandavas in the monarchy. To avoid this situation Duryodhana puts one condition that he is ready to give half portion of his kingdom but he asked to give the information of Pandavas within five nights. The title of the drama is based on this condition symbolizes Panchratra –“Five Nights”. As the plot progress Kauravas with the support of Prince Uttara went to Virata and won the battle. Same time Pandavas came and Drona found them. The condition was completed by Drona and partially kingdom is given by Duryodhana to Pandavas.

5 The Middle One (Madhyama- Vyayog)

 The Middle One is based on great Epic the Mahabharata and written in one act play only. In Sanskrit drama the title of the play is based on the Nayaka (hero) of the play or Nayika (heroine) of the play or based on significant episode of the play. The Middle One is based on the name of “Madhyama” which is frequently used in the play sometime it is used for Bhima and sometime for a Brahaman son who is middle among three sons. There is a confused situation regarding the name of the Middle one (Madhyama) and Vyayog symbolizes one act play based on heroic event or armed tasks without any description of love and sentiments. The key emotion is Vira (heroic) and other emotions can be seen in the form of Bhayanaka when Brahama and Ghatotkaca met. Karuna Rasa can be seen when the Braham family is ready to surrender for each other. When Hidimba recognized Bhima Mugdha Sringara Rasa can be seen in the play.

 The play describes an old Braham with his wife and his three sons. They were in the forest and suddenly encountered with Ghatotkaca (Potsherd) the son of Hidimba a giant who eats humans to fulfill her hunger. Hidimba asked his son to bring one human to eat. Ghatotkaca decided to take any one from the Braham family and he took Madhyama son (the middle one) for his mother. At the same time Pandavas were also in the forest and Brahman appealed Bhima to save his Madhyama son. Bhima asked Ghatokaca to release the middle son of Brahaman and proposed himself to him for his mother. Ghatokaca agreed to take Bhima to his mother and to release Son of Brahama. Hidimba recognized Bhima as her husband and asked Ghatokaca to accept Bhima as his father and instruct him to touch his feet. The play ends with the gathering of Bhima and Hiddimba.

6 Karna’s Task ( Karna Bharam)

 Karna Bharam is a one act play and the story is based on the Mahabharata. The play is also called “Karna’s Tragedy”. This play of Bhasa is different from another play because there is no female character in it. The male characters are Sutradhara, Karna, Salya, Devduta, Bhata and Indra. The title of the play is based on Karna’s generosity where he has to give his Kundalas to Indra as these kundalas were burden (bhara) to his ears (karna). Then the play is called Karnabharam. The play deals with the portrayal of Karna who is ready to fight and at that time Indra in form of Brahmin emerge and start begging for a valuable gift from Karna. Karna tried to offer him cows, horses, elephants, the outgrowth of Agnistoma and his wealth also. But Brahama refused everything asked for excellent natural good luck charm. But in return Karna will receive only blessing from Devdutta. Karna decided to give his Kundalas to Brahman and receive blessings from him. At last Karna asked Salya to take him to the battle ground. Karuna is the main theme of the play and use of Prakat language from the mouth of Braham made this play different from other plays of Bhasa.

7 The Broken Thighs (Urubhangam)

 The Broken Thighs is having one act description, based on the Mahabharata. Urubhangam is a Vyayoga type of drama and the main characters are Sutradhara, Durjaya, Duryodhana, Dhrtarastra, Asvatthama, Pariparsvika, Bhata and Baldeva. Gandhari, Pauravi and Malavi are the female characters. Pathetic (karuna) is the main Rasa of the play. Urubhangam the title is related to the shatter (bhanga) of the thighs (uru) of Duryodhana. Hence the play is called “Urubhanga.”

 The play is divided into two plots which are interrelated. The soldier (Bhata) describes how Bhima break the thighs of Duryodhana during the battle with the help of Krishna (a secret sign) in Vishkambhaka scene (Introductory scene). The second scene is hold by Baldeva in which Duryodhana crawled with both the broken thighs and Dhrtarastra, Gandhari and Duryodhana’s queens arrived with Durjaya in the battlefield. In this painful condition Duryodhana asked for tranquility and companionship with the Pandavas. But Asvatthama took an oath that he will kill the Pandavas Durjaya will be the King with crown. The end of the play came with the tragic and painful death of Duryodhana.

