NAAGMANDALA: BY GIRISH KARNAD

 This blog is based on Girish Karnad’s play Naga-Mandala, a powerful modern Indian drama that blends myth, folklore, fantasy, and social reality. The play explores themes of marriage, female desire, patriarchy, and identity through a folk narrative framework.

Biographical Information of Girish Karnad :

Girish Karnad was born on 19 May 1938 in Matheran, Maharashtra, India. He grew up in a Kannada-speaking family and later moved to Bangalore, where he completed his early education. He was deeply influenced by Indian folklore, mythology, and classical literature, which shaped his creative vision.

Karnad studied science and mathematics at Mysore University, but he soon developed a passion for drama and literature. He further trained in theatre at the London School of Drama, which helped him gain a global perspective on theatre and performance.

He became one of India’s most celebrated playwrights, actors, and directors, writing plays in Kannada that were later translated into English and other languages. His works often blend myth, folklore, and contemporary social issues, exploring themes like identity, gender, tradition, and social injustice. Some of his most famous plays include Hayavadana, Tughlaq, Naga-Mandala, and Fire and the Rain.

Apart from theatre, Karnad had a successful career in Indian cinema, both as an actor and director. He also served as the Chairperson of the Sangeet Natak Akademi, India’s national academy for performing arts.

Girish Karnad was awarded numerous honors, including the Padma Shri (1974), Padma Bhushan (1992), and several literary awards for his contributions to Indian theatre and literature.

He passed away on 10 June 2019 at the age of 81, leaving behind a rich legacy of plays that continue to be performed and studied worldwide. Karnad is remembered as a visionary playwright who brought Indian folklore and mythology to life on stage while addressing universal human concerns.

Myth ,  Marriage, and Female Voice: A Critical Reading of Girish Karnad’s Naga-Mandala :

Naga-Mandala (1988) is one of Girish Karnad’s most celebrated plays. Inspired by Kannada folk tales, the play retells a traditional story from a modern feminist perspective. By combining myth and realism, Karnad exposes the oppression of women in patriarchal society and questions conventional ideas of fidelity, morality, and truth.

The Story of Naga-Mandala :

The play has a frame narrative. A playwright listens to stories told by flames in a temple. One of these stories becomes the main plot.

The central story is about Rani, a young woman trapped in a loveless marriage with Appanna, a cruel and indifferent husband who neglects her and keeps a concubine. Rani lives a life of isolation and emotional suffering.

A magical cobra (Naga) falls in love with Rani and begins visiting her at night by taking Appanna’s form. Rani experiences love and fulfillment for the first time. When she becomes pregnant, Appanna accuses her of infidelity. Rani is forced to prove her innocence through a snake ordeal, where she miraculously survives. The cobra ultimately becomes part of her identity, and Rani is accepted as a virtuous wife.

Marriage and Patriarchy :

One of the central themes of Naga-Mandala is the oppression of women within marriage. Rani’s suffering highlights how women are expected to be obedient, silent, and faithful, while men like Appanna enjoy social freedom without accountability.

Karnad criticizes the double standards of patriarchy, where male infidelity is tolerated but female desire is punished.

Female Desire and Self-Discovery :

The play boldly represents female desire, a topic often suppressed in traditional narratives. Through the Naga, Rani experiences emotional and physical fulfillment. This relationship allows her to discover her identity and self-worth.

Karnad does not portray Rani as immoral; instead, he presents her transformation as a journey toward self-realization and empowerment.

Myth, Folklore, and Fantasy :

Naga-Mandala draws heavily from Indian folk traditions, myths, and oral storytelling. The magical elements—talking flames, love potion, and shape-shifting cobra—create a symbolic world that reflects deeper social truths.

The Naga symbolizes male desire, protection, and transformation, while also challenging rigid moral structures.

Role of the Naga (Cobra) :

The cobra is both a lover and a symbol. It represents the suppressed desires of women and the possibility of emotional connection absent in patriarchal marriage. Interestingly, Rani gains social respect not through truth, but through myth, revealing society’s reliance on illusion rather than justice.

Fate, Truth, and Illusion :

The play questions the idea of absolute truth. Rani is innocent in spirit, but not according to social norms. Yet, she survives because myth supports her, not reason. Karnad suggests that society values symbols and rituals over human suffering.

Feminist Perspective :

Naga-Mandala can be read as a feminist text. Though Rani appears passive initially, she gradually gains authority and respect. The ending shows her transformed from a submissive wife into a revered figure, highlighting the potential for female agency within restrictive structures.

Conclusion: The Significance of Naga-Mandala :

Naga-Mandala is a powerful blend of tradition and modernity. Through myth and folklore, Girish Karnad exposes deep-rooted social injustices while giving voice to women’s suppressed experiences.

The play remains relevant because it questions marriage, gender roles, and moral judgment, encouraging readers and audiences to rethink accepted social norms. Naga-Mandala stands as a landmark work in modern Indian English drama.