Tughlaq (Play) by Girirsh Karnad - PPT

Tughalq, a historical play by Girirsh Karnad. But it can be considered as a political Allegory. Because it represents the first two decades of Indian independence under Nehruvian leadership.The play reflects the universal literary themes.

1. Girish Karnad A play in thirteen scenes Prepared by : Vipul Dabhi ( Lecturer at Shamaldas Arts College , Bhavnagar. - 2019-2020)

2. Table of Contents : Introduction – About the Author – Main Characters in the Play – Major themes in the play – Symbolism in the play - What is historical play ? Tughlaq as a political allegory – The Interface of Politics and Religion – Conclusion –

3. Introduction : ‘ Tughlaq ’ is a historical play written by Girish Karnad . It was published in Kannada in 1964, it was an immediate success which led the author to publish it into English in 1970. The genre of the play is a political allegory. Which we can see in its complex symbolism. It has some serious motif, though there are so many comic scenes which makes this play more interesting. ( Aziz – Aazam and reckless dialogues of Tughlaq . ) The play also represents the political temper of disillusionment , which was followed by the Nehruvian Idealism. It has an irreducible , puzzling quality which comes from the ambiguities of Tughlaq’s character. The play has one another parallel story of Aziz, who ultimately becomes the hero of the play. It seems that writer has very well worked with the psychology of every characters. “Both Tughlaq and his enemies initially appear to be idealist; yet, in the pursuit of the ideal, they perpetrate its opposite.” The main focus is upon the reign of the 14 th century Mughal emperor Muhammad –Bin – Tughlaq . This period brought an end to the ‘golden age’ of classical Hinduism and introduced Islam as a dominant force. Karnad borrows this history from a variety of sources like Zia- ud -din- Barani’s contemporaneous account of Tughlaq in ‘ Taqikh -I- Feroz Shahi ’ ( 1357 ).

4. The play is divided into thirteen scenes. The play takes place in Delhi, from where Tughlaq runs his whole empire. In the beginning , two muslims discusses about the current situation of the state. We can sense the Hindu – Muslim xenophobia in their talk. Thereafter, Announcer announces the judgement of the suit, which had been filed by Vishnu Prasad (disguised.) But suddenly, Tughlaq , declares of shifting his capital from Delhi to Daulatabad . Aazam recognizes Vishnu Prasad as Aziz. “ Aziz : …… There’s no future in being a dhobi these days. So I did a bit of thinking . There’s a Brahmin called Vishnu Prasad whose land had been confiscated recently. I shaved my head and went to him. I said I would buy the land. ” The second scene opens with the Tughlaq playing Chess, at the same time his step mother enters. Here Tughlaq informs her mother that his old friend Ain- ul - Mulk is marching on Delhi. As he can’t do much with the just lesser soldiers. Again he quarrels with his mother and tells about the disorder- Insomania ! Continue… Suddenly, Najib and Zia- ud -din Barani enters in the hall. As Najib’s duty is to give political reports, he informs that we can’t fight with the marching enemy because we have just a six thousand soldiers and the equal problem is, Sheikh Imam – ud -din is in Delhi.

5. In the same scene , we come to know about Tughlaq’s crime of parricide. He murders his own father and brother for the political ambitions. At the other side Step Mother advises Barani to keep Tughlaq away from his political advisors. ( Najib ) The third scene starts with the meeting between Tughlaq and Shiekh Imam- ud -din. Where Shiekh openly criticizes the sultan and his policies. Meanwhile, both waits for the anticipated audience. But nobody comes as it is a part of political move by Tughlaq . Tughlaq convinces Shiekh about his physical resemblance and sends him as a messenger of peace. Where he dies as a part of a battle. The scene four opens with the sudden death of Shiekh . Here reader comes to know about the darker side of Tughlaq as Ratansingh narrates everything to Shihab - ud -din and says that it was a cleverly conceived murder. In the next scene, Sihab - ud -din, Ratansingh and Amirs discusses about the tyranny of sultan and its adverse effect on them. Which leads to plan the murder of sultan and decides that Tughlaq would be murdered on the day of his Durbar- i - khas . Continue… The scene six opens with Tughlaq introducing the copper currency, which has the same value as silver dinars. This move disappoints the Amirs . Now the Amirs try to murder Tughlaq as per their plan, but immediately they all held captive by the Hindu soldiers and the leader of that group Shihab - ud -din mercilessly stabbed by Tughlaq himself.