8 The Statue Play ( Pratima- Natakam)

 The play is divided into seven acts. The Ramayana is the basic source of the play. The play describes the legend of Rama and Ravan. The plot is based on “Ayodhyakanda” and “Aranyakanda” of the Ramayana. The play deals with the Karuna (pathos) sentiments and the main emotion of Drama is Dharma Vira and Pathetic. There is a description of Rama’s exile from his kingdom in the beginning act. The next act deals with the death of Dasaratha. The next act deals with the incident of arriving of Bharata where he sees the statue of his father and come across with the dreadful demise of his father. In fourth acts Rama meets with Bharata in the forest and Bharata demands to be with him but Rama refused his wish and talked about the vow. Bharat come back with the vow that he will be only representative of Rama and whenever Ram come Bharat will give all his right to him. In fifth act Ravan take away Sita from Rama. The sixth act deals with the death of Jatayu by Ravana. After getting the news of Sita Bharata comes with the huge army to save Sita. At the end in the seventh scene Ravan is killed by Rama and Kaikeyi decided for the coronation of Rama in Ayodhya. Ram got his kingdom back. The title of the play is based on one scene where Bharat went to Pratimagriham to see the Pratimas (statues). There are many statues in Pratimagriham but Bharat was not able to recognize all but he recognized the statue of his father and came to know about everything that happens with Ram in his absence. Thus the title Pratima-natakam (The Statue Play) is appropriate.

9 The Embassy ( Dutavakyam)

 Dutavakyam is the one act play and based on the Mahabharata. The plot of this drama is taken from the section of the Bhagwanparva of the Mahabharata. The play describes the attempt of Krishna to bring peace between Kauravas and Pandavas by doing some agreement. The chief sentiment is Vira in the play. The title of the play is Duta- Vakyam that means Duta (messenger) Krishna and Vakyam (suggestion/statement) given by Krishna to Kauravas. The title symbolizes the advice of Krisha in form of a Duta to Kauravas for peace. The characters of the drama are Dhritarastra, Kancukiya, Sudarsana, Vasudeva, Sutradhara and Duryodhana. The play begins in Hastinapur where Duryodhana wanted to do meeting with other assembly members for the battle. Duryodhana discussed the question that who will lead the Kauravas army, then on the suggestion of Shakuni it is decided that Bhisma will be the leader of army. At that exact time chamberlain declared that Krishna is coming as a Duta of Pandavas to give message to Duryodhana. Intestinally Duryodhana refused to respect Krishna and avoided him by gazing the humiliating pictures of Draupadi. But in this confusion he fell down from his throne. Krishna asked for the share of Pandavas but Duryodhana was not ready and they both get into long debate. In anger Duryodhana ordered his soldiers to arrest Krishna but nobody has dared to touch Krisha. At last furious Duryodhana himself tried to arrest Krishna. At that time Krishna took his enormous form and called his Sudarsana Chakra to obliterated Kauravas. Sudarsana appeared on Stage in human form and took his way to kill Kauravas. Krishna remembered that being divine he should not kill and should wait for the right time. He ordered Surdarsana to go back. At last Garuda appeared on stage and Krishna also decided to go. Dhritrastra felt the greatness of divine Krishna and at last fall down to his feet and tribute him. There is an epilogue in the end.

 10 Potsherds As An Envoy (Duta- Ghatotkacam)

 The play is very short with one act and based on the Mahabharata. The title of the play is related to Ghatotkacam, a messenger of Pandavas who performs the role of Duta to convey the message of Krishna to Kauravas. The ruler sentiment is Pathos (Karuna) can be seen from the speeches of Dhrtarastra, Dushala and Gandhari. Ghatotkacam represents the sentiment of Vira for some time. The main male characters are – Sakuni, Ghatotkacam, and Dhrtarastra, and Duhsala, Gandhari and Pratihari are female characters.

 Abhimanyu (son of Arjun) is killed by Kauravas in the battle field with conspiracy and unfair. After this incident Arjuna declared to kill Jaydratha next day in the battle field. Dushala seemed under risk and frightened by getting the news of the future death of Jayadratha. Ghatotkaca reached palace and performed his duty as messenger and gave reminder to Kaurvas about the promise of Arjuna. Then Dhrtarastra and Ghatotkacam got into arguments where Ghatotkacam praised the decency of Krishna and explained the speech of Krishna to everybody.

11 Sheep- Killer (Avimaraka)

 The Play is based on the Kathasarit Sagar and Brhatkatha. The Play is divided into six acts and deals with the sentiments of Sringara and Hasya. The title of the play is based on the name of hero Avimaraka but his real name was Visnusensa. But he is the killer (Marka) of the Goat (Avi). But at the end it is cleared that he killed the goat that was in the form of devil. So the title is Avimaraka. The characters are- King Kaunjayana, Jayavarman, Sutradhara, Bhutika, Bhata, Vidusaka, Avimaraka, Kuntibhoja, Narada, and Vidyadhara. The female characters are- Ceti, Nati, Sudarsana, Devi, Vasumitra, Dhatri, Saudamini, Nalinika, Vilasini, Kurangi, and Magadhika.

 The Play represents the story of Sudarsana and Sucetana. They are sisters Sudarsana married to the king Benares and had a son with some blessing of Agni. Sucetana is married to the king of Sauvira furtively lift her elder sisters’ son who is blessed by God Agni and brought him as the son of Sauvira with the name Vishnusena. After some time Sauvira lost his kingdom because of the curse of one saint that they will be living their life as an outcaste or low caste for one year. During the time of curse Sauvira with his wife and son were in the kingdom of Kuntibhoja. Kurangi is the daughter of King Kuntibhoja once was in trouble attacked by an elephant. Avimarak saved her life by rescuing her from elephant. At the same time Kuntibhoja and his queen were searching suitable match for their daughter. When Kuntibhoja heard this news then he thought about the marriage of Kurangi with Avimaraka but as soon as he knew that he is from lower caste he refused and mean time King Benares asked for Jayavarman and Kurangi’s marriage. But Kurangi was in love with Avimaraka. They tried to meet each other. Once Avimarak was in trouble and decided to throw himself into the fire (Agni) but he was surprised because fire cannot burn him. He thought that it may be because of the magical ring which is given by fairy and with the effect of this ring he became invisible. Kurangi also tried to hang herself but Avimarak rescued her with the help of his Brahmin friend Jester. At the time of the marriage of Kurangi, the curse of Sauvira is over and he discussed everything with Kurangis’ father king Kuntibhoja. After knowing the truth Kind Kuntibhoja is ready for the marriage of Kurangi and Avimarak whose real name was Vishnusena. At last King Benares is ready for the marriage of Younger sister of Kurangi with Jayavarnam. Narada came and arranged everything in the end of the play. The Play ends with the happy ending after so many confusions, secrets, conspiracy and complications.

12 The Adventure of the Boy Krishna ( Bala-Caritam)

 Bala –Caritam is a drama based on the Srimadbhagvata Gita and Vishnu Purana. It has five acts. The play represents the birth of Krishna, his early life and his miracle performance. The title of the play deals with the Carita (character) of Bala( child) so the name of the drama is Bala- Caritam. The Play contains main sentiment Vira but as the plot progresses sentiments changes as Karuna, Roudra, Bhayanaka etc. The play represents Putna whose breast were sucked by Krishna, Killing activity of Kaliya and Canura, demolition of Kamsa by Krishna and Krishna helped Urgasena in his coronation.

13 The Consecration ( Abhishēka- Natakam)

 The story of the play is based on the some events of the Ramayana as Kiskindha, Sundara and Yuddha Kandas. The Play is divided into six acts, represents the journey from the coronation of Sugriva to the crown ceremony of Ram. The title Abhishka means a crown ceremony of the King and the play describe three coronations, so the title is apt. The main sentiment of Drama is Vira but most of the scenes create the sentiment of Adhbhuta. The beginning of the story revolves Sugriva and his brother who has dethroned him and also taken his wife. Ram helped Sugriva by killing Vali and gives his crown back. Hanuman’s search for Sita, fight with Ravan are the part of the plot. At last Ram killed Ravan and Came back with his wife and brother for Coronation. These are the major events of Drama.

Conclusion-

 The thirteen Plays of Bhasa are based on the Mahabharata, the Ramayana, and the Kathsaritsagar. Bhasa has taken stories from these epic but represented it again with different title of the play, with some changes, sometime in epics the characters are presented in negative role or less important but Bhasa has given new touch and view point to his plays with the quality of his uniqueness and different opinions. It can be said that Bhasa has made an effort to carry new transform in the convention of Sanskrit dramaturgy.