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Utsav and Mricchakatika: A Scholarly, Heartfelt Reappraisal of Girish Karnad’s Adaptation
This scholarly reappraisal situates Utsav (1984) within the long legacy of Sudraka’s Mricchakatika, establishing a careful baseline before assessing Girish Karnad’s adaptation. It outlines the play’s complex plot, deftly interwoven subplots, and richly drawn characters—especially Cārudatta and Vasantasena. It highlights the social and political motifs of Ujjaini under Palaka and Shakara, and the moral transformations…
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Duryodhana and Karna: Examining the Myth of Friendship
In this thought-provoking blog post, the exploration of the myth of the “pure” and “ideal” friendship between Duryodhana and Karna in the context of the Mahabharata challenges the conventional narrative. The authenticity of this friendship is questioned, citing unequal dynamics, political motivations, and a lack of genuine camaraderie between the two characters. The intricate details…