6. The setting for the next scene is the route from Delhi to Daultabad . Where Aziz, still dressed as a Brahmin, swindles innocent citizens in the name of law. To Aazam : “ You’ve been in Delhi for so many years and you’re as stupid as ever. Look at me. Only a few months in Delhi and I have discovered a whole new world- politics ! My dear fellow, that’s where our future is- politics ! It’s a beautiful world-wealth, success, position, power- and it’s full of brainless people, people with not an idea in their head.” The next scene takes place in Daulatabad . Where people discuss about the unhappy and sombre state of affairs in the fort. Tughlaq hears the fact and seems in the perplexed state of mind. Barani suggests to end up the ruthless bloodshed and murder. At the end of the scene, we hear the news regarding the murder of Najib . In the scene nine, Ghiyas - ud -din-Abbasid, the descendant of the Khalifa , who is on the way to meet Tughlaq , has been murdered by Aziz, and dresses himself up as Ghiyas-ud - din. The sultan welcomes this awaited guest with the full enthusiasm. Here in the scene ten, Tughlaq seems insane, he might have adversely affected by his past decisions. For the murder of Najib , Tughlaq orders the soldiers to be stoned her mother in public. The next scene represents cruelty of Aziz. The sultan orders to resume the prayer in the honour of guest. But prayer is not a solution for death and famine. Interestingly, a hindu woman who lost her child on the way to Daulatabad recognizes Aziz. Aazam makes plan for the escapement, but Aziz resists. The assassination of Aazam brings Aziz to the sultan. He seems to be caught. He confesses everything which he has done and says to the sultan that I am your true disciple. He requests for the post of an officer. Barani leaves and Tughlaq gets his deep sleep. Continue…

7. About the author : About the Author : Girish Karnad was a well known playwright, author, actor and film director. His mother tongue was Konkani. But he wrote his most plays in Kannada language and have been translated into English and some other Indian languages. In his works we can sense the reality of Indian culture and society. Most of his works represents his study of Philosophy, Politics and Economics. He spoke passionately on various political matters during his life time. Major Works : Yayati (1961) : A play about the Chandravanshi king in the Mahabharata who exchanged his decrepitude with the youth of his youngest son, to ward off the curse of premature old age. The play is a reflection of his eclecticism in borrowing elements from playwrights like Jean Anouilh, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Eugene O’ Neill. He makes use of mythic narrative in his plays. Hayavadana ( 1971 ) : This play uses the technique of ‘ Yakshagana ’. The play tels the stor of two friends who are in love with the same woman and who accidently swap heads. It raises the questions of identity and desire. The story is taken from the ‘ Kathasaritasagara .’ Nagamandala (1988 ) : The play is about a cobra and a married woman. Rani is neglected by her husband, as a result of it King cobra falls in love with her and visits her in disguise of her husband. On knowing this, her husband orders her to prove her innocence, emerges as a village Goddess.

8. Major characters in the play : Tughlaq – A headstrong idealistic ruler. He is vulnerable, allows himself to be punished publicly. He shift his capital for communal unity. His sense of social justice embraces all religions in equal fashion. Further, he introduces the copper coins – which has the same value as the silver dinars. For the ideal rule, He welcomes public criticism. He projects himself as a tolerant and efficient ruler. However, his irrational behaviour becomes the reason of social dissatisfaction. As a result of it, he chooses the way of cruelty. In that process he kills Sheikh and Shihab - ud -din. At the end of the play, he senses his own failure and becomes insensitive murderer by ordering her mother to be stoned publically. Suffers from inner turmoil and isolation. Each scene represents the progressive degradation and dehumanization of Tughlaq . “ Muhammad : …. Sweep your logic away into a corner, Barani , all I need now is myself and my madness- madness to prance in a field eaten bare by scarecrow violence. But I am not alone, Barani . Thank Heaven ! For once I am not alone. I have a Companion to share my madness now – the Omnipotent God ! When you pass your final judgement on me, don’t forget Him. ”

9. Aziz : We can say that Aziz is the another parallel of Tughlaq . As he has all the vices- ( Manipulative, witty, imaginative, secretive and ruthless. ) which Tughlaq has. To accomplish his dreams, he chooses the way of a crook, that is seen in his disguised – ( Vishnu Prasad, Ghiyas - ud -din-Abbasid ) identity. Aziz is the best example of the corrupt people. He very well knows how to use these welfare policies. Even he refuses to help a woman with a dying son in her lap. For Muhammad and Aziz politics holds a common interest. He makes use of religion and caste for his personal gains. He never regrets for his deeds, beside that he dances and celebrates the murder. That’s why Muhammad pardons him for his misdeeds. “ Aziz : There is money here. We will make a pile by the time we reach Daulatabad . I am your Majesty’s true disciple. ” Continue…

