ISSUES OF GENDER BAISED, CASTE, HEREDITY, RELIGION AND SEX IN THE PLAYS OF GIRISH KARNAD: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

Girish Karnad was one of the most prominent and celebrated figures in Indian drama. He was an actor, playwright, and director, whose contribution to Indian theatre was immense. Karnad's plays were deeply rooted in Indian history and mythology, and dealt with issues such as identity, language, and cultural conflict. His works were widely performed and admired not only in India, but also internationally. Karnad's contribution to Indian drama can be seen in his numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Jnanpith Award, considered the highest literary honour in India. His plays, such as Yayati, Tughlaq, and Hayavadana, are regarded as modern classics of Indian theatre. Girish Karnad, the renowned Indian playwright, has addressed various social, cultural, and political issues in his works. While caste, heredity, religion, and sex are themes that occasionally appear in his plays, it is important to note that Karnad’s works are not limited to these topics. He explores a wide range of subjects and uses them as a means to reflect upon the complexities of Indian society and human nature. Here are some instances where these themes are present in Karnad’s plays. Karnad excelled in multiple fields, including theater, cinema, and literature. He was an accomplished playwright, having written numerous plays in Kannada, his native language, as well as in English. Some of his notable plays include Tughlaq, Hayavadana, and Nagamandala. He also acted in films and directed critically acclaimed movies like Vamsha Vriksha and Utsav.