10. Aazam : A close friend of Aziz, rather a vagabond. He lives mostly by robbery and deception, though less cunning then Aziz. Both constantly comment upon the policies of the sultan and provide a variety of perspectives on the situation made by the sultan. At the end of the play, he thinks to escape the path, which becomes the reason of his murder. Najib : A politician by profession. Interestingly, he works as a political adviser for Tughlaq . Firstly he is a Hindu but later on embraces Islam. An advocate of ruthless political expansion and domination, and presents a perfect contrast to Barani . “ ha wants pawns of flesh and blood. He doesn’t have the patience to breathe life in to these boners …” He represents the rational aspects of Tughlaq’s self. Continue…

11. Barani : A historian and a close associate of the sultan. He records the history and gives his opinions regarding political situation. He differs in his opinions from the more rational Najib . He looks every event from humanitarian perspective. He tries his best to save the sultan from his own fantasies, moreover, the step mother orders him to guard the sultan. Shiekh - Imam- ud –Din : He is well reputed maulvi in the province. He openly criticizes the Tughlaq and his policies. Mainly considers Tughlaq as an un- Islamic. In one of his public speech he condemns Tughlaq as guilty of parricide. He and Tughlaq , both has the same physical resemblance. Later, as per the ploy of the sultan, he gets murdered by Ain- ul - Mulk . Step Mother : She constantly appears anxious for Tughlaq . She thinks that Najib is the man who has made Tughlaq’s life full of adversity. Which drives her to murder Najib . But for Tughlaq it is a big loss, and ultimately he orders her to be stoned to death for the unwarranted act. Continue…

12. Major Themes in the Play : ‘Idealistic’ Leadership - The character of Tughlaq is quite complex to understand as he represents the paradoxical nature. He is portrayed as “ a dreamer and a man of action, benevolent and cruel, devout and callous.” Initially everything seems idealistic but as time passes ‘idealism’ takes place of cruelty. Tughlaq promises to maintain “ justice, equality, progress and peace not just peace but a more purposeful life” “ without any consideration of might and weakness, religion or creed.” But to a great surprise he could not win the hearts of his public. The policies, which he has introduced in the state has a well future vision but people like Aziz makes mockery of it and proves the sultan as a mad ruler. Further, to fulfil his political ambitions he hurled the country into turmoil and troubles. Thus, his reign regareded as a spectacular failure in India’s history. He tries to introduce his kingdom into an egalitarian society but fails to do so as it is divided between Islam and Hinduism. Muhammad : “ May this moment burn bright and light up our path towards greater justice, equality, progress and peace but a more purposeful life.” For that he opposes orthodoxy also. But people fails to understand his rational or rather realistic vision. Ultimately, unfavourable consequences makes him insane !

13. The idea of ‘ Religious Tolerance ’ : Continue… From the beginning, the sultan declares that everyone will be treated equally. Which becomes the reason of anger and displeasure for the Maulavis . To unite them, he abolishes jiziya tax. But this made him a suspect both in the eyes of the Hindus and the Muslims. Tughlaq has a well plan future vision, to implement religious tolerance he shifts his capital from Delhi to Daulatabad . The another reason of shifting his capital is to protect his state from outside invaders. But people think that the sultan wants to attract the Hindus. Which results in untold and inexpressible suffering to the common people. Prayer and religion are vitiated for power and money. Karnad dexterously shows how prayer affects the ruler and the masses. To Tughlaq , a masquerade to hide his guilty conscience and to the hungry people it was luxury. The Old Man : “ Beware of the Hindu who embraces you. Before you know what, he’ll turn Islam into another caste and call the prophet an incarnation of his god…” A Hindu : “ We didn’t want an exemption ! Look, when a sultan kicks me in the teeth and says, ‘ Pay up, you Hindu dog’ ; I’m happy. I know I’ m safe. But the moment a man comes along and says, ‘ I know you are a Hindu, but you are also a human being’ – well, that makes me nervous.”

14. Continue… Disguise : It on the one hand undermines the seriousness with which the sultan’s plans are made and on the other, mocks at his idealism. The dramatist ironically presents Aziz, the dhobi, who disguises himself as Brahmin, and later appears in the guise of the great grandson of “ His Imperial Holiness Abbasid, the Khalif of Baghdad”. He is invited by the Sultan to Daulatabad to bless the country and to start the banned prayer. Henceforth every Muslim will pray five times a day as enjoined by the Holy Koran and declare himself a faithful slave of the Lord.” Here the great emperor becomes an object of pity as his dreams of the monarch are shattered. Politics fails and the realm of religion begins to prevail over politics. At the end the sultan himself falls asleep !

15. Continue… Violence : From beginning to the end, the theme of violence prevails in the play. Here politics indirectly represents the game of blood ! Muhammad : “ Do you think parricide is a little thing ?” Power and Misuse : Both Aziz and Tughlaq can’t digest the power. The changing nature of Aziz represents the misuse of power.

16. Symbolism in the play - Prayer : “ At the micro level, prayer symbolizes the religious idealism of Tughlaq . At the macro level, it connects man’s unconscious need for divine protection and guidance in an hour of anguish.” In the play we see that prayer is being used to trap people. Sleep : It represents the need for peace in human’s life. At the same time it has paradoxical significance too. At the end Tughlaq finds himself able to sleep ! Chess : An ordinary game but it symbolizes the political game too. For instance Aziz who checkmates the most intelligent and clever politician.

17. What is Historical play …? Tughlaq as a historical play… A play which is based on historical narrative, often set in the medieval or early modern past. Karnad represents perfect political atmosphere of contemporary India. The writer, wants to convince a message to us that an idealist ruler no longer remains that ideal. Because they start becoming ambitious for power. For example, during the reign of Tughlaq , we find so many new schemes regarding the betterment of society. Which ultimately turns into chaos. Similarly, the Xenophobia between Hindu and Muslim, has been ruining the situation of the country over the time. Which we can sense in this play. The learned and impulsive Tughlaq fails in his duty. Same thing happened with Nehru laso .

18. Tughlaq as a political Allegory : Political Allegory - It is a literary device in which a character, place, or event is used to express an important message about the politics ! Normally, allegories are slightly ambiguous and indirect. Do not directly express the hidden meaning. In addition, it provides hidden or complex meanings through symbolic figures. The writer uses this device to deliver a broader message about real world issues and occurrences. In general, it is a story that, on the surface, tells one tale but has a hidden political meaning underneath. Tughlaq as a Political allegory : The writer, heightens the relevance of the play by connecting it with the past and present. For that he chooses the real life character Tughlaq . Which has same analogy with the Nehruvian era. Here, Karnad emphasis on the idea of political aspiration and its reality. For example, Tughlaq was a brilliant individual, yet is regarded as one of the biggest failures. And he ended his career in bloodshed and chaos. The same thing happened with Nehru after the independence. His political ‘idealism’ had been limited by the temporal reality. It reflects the gulf between what is thought and what can be.

19. The interface between Religion and Politics : During the whole play we see that religion and politics go hand in hand. It tries to portray the concepts like secularism, equality and unity. Which might take away the ‘Opportunities’ of Political or we can say religious leaders. For that, they both use the mass media stages. Here in this play Tughlaq ruins the rally of Sheikh. People still befooled by them as they were during the past. We feel that the people have been driven by the interaction of the saints and the politicians. In play also, Tughlaq pretends like he is great follower of religion. But at the other side he commits numberless murders to retain his monarchy. It raises the questions like Why religion and politics go hand in hand…? But when we think deeply, we feel that One can’t separate religion from politics. Because, the public/ culture is directly connected to it. Ultimately, people look for peace. The recent study shows that non religious country progresses better….

20. Conclusion : In conclusion, we can say that Karnad’s Tughlaq is a fantastic historical play. Though it seems a mythology too. The ‘tone’ of the play shows writer’s compassionate attitude towards the socially oppressed people. Which represents the humanitarian tradition of India. The play resembles with the first two decades of Indian independence under Nehru’s idealistic but troubled leadership. Which shows the literary spectacle of Karnad . More importantly, it offers a psycho-political study of a protagonist’s behaviour. The play criticises the Muslim orthodoxy, as it becomes the reason of Tughlaq’s downfall. Thus, it can be said that Karnad has a great vision of ‘social commentary’ which we see in his plays. The important thing about him is he provides ‘Universal Themes’ – problems, situations, folly, past and present., which makes his works relevant for longer period of time.

21. Works Cited contributors, Wikipedia. " Tughlaq (play) ". 15 October 2019. 7 March 2020 < https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tughlaq_(play)&oldid=921373618>. —. Girirsh Karnad . 3 February 2020. 7 March 2020 <https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Girish_Karnad&oldid=939005577>. Karnad Girish . Tughlaq . Delhi: Oxford University Press, 1975. —. Tughlaq . Delhi: Oxford University Press, 1975 . ( Images are taken from Google sources